Head of Sixth Form

David Game College; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Staff gym

CPD opportunities

Job summary

David Game College is seeking a Head of Sixth Form to lead Years 12 and 13, shaping academic and personal development. You will work with SLT, welfare, safeguarding, and external partners to ensure high standards, UCAS success, and outstanding student wellbeing.

The role requires strategic oversight of academic monitoring, enrichment, and progression, with a focus on attendance, conduct, and regulatory compliance to support inspection readiness.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a teacher (essential).
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding and education regulations.
• Ability to lead strategic development and oversee Sixth Form operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Sixth Form.
• Lead on policy development and attendance/behaviour monitoring.
• Oversee UCAS, progression, and careers guidance.
• Coordinate examinations, assessment, and reporting.
• Ensure safeguarding and welfare oversight across Sixth Form.

Skills

Strategic leadership

UCAS guidance

Pastoral care

Data monitoring

Communication

Education

Degree in chosen field

Teacher training (AET/DET/PGCE)

QTLS / QTS / ATS

Education society membership

Job description

Salary: Salary dependent on experience and qualification Job type: Full Time, Permanent Start date: 5th January 2027

Job overview

Job Title: Head of Sixth Form

Directorate: David Game College

Area: GCSE and A-Level

Date JD produced/revised: June 2026

Job brief

The Head of Sixth Form at David Game College plays a pivotal leadership role in shaping the academic success, personal development, and overall experience of students in Years 12 and 13. This position requires a dynamic, student-centred leader who can inspire high achievement, foster a positive and aspirational culture, and ensure that every learner receives the support they need to thrive.

Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, Heads of Department, Welfare and Safeguarding teams, and external partners, the Head of Sixth Form provides strategic oversight of all aspects of Sixth Form life. This includes academic monitoring, pastoral care, behaviour management, UCAS and careers guidance, and the development of enrichment and leadership opportunities.

The postholder will champion high expectations, strong attendance, and exemplary conduct, ensuring that students are well‑prepared for university, apprenticeships, or employment. They will lead on the UCAS process, support students through academic and personal challenges, and maintain strong communication with parents and guardians.

The Head of Sixth Form will also ensure that all Sixth Form provision meets statutory and regulatory requirements, contributing to inspection readiness and continuous improvement across the College. This role requires excellent organisational skills, strong interpersonal abilities, and a commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and student wellbeing.

David Game College is a diverse, high‑achieving, and ambitious community. The Head of Sixth Form will play a central role in upholding these values and ensuring that every student receives an outstanding educational experience that prepares them for the next stage of their journey.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership of the Sixth Form

Vision and Direction

Provide strategic leadership for the Sixth Form, ensuring high standards of academic achievement, behaviour, and personal development. Develop and articulate a clear vision that aligns with the College’s mission and long‑term goals.

Policy Development

Lead on the creation, review, and implementation of Sixth Form policies, including attendance, conduct, academic monitoring, and progression. Ensure policies are communicated effectively to students, staff, and parents.

Quality Assurance

Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of Sixth Form provision, using data, feedback, and performance indicators to drive continuous improvement.

Academic Monitoring and Progression

Tracking and Intervention

Oversee academic tracking systems to monitor student progress across all subjects. Identify underperformance early and implement targeted intervention plans.

Curriculum Collaboration

Work closely with Heads of Department to ensure curriculum delivery meets the needs of Sixth Form learners. Support staff in differentiating teaching to maximise student outcomes.

Examinations and Assessment

Collaborate with the Exams Officer to ensure students are fully prepared for internal and external assessments. Oversee mock exam cycles, progress reviews, and academic reporting.

Pastoral Leadership and Student Wellbeing

Pastoral Oversight

Provide strong pastoral leadership, ensuring students receive high‑quality support for personal, social, and emotional needs. Work closely with the Welfare and Safeguarding teams to ensure joined‑up support.

Attendance and Conduct

Monitor attendance, punctuality, and behaviour, implementing supportive and corrective measures where necessary. Ensure students understand expectations and uphold the College’s values.

Individual Support

Provide guidance to students experiencing difficulties, including academic stress, wellbeing concerns, or personal challenges.

Safeguarding Responsibilities (DSL Support)

Safeguarding Oversight

Act as a key safeguarding point of contact for Sixth Form students, responding promptly to disclosures or concerns. Maintain accurate, confidential safeguarding records.

Compliance

Ensure all Sixth Form practices comply with statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education and Prevent Duty requirements.

Student Guidance, Careers, and Destinations

UCAS and Higher Education

Lead the UCAS process, ensuring students receive high‑quality advice on personal statements, course choices, and university pathways.

Careers Education

Coordinate careers guidance, apprenticeships information, and work‑experience opportunities. Develop partnerships with universities, employers, and external agencies.

Transition Support

Support students transitioning from GCSE to Sixth Form and from Sixth Form to higher education or employment.

Behaviour, Culture, and Community

Culture Building

Foster a positive, aspirational Sixth Form culture that promotes independence, maturity, and academic excellence.

Student Leadership

Oversee student leadership initiatives, including prefects, ambassadors, and student committees.

Community Engagement

Promote involvement in enrichment, volunteering, and wider college life.

Parent and Guardian Engagement

Communication

Maintain strong communication with parents and guardians regarding progress, behaviour, and wellbeing. Lead parent evenings, information sessions, and academic review meetings.

Support and Guidance

Provide timely advice to parents on academic expectations, university applications, and pastoral matters.

Collaboration with Internal and External Stakeholders

Internal Partnerships

Work closely with SLT, Heads of Department, Welfare, Safeguarding, and Boarding teams to ensure cohesive support for students.

External Agencies

Liaise with universities, apprenticeship providers, mental health services, and local authorities where appropriate.

Operational and Administrative Responsibilities

Record Keeping

Maintain accurate records of academic progress, interventions, attendance, and pastoral support.

Timetabling and Logistics

Work with senior staff to support timetabling, rooming, and operational planning for Sixth Form activities.

Reporting

Prepare reports for SLT, governors, and external inspectors on Sixth Form performance and development.

Compliance and Inspection Readiness

Regulatory Compliance

Ensure Sixth Form provision meets all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements, including Ofsted/ISI expectations.

Inspection Preparation

Maintain documentation, data, and evidence to support inspection readiness.

Crisis Management and Student Safety

Emergency Response

Lead the response to critical incidents involving Sixth Form students, ensuring appropriate support and communication.

Post-Incident Support

Provide ongoing pastoral and academic support following incidents affecting individuals or the wider cohort.

Continuous Professional Development

Professional Growth

Stay informed of developments in post‑16 education, safeguarding, and leadership best practice.

Networking

Engage with professional networks, conferences, and training to enhance Sixth Form provision.

Requirements

Proven experience as a teacher (Essential)

Thorough knowledge of teaching best practices and legal educational guidelines partnered with a willingness to follow the school’s policies and procedures (Essential)

Excellent communicability and interpersonal skills (Essential)

Well‑organized and committed (Essential)

Creative and energetic (Essential)

Degree in your chosen field of study (Essential)

Formal training as a teacher (AET, DET, PGCE) (Desirable)

Membership at the society for education and training (Desirable)

QTLS, QTS, ATS or Chartered Teacher Status (Desirable)

Salary: (to be pro rata if part-time):

Competitive

Dependent on experience and qualification.

Auto-Enrolment Pension Scheme: Royal London Workplace Pension Scheme (4% employer contribution and a 4% employee contribution)

Start Date: 05th January 2026

Number of hours to be worked per week:40 hours per week

Contract type: Permanent

Annual Leave Entitlement: Term Time Only

Benefit: Use of the staff gym, Access to industry leading CPD.

Equal Opportunity Statement

David Game College is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, gender, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic.

Established in 1974, David Game College has now become one of the leading Independent Sixth Form Colleges in London. In May 2017, David Game College was graded as 'Outstanding' in all five categories by Ofsted. We seek to offer a dynamic educational experience, providing students with the opportunity to learn and to develop new talents and skills.

Our founder David Game insists on the teaching of traditional skills and on students understanding the importance of giving attention to detail. We have an excellent track record of turning around previously underperforming students who benefit from the small classes, close monitoring system and exam-focused approach. The College closely tracks the examination board specifications to ensure that tutors are following the current model and options and to see that all aspects of the syllabus are covered. Homework is set regularly and students improve their examination technique through regular timed tests.

The Principal requires tutors to have a first degree in their subject and indeed, many of the staff hold doctorates and other postgraduate qualifications. Staff retention is high and the College has a strong administrative team to support tutors and ensure that their main focus is on teaching. With a wide range of A level subjects , we can prepare our students for whatever degree course they wish to study. We also give special tuition for entry to law and medical school, dentistry and veterinary science degrees. As well as GCSE and A level examinations, the College also runs one of the UK’s oldest and most respected University Foundation Programmes (UFP).

David Game College has developed strong links with the prestigious Russell Group universities and other leading higher education providers sending on average 67% of its students to Russell Group Universities.

For any further information or a prospectus request please email us at [e-mail]

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