Head of Sixth Form

BRIGHTON COLLEGEINTERNATIONAL

FROM AUGUST 2024 OR JANUARY 2025CLOSING DATE: 10AM ON MONDAY 13 MAY 2024

Head of Sixth FormBrighton College Abu Dhabi

EXECUTIVE SUMMARYBrighton College, with its partner in the UAE, Bloom Education, is seeking an inspirational, charismatic and ambitious Head of Sixth Form.

This is an exciting opportunity for a proven senior leader to shape the ongoing development of this school and work as part of a talented and experienced team of Heads of School across the family of Brighton College schools. The successful candidate will combine a track record of highly successful leadership experience, developed in the UK or internationally, with the cultural awareness and global perspective to inspire the entire College community and manage diverse stakeholder relationships.

We are looking to appoint a Head of Sixth Form with the energy and vision to lead this world-class academic institution, distinctive in its own right but with the Brighton College DNA running right through it. First class communication skills with the gravitas to act as a visible leader and ambassador are crucial, as is the commercial drive to build upon the school’s success.

Brighton College Abu Dhabi is one of three Brighton College schools in the UAE; the Heads of Sixth Form work closely together, and also with Brighton College’s partner in the UAE, Bloom Holdings and its education division, Bloom Education. Brighton and Bloom have enjoyed a strong and fruitful partnership for more than a decade.

This opportunity represents a career-defining, professional challenge for an educational leader who shares our aim of developing well-educated, respectful and intellectually curious young men and women ready to take a full, active and positive role in the world.

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Brighton College - awarded the title of 'School of theDecade' by the Sunday Times - is consistentlyrecognised as the UK's leading co-educationalindependent school. The College is renowned for itsinspirational teaching and innovative education, whilstplacing curiosity, confidence and kindness at the heartof its approach to education.

About BrightonCollege

Academic results place BrightonCollege UK in the top 10 schools inEngland with pupils gainingaccess to some of the world’s topuniversities – there are currently226 former pupils studying atOxford and Cambridge. In 2023,94% of GCSE grades were 9-7,whilst 97% of A-level grades wereA*, A or B.

international architects. Theseinclude the Music School andSarah Abraham Recital Hall, theYeoh Building teaching complex,and the School of Science andSport.

In addition to the ‘School of theDecade’ award in 2020, BrightonCollege has achieved numerousother recent accolades: UKIndependent School of the Year(Sunday Times); Most ForwardLooking School in Britain (TheWeek); Top School in Britain forSTEM Subjects (The Week); HeadMaster of the Year (Tatler). TheCollege’s last full ISI inspection in2022 awarded the top grade inevery category.

Curiosity, Confidence andKindness

We promote curiosity and a loveof learning from the earliest agewhen pupils join us at 3, rightthrough to our leavers at 18,which is one of the reasons theydo so well in examinations andgo on to some of the topuniversities around the world.

Academic interest on its own isnot enough though, and results,excellent as they are, do not tellyou much about the richness of apupils does; all visitors commenton their confidence andpoliteness as they engage with

everyone and anyone and areunfailingly great company. Thisconfidence – the right sort ofconfidence – arises from their beingencouraged to participate in lessonsand co-curricular activities such asdrama, music, sport and debating, inwhich they learn to cooperate andshow each other mutual respect andkindness. We always stress theimportance of kindness, and weencourage pupils actively to seekopportunities to demonstrate theircommitment to this vital quality.

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About Brighton CollegeInternational (BCI)

Brighton is a happy place, with awarm, inclusive and respectfulcommunity in which our staff aredelightful and positive, and our pupilsare intellectually curious andcharming. BCI has put in place thestructure, resources and team toensure that this character – what wedescribe as our DNA – prevails in ourinternational schools in Abu Dhabi, AlSingapore and Vietnam.

Director of Schools. A team of talentedoperations, curriculum, admissions,marketing and innovation.

The Heads in our family of schoolsreceive support from and regularcommunication with the BCI team,whilst being given the autonomy tolead their schools and ensure theirschool works most effectively in itslocal context.

Beyond the formal structures of thegroup and the quality assurance visitsby Brighton College UK, there arenumerous instances of collaborationwithin our family of schools. These

With each Brighton CollegeInternational school embracing theeducational values, distinctivecharacter and high standards ofBrighton College UK, the BrightonDNA is evident throughout theexceptional family of schools.

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Brighton College was one of the first UKindependent schools to take its distinctiveapproach to education to markets beyond theUK. From the outset of this internationaldevelopment in 2011, when Brighton College AbuDhabi opened, our driving ambition has been toensure each new addition to our family of schoolsis recognisably a Brighton College school.

The Brighton College International (BCI) groupnow has schools in Abu Dhabi (established 2011),Singapore (2020). The family of schools iscontinuing to grow, with Brighton CollegeVietnam opening in Hanoi in August 2023, andBrighton College Prep Kensington opening inLondon in September 2023.

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SUNSHINE

Expect sunny blue skies throughoutthe year in Abu Dhabi. Withpleasantly warm weather fromNovember to May, the opportunitiesto enjoy the great outdoors areextensive. In the summer months,with high temperatures, residentsenjoy summer shopping sales (andexcellent air-con).

INTERNATIONAL DINING

Explore the plentiful food offering inAbu Dhabi, catering for all tastes.From indulgent fine dining such as 99Sushi Bar, Hakkasan and Taleawhich all received their first MichelinSeasoned residents will point youtowards Hamdan Street for topArabic specialities such as falafeland shawarma.

FORMULA 1

Experience the twists and turns of theFormula 1 finale at the Abu DhabiGrand Prix. The Yas Marina Circuit isone of the most technologicallyadvanced tracks in the world and aliving, breathing part of life in AbuDhabi. You can even cycle on thetrack during the week!

TAX-FREE INCOME AND ASTABLE CURRENCY

Benefit from the UAE Dirham beingseen as among the world’s moststable currencies in terms ofsalaries, available for all inhabitantsof the UAE, makes Abu Dhabi one ofthe best locations to build a future.

SKYLINE

Marvel at the constantly changingpanoramic view of the city’s skyline.With some of the tallest and moststunning architectural wonders of themodern world, this sight is certainlyunique. The first circular skyscraperand the first building reaching over300m were both built in this gem of acity.

MALLS AND SOUKS

Shop until your heart is content in thebrilliant blend of souks and malls.Whether you’re looking fortraditional Arabian coffee andperfumes, gold jewellery or camelmilk soaps and chocolates,everything can be found in AbuDhabi’s famous souks. Meanwhile,Yas Mall is spread across 2.5 millionsquare feet and has over 400brands, a 20-screen cinema and a

EMIRATI CULTURE

Learn about the rich legacy ofknowledge and tradition that hasshaped the UAE’s journey by visitingthe Presidential palace, Qasr AlWatan and the Sheikh Zayed GrandMosque, just two of the manycultural landmarks in Abu Dhabi.

BEAUTIFUL BEACHES

Unwind at the weekend with a day atthe beach club or retreat to theocean for swimming andwatersports. Abu Dhabi’s location onthe Arabian Gulf ensures the mostbeautiful stretches of sand andscenery. With dozens of beaches tochoose from, you’ll never be far awayfrom the golden sands.

DESERT SAFARIS

Take a break from the city and gooff-road in the desert with camelrides and sandboarding followed bya BBQ under the stars. For the moreadventurous, dune-bashing andoff-road desert driving are otheroptions to enjoy in the Arabian

TRAVEL

Use the home of Etihad Airways toDhabi is the perfect hub for traveland is seen as a gateway to much ofAsia, Europe and Africa.

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BRIGHTON COLLEGE ABU DHABIABOUT THE SCHOOL

Brighton College Abu Dhabi strives to turn out well-educated, respectful and intellectually curious, confident and kind young men and women, who are ready to step forward in life taking a full, active and positive role in the UAE and the wider world.

Academic Life

Having opened in September 2011 on a purpose-built site with world-class facilities, the school caters for over 1,800 pupils aged 3 to 18 seeking a progressive British education with a global outlook, underpinned by the aims and ethos of Brighton College UK.

Brighton College Abu Dhabi is regarded as a leading school in the region. Brighton College Abu Dhabi has produced standout A-level and GCSE results year on year, enabling pupils to proceed to the best universities in the UK, the USA and around the world. The 2023 Schools Index recognised Brighton College Abu Dhabi as one of the top 3 schools in Abu Dhabi.Additionally, compiled in partnership with Carfax Education Group, Brighton College Abu Dhabi was named as one of the ‘Top 15 schools in the Middle East’ and ‘Top 100 Schools in the World’, with our focus on ‘preparing pupils to be curious, confident and kind’.

Preparatory School

The Prep School follows the English National Curriculum which is enhanced and modified to reflect our location and the international mix of pupils who attend the school. Pupils in the Prep School are taught by talented and enthusiastic class teachers, with a significant emphasis on English and Mathematics development. Specialist teachers work with the children across specific subject areas, such as PE, Computing, Science, Music and Modern Foreign Languages.

With a broad and varied curriculum, the Prep School develops participation and independence in learners. Each pupil is encouraged to develop their own talents to the full, laying the foundations for a successful transition to the Senior School and beyond.

Senior School

Pupils move into the Senior School in Year 7 and begin their secondary education with a focus on preparation for GCSE courses. The curriculum they follow is academically rigorous and designed specifically for pupils learning in an international community whilst maintaining a strong local context.

At the end of Year 11, pupils sit their GCSE examinations and begin the transition into the Sixth Form. In Year 12, most pupils concentrate on four subjects and further deepen their skills and understanding in preparation for university study. A-level examinations are then taken in three or four subjects at the end of Year 13.

Pastoral Care

A culture of kindness is integral to Brighton College Abu Dhabi. Along with achieving outstanding academic results, our pupils leave the College as well-rounded and confident young adults.

Our pastoral system ensures that everyone feels supported in academic and personal matters. Pupils are allocated to one of the College Houses, and each year group has a tutor who is responsible for the day-to-day organisation of pupils and who helps guide and monitor pastoral progress.

Our pupils play an active role in deciding themes and topics to ensure the Personal Social Health and Economic Education (PSHEE) curriculum is bespoke, relevant and supportive.

Individuality is celebrated and, above all else, Brighton College Abu Dhabi is well known for its warm and positive atmosphere allowing all pupils to thrive.

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LIFE BEYOND THE CLASSROOMThe Arts

Artistic endeavour encourages the pupil body to be curious, courageous and original and, in doing so, enlivens and complements the academic life of the College. Opportunities exist for visual arts, music, drama and dance – all of which have outstanding reputations in nurturing the creativity, passion and individuality of each pupil.

Brighton College Abu Dhabi was named ‘Best School in the UAE for Theatre, Dance and Performing Arts’ in the Top Schools Awards 2021, a celebration of our pupils' creativity and confidence.

Sport

Sport forms an integral part of a pupil’s life at Brighton College. Our ‘sport for all’ ethos allows pupils to experience, enjoy and succeed in a wide variety of sporting activities. Brighton College Abu Dhabi benefits from the partnership with Zayed Sports City and the outstanding array of top-class sports facilities it has to offer. Strong partnerships exist between the three Brighton Colleges in the UAE with joint sports events and access to the state-of-the-art facilities across campuses.

Our main team sports are football, netball, cricket, athletics, swimming, touch rugby, volleyball, basketball and badminton and there are regular opportunities to participate in competitive matches. Additionally, pupils take part in a range of other sporting activities such as gymnastics, dance, table-tennis and many more.

Activities

The co-curricular activities on offer beyond timetabled lessons reflect the diverse skills, interests and enthusiasms of our community. Pupils throughout the College can pursue passions and interests with over 150 different activities on offer. From book clubs to junk modelling, choirs to Model United Nations, each individual is able to try something new and broaden their horizon and develop new skills.

Social Responsibility

Social responsibility and community service is an essential element of the Brighton College DNA.We believe that everyone can be an activist, and we encourage all our pupils and staff to get involved with community and global initiatives.

Campus and Facilities

Brighton College Abu Dhabi sits on an eight-acre campus, which has been designed to maximise the use of every available space and offers state-of-the-art facilities including:

• Large classrooms and a range of specialist teaching and learning spaces.• Spacious purpose-built playgrounds and outdoor learning environments.• An impressive Creative and Performing Arts wing, housing a 500+ seat theatre, large dance

studio, drama studio and teaching spaces, music classrooms, instrumental practice rooms, a recording studio, art studios, photography dark room and a cutting-edge design centre.

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Key Responsibilities

Leadership/Management• Maintaining oversight and

management of theuniversity application processfor Year 13 pupils and recentleavers, working with theUniversity, Careers andFutures Counsellor. This willinclude working with Headsof Department to managethe provision of additionalsupport for applicants tofurther educationestablishments such asOxford and Cambridge, IvyLeague and other worldclass institutions.

• Working with the Head ofBiology/Science to overseethe preparation of applicantsfor Medicine, Veterinary andDentistry courses.

• Organising Options at 18working with other SectionHeads on Options at 16information evenings andadvising Year 11, 12 and 13pupils and parents on GCSEand A-level (and BTEC)subject choices/combinations.

• Working with the DeputyHead Academic on theorganisation of Year 12 and13 Parents’ Evenings.

• Promoting the value ofcuriosity and scholarship sothat Sixth Formers takeopportunities to enter andexcel in academiccompetitions.

• Maintaining in the Sixth Formhigh standards of behaviourin their Common Room and

dedicated study areas,and around the College.

• Advising SLT on relevantdevelopments andopportunities for SixthForm pupils.

• Maintaining oversight ofand compliance inEquivalency for Sixth Formpupils.

• Co-ordinating the SixthForm calendar.

• Co-ordinating andmonitoring Sixth Formtrips.

• Assisting Housemasters/Housemistresses in thepastoral care of the SixthForm, and, working withthe PHSME Coordinator,helping to implement theSixth Formers.

ordinating the work of theSixth Form Tutors includingoffering timely and highquality CPD in mattersrelating to universityentrance, and the AdvancedDiploma.

• Assisting the Director ofAdmissions with Sixth Formrecruitment, especiallythrough meeting prospectivefamilies and interviewingcandidates, overseeing theassessment of applicants,and organising Sixth FormOpen Events.

• Organising the inductionprogramme for all new SixthForm pupils.

• Assisting the Director ofMarketing with Sixth Formmarketing/advertising.

• Liaising with the Careers,Universities and FuturesCounsellor and team, todevelop a comprehensivecareers programme rich in

• Working with the Assistant

Aboutthe role

BC Abu Dhabi Head of Sixth Form

Head Co-Curricular tooversee Sixth Form cocurricular, enrichment andsocial activities. Thisshould include suitableextension programmeswithin the academiccurriculum and cocurriculum through subjectsocieties and activitiessuch as debating, andinclude meaningfulpreparation for life BeyondBrighton.

• Liaising with the Heads ofSection (and particularlystaff i/c Year 10 and 11)over the continuum ofacademic and pastoralprovision for year groupsas they progress throughthe school.

• Line managing theExtended Project

Qualification (EPQ)Coordinator in thepromotion, effectivedelivery and developmentof the EPQ.

Assessment and Tracking• Establishing a culture of

high academic standardsthroughout the SixthForm, and working withthe Deputy HeadAcademic to ensureaccountability of staff for

• Ensuring that realistic yetchallenging targets areset for every pupil in theSixth Form and thatprogress is monitoredthroughout the year.

• Analysing external exam data for A level in linewith best practice at Brighton College UK andaround the globe, in order to guide curriculumprovision, enrichment and support and toproduce detailed exam reports at the start ofeach academic year, and contribute updatesto Board of Governor’s reports.

• Working with the Deputy Head Academic toensure that a rigorous process for regularassessment, recording and reporting is inplace for Year 12 and 13 pupils, so that data isused to inform teaching and learningstrategies and implement effectiveintervention approaches to improve pupilprogress and achievement.

the development of Sixth Form academiccurriculum documentation such as: optionsbooklets, careers information and pupilhandbooks.

• Supporting the Deputy Head Pastoral with thedelivery of inspirational, thought-provokingand celebratory weekly assemblies.

• Contributing to the whole-school culture ofpastoral care and safeguarding.

• Meeting with parents as and whenever

• Ensuring the Brighton College values are fullyembedded into the College community.

• Contributing to the collection anddissemination of all information relating to theCollege for the purposes of marketing andcommunication.

• Maintaining and enhancing the quality of theCollege’s operational effectiveness andcontributing to the effective performance ofthe Senior Leadership Team (SLT).

• Contributing to the strategic planning of thewhole College in order to implement theCollege vision.

• Any other reasonable management request.

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Qualification Skills andKnowledgePERSON SPECIFICATIONThe role of Head of Sixth Form of Brighton College Abu Dhabi requires an inspirational leader with the vision, presence and communication skills to build upon and further enhance the outstanding provision for Sixth Form pupils.

Candidates will require stamina and energy, the interpersonal skills to command the respect of a wide range of stakeholders from different cultural backgrounds, and the intellect, sensitivity and humility to engage broadly with a team of staff who are all key stakeholders in creating a culture of academic aspiration and curiosity amongst the pupils.

Candidates will be required to show a clear commitment to Brighton College’s mission, values and educational philosophy.

Experience• BA (Honours) degree in a relevant subject area and a PGCE is a requirement, and higher degrees

equivalent, and an understanding, not necessarily through direct experience, of the challenges and opportunities of the modern day international school.

• Proven experience of leading, developing and motivating high-calibre, diverse teams with a strong commitment to the continued professional development of all colleagues.

• Strong academic and intellectual credentials to command the respect of staff, pupils, parents and the wider community.

Qualifications, Skills and Knowledge• An Honours degree or equivalent and a PGCE.• A record of continual professional development.• An ability to demonstrate an excellent record as a teacher and middle or senior leader, with

evidence of providing support and guidance to staff in all matters associated with specific responsibilities.

• First-class communication skills with a demonstrable ability to act as an effective and compelling ambassador for the College.

• A demonstrable appetite for educational innovation and a broad knowledge of the rapidly changing sector internationally.

• Knowledge of strategies to raise standards of attainment for a different groups of learners.• High levels of emotional intelligence and the cultural sensitivity and global perspective to relate

well to people at all levels and from a diversity of backgrounds.• Excellent organisational and administrative skills.• IT competence.• Proven ability to monitor and evaluate teams and individuals.• Ability to think strategically and to contribute to the development of the College.• Persistence: seeing tasks through from beginning to end.

Personal Attributes• A highly visible leader with the charisma, energy and ambition to inspire and motivate the

different constituencies which make up the College community.• An empathetic relationship-builder with a sophisticated understanding of how to work

effectively with multiple stakeholders, build strong teams, delegate effectively and bring out the best in colleagues.

• Demonstrable commercial acumen.• Sensitivity towards different cultures.• Sound judgement, high levels of self-awareness, resilience and stamina, and a strong sense of

personal and professional integrity.• A genuine commitment to the Brighton College values, ethos and educational philosophy.

Remuneration

The salary for this role will be perannum depending upon skills andexperience.

An attractive tax-free salary thatreflects the seniority of the roleand the profile and ambitions ofthe school. In addition, thepackage of benefits will includefee remission and private medicalinsurance.

All Brighton Colleges Abu Dhabiis committed to safeguardingand promoting the welfare ofchildren and young people andexpect all staff and volunteers toshare this commitment. Any offerof employment will be subject tothe successful completion ofincluding an enhanced policecheck, the receipt of satisfactoryreferences, the College’s preemployment medicalID documentation and

The College is committed to ensuringthat the recruitment and selection ofstaff is conducted in a manner that issystematic, efficient and effective, andwhich promotes equality of opportunity.

Safeguarding and equal opportunities

The closing date for applications is 10am Monday 13th May 2024.

Preliminary interviews will commence before the applications deadline and Brighton College reserves the right to appoint a candidate prior to the closing date. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

You should submit:• A completed application form (available on website)• A copy of your Curriculum Vitae/Resumé (maximum 3 sides)• A covering letter addressed to Dr Jennifer Walters, Head of Senior School, Brighton College Abu Dhabi.

This letter should explain your reasons for applying, the relevance of your experience, and how you relate your personal educational philosophy to your understanding of the school and the role. Letters of application that are largely generic are discouraged and may lead to your application not being considered.

Further information can be requested from Ms Triyasha Govender (PA) via seniorPA@brightoncollege.ae

Only applications containing all three documents listed above will be accepted.

Applications should be made electronically through TES.

Please apply at www.tes.com via the Apply Now link accompanying the announcement of the position.Please follow the instructions provided to complete and submit your application documents.

The Application Process

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