St Catherine's School - Deputy Head (Sixth and Beyond)

Summary

Following the internal promotion of the current Head of Sixth to Senior Deputy Head, we are seeking a Deputy Head (Sixth and Beyond) to provide impactful leadership for the Sixth Form, ensuring a distinctive and enriching experience for pupils.

Detail

St Catherine's school seeks to appoint a Deputy Head (Sixth and Beyond) to oversee academic provision, pastoral care, careers guidance, and pupil leadership opportunities, preparing students for higher education and life beyond school. They will report to the Head and will line manage: the Assistant Head (Sixth and DDSL), Sixth Form Tutors, Careers, Politics, Psychology, Business, Economics, other teams/departments as required. There will also be a teaching allocation of 12 periods.

Key Responsibilities include:

Leadership & Management

• Ensure the Sixth Form experience is distinct, fostering independence, maturity, and a purposeful transition to adulthood.
• Reimagine and invigorate the Sixth Form recruitment strategy.
• Lead the strategy for Sixth Form retention.
• Provide policy and risk oversight for Sixth Form activity.
• Build partnerships with industry, universities, and professional bodies to enrich the curriculum, enhance career pathways, and strengthen the school’s external profile.
• Oversee the school’s philanthropic and charity strategy.
• Act as a DSL/DDSL for the Sixth Form (training provided).

Academic & Curriculum Oversight

• Oversee teaching and enrichment across subjects such as Politics, Psychology, Business, and Economics.
• Lead the Post-Qualification Advice (PQA) process alongside the Assistant Head (Sixth).
• Ensure comprehensive PSHE provision for the Sixth Form in partnership with the Assistant Head.
• Oversee the implementation and operation of the EPQ through the EPQ Coordinator / Assistant Head (Sixth).
• Provide leadership for the school’s AI strategy.

Pupil Wellbeing and Safeguarding

• Ensure the highest standards of pupil wellbeing and mental health support.
• Work collaboratively with the Assistant Head (Sixth & DDSL) to maintain strong safeguarding practices.
• Promote a culture of safety, respect, inclusion, and positive relationships within the Sixth Form.
• Liaise effectively with counsellors, pastoral staff, and external agencies where required.
• Ensure full compliance with statutory safeguarding duties and all school policies.

Careers & Higher Education

• Oversee Careers provision, UCAS processes, and support for university and post-school pathways.
• Provide expert guidance for pupils navigating post-qualification options alongside the Assistant Head (Sixth).

Parent Engagement

• Create opportunities for strategic and meaningful engagement with Sixth Form parents.
• Lead initiatives that build trust, showcase Sixth Form excellence, and highlight the school’s commitment to preparing pupils for life beyond school.

Person SpecificationEssential

• Proven leadership experience within a Sixth Form or senior school setting.
• Strong understanding of UCAS and wider higher education pathways.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to inspire and motivate both pupils and staff.
• Commitment to pupil wellbeing, safeguarding, and leadership development.
• Experience in managing non-academic programmes (e.g., PSHE, coaching, leadership programmes).
• Knowledge of UK and international university systems.

Please see attached job description for further details and for details on how to apply.

Deadline for applications is noon on Monday 9th March.

Please note that applications will be assessed in order of receipt and interviews are planned for 12th/13th March. Please apply as soon as possible.

St Catherine’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS and barred list check. The School is an equal opportunities employer.

Documents

• Deputy Head (Sixth and Beyond) PDF Document