Assistant Principal and DSL

Teaching Vacancies; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris Westminster Sixth Form is seeking an Assistant Principal and Designated Safeguarding Lead to join our high-performing team in London. The role combines strategic leadership with safeguarding oversight to ensure outstanding outcomes for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The successful candidate will lead safeguarding, pastoral support and drive improvements in teaching and learning across the Sixth Form, contributing to the school's ethos and high expectations.

Qualifications

• Qualifications to A Level or equivalent.
• Level 3 Designated Safeguarding Lead training.
• Level 3 Prevent Lead training.
• Successful leadership experience in a school or related environment.
• Experience as a DSL or DDSL with safeguarding track record.
• Pastoral experience in a school or related environment.
• Experience of improvement planning and securing improvement.
• Experience implementing strategies to improve outcomes for young people.
• Proven track record of managing and implementing change in teaching practices and standards.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head of School and Senior Leadership Team in delivering Sixth Form vision and priorities.
• Lead safeguarding provision as Designated Safeguarding Lead and manage the safeguarding team.
• Coordinate pastoral support and work with external agencies to promote wellbeing and success.
• Lead initiatives to maximise student achievement, personal development and progression to higher education.
• Support day-to-day leadership and operation of the Sixth Form.
• Promote the Sixth Form ethos, values and high expectations.
• Drive high standards of teaching, learning and student outcomes across the Sixth Form.
• Line manage middle leaders, teachers and support staff to drive pastoral and academic excellence.
• Lead performance management, coaching and professional development for staff.
• Contribute to self-evaluation, quality assurance and continuous improvement activities.
• Deliver assemblies and engage students to promote a positive Sixth Form culture.

Skills

Leadership experience

Pastoral experience

Improvement planning

Change management

Strategic thinking

Education

A Level or equivalent

Level 3 Designated Safeguarding Lead training

Level 3 Prevent Lead training

Job description

What skills and experience we're looking for

We are looking for a Assistant Principal and DSL to join us at Harris Westminster Sixth Form.

Our school is one of the top sixth forms in the country, with the aim to deliver high quality education and outstanding outcomes to students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. We expect applications for this job to be competitive so recommend getting an application in early, as we will interview as and when suitable applications are received.

We would like to hear from you if you have:

• Qualifications to A Level or equivalent
• Level 3 Designated Safeguarding Lead training
• Level 3 Prevent Lead training
• Successful leadership experience in a school or related environment
• Experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy (DDSL), with a strong track record of leading safeguarding practice, managing complex cases, working effectively with external agencies, and promoting a culture where the welfare and safety of children are paramount
• Successful pastoral experience in a school or related environment
• Experience of improvement planning and securing improvement
• Experience of implementing a range of strategies to improve outcomes for young people
• Proven track record of managing and implementing change in relation to teaching practices and standards

What the school offers its staff

Our examination results and student destinations (2026 leavers: 50 of our students attended Oxbridge, 81% Russell Group) are outstanding and are testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff and students. I encourage you to explore our website to learn more about the unique aspects of our curriculum and student offerings which make HWSF so special. Our newsletters give a great insight into day-to-day life at HWSF.

HWSF is selective on both ability and disadvantage and places first go to academically able students from disadvantaged backgrounds. It is a wonderful school with an ethos of “learning is amazing”, where staff truly care about the progress their students make over their two years with us.

Our school is one of the top sixth forms in the country, with the aim to deliver high quality education and outstanding outcomes to students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. We expect applications for this job to be competitive so recommend getting an application in early, as we will interview as and when suitable applications are received.

We want the best people to join our community and we are committed to a diverse and inclusive student and staff body. If you are passionate about making a difference and feel you have the right experience and expertise, I encourage you to apply to join us.

Teacher Development

At Harris, we have curated professional development pathways that will guide you towards achieving your career ambitions. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. With a strong network of passionate educators, expert development initiatives and a multitude of opportunities for career progression, your journey with Harris could be the most rewarding one yet.

We offer a wide range of high quality teacher professional development programmes via the Harris Institute of Teaching and Leadership.

In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance (usually £2,000 for Inner London and £1,500 for Outer London), an Annual Loyalty Bonus, Teachers Pension Scheme, a Wellbeing Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme, and many other benefits.

• our Harris Allowance (usually £2,000 for Inner London and £1,500 for Outer London)
• an Annual Loyalty Bonus
• Teachers Pension Scheme
• a Wellbeing Cash Plan
• Employee Assistance Programme
• many other benefits

Learn more about our benefits on our website.

Further details about the role

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the Head of School and Senior Leadership Team in delivering the Sixth Form vision and strategic priorities
• Leading safeguarding provision as Designated Safeguarding Lead and managing the safeguarding team
• Coordinating pastoral support and working with external agencies to promote student wellbeing and success
• Leading initiatives that maximise student achievement, personal development and progression to higher education
• Supporting the day-to-day leadership and operation of the Sixth Form
• Promoting and embedding the Sixth Form's ethos, values and high expectations
• Driving high standards of teaching, learning and student outcomes across the Sixth Form
• Contributing to the work of the Senior Leadership Team and supporting effective implementation of academy policies
• Ensuring all students receive the support and opportunities needed to reach their full potential
• Playing a key role in the wider Sixth Form and academy community
• Preparing reports and updates for governors and senior leaders
• Line managing middle leaders, teachers and support staff to drive academic and pastoral excellence
• Leading performance management, coaching and professional development for staff
• Contributing to self‑evaluation, quality assurance and continuous improvement activities
• Delivering assemblies and engaging with students to promote a positive Sixth Form culture
• Modelling outstanding professional standards and supporting the ongoing development of the academy's provision and outcomes

Commitment to safeguarding

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.