Deputy Head of Sixth Form

Deputy Head of Sixth Form

Start Date: ASAP/August 2025

LINE MANAGER:

HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION:

1 QUALIFICATION

Essential:  Minimum Bachelor’s Degree with PGCE/QTS or Bachelor of Education Degree with QTS

2 EXPERIENCE

The candidate should have:

· Minimum two years’ teaching experience at a UK or international school

· Demonstrable experience of working in safeguarding at an advanced level in a leadership or management capacity

· Experience of responsibility at a senior management level would be a distinct advantage

· Experience of safeguarding in a UK context

· Experience of leading training sessions for staff members

· Experience working with students for whom English is not their first language

3 KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Essential: the successful candidate should have:

· Good understanding of the UK regulatory framework around safeguarding

· Good Communication Skills

· Good teamwork and Collaborative Skills

· Familiarity with the National Curriculum of England (plus IGCSE/GCSE and/or A Levels as appropriate)

· Resilience and a good sense of humour

· Fairness, Kindness and Warmth

· Interest in wider issues relating to student wellbeing

· Understanding of how UK safeguarding principles operate in a Chinese context

· Interest in wider educational research and practice

4 PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE AND CONDUCT

The successful candidate should have:

· Ability to understand, empathise with and enjoy the culture, ethos and values of SPGS International School Chengdu

· Flexibility to learn and adapt to new cultures and situations

· Sound judgement, with the ability to make reasoned, reasonable and balanced decisions

· A high level of professionalism and consideration of the well-being of children

· A willingness to confront difficult issues and have difficult conversations

· A willingness to explore innovative approaches from across the educational field

· Excellent interpersonal skills, with an even-handed, sensitive approach, an understanding and empathy with the feelings and motives of others, able to see things from the perspective of others

· Respect for all members of a school community, irrespective of position, gender, age & ethnic background

· A clean enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services check or police check (for applicants who have never worked in the UK) and no question regarding suitability to work with children

· The ability to uphold the Code of Conduct of SPGS International Schools

At the heart of the role of Deputy Head Sixth Form (DHSF) is the opportunity to lead and inspire a dynamic student community of intelligent, enthusiastic and creative individuals and to create a purposeful, supportive environment to help them make the best of their many talents. They are  encouraged to set ambitious personal goals as well as to become responsible, thoughtful citizens and to take their place among society’s leaders and opinion makers.

Key responsibilities

As a member of the Senior Management Team, the DHSF has responsibility for all aspects of the educational provision for Sixth Form pupils, overseeing their academic progress and pastoral well-being, and managing its day-to-day running.   The role involves  close liaison with other members of the Senior Management Team and key staff.

In monitoring, tracking and supporting academic progress, the DHSF works closely with the Head of Senior School and the Deputy Head Academic to develop an educational programme for the Sixth Form that fosters a culture of intellectual inquiry and independence and prepares all pupils for their next steps beyond the School. An important part of the role is to oversee the work of, and work closely with, the Head of Careers and to manage the university and college application process.  

The DHSF’s responsibility for the overall welfare, discipline and administration of all pupils in the Sixth Form involves working closely with the Head of Senior School and the Deputy Head Pastoral.  It includes taking a leading role in embedding a respectful and aspirational culture that promotes the well-being, engagement and development of all pupils, while having an overview of each individual’s needs.  The DHSF sets the tone for these important year groups.  An important goal is to ensure that the SPGSI Sixth Form experience is embraced and appreciated by all students.

More broadly, the DHSF is responsible for promoting the Sixth Form both inside and outside the school and participates in the Sixth Form admissions process.

Project management - Sixth Form opening in September 2024

- The founding DHSF will take the lead in shaping and introducing all aspects of the new Sixth Form.  

- As part of this process, the DHSF will chair, and work closely with, a Sixth Form Development Working Group to support him/her in establishing and developing the Sixth Form in its early years.  

Sixth Form Culture and Ethos

- Develop and promote a distinctive Sixth Form culture that builds on and develops the school’s ethos and values

- Develop, review and update the Sixth Form Handbook

- Create an environment of intellectual inquiry, ambition and independence

- Seek ways to develop leadership skills and opportunities amongst students

Academic progress and provision

- Oversee the monitoring of all Sixth Form students’ academic performance and progress and seek means to contribute to improving results, identifying strengths and weaknesses and implementing appropriate action.

- Liaise with the Senior Leadership Team and staff to work with individuals and/or groups in order to support and enhance student progress

- Initiate, monitor and review strategies, programmes and procedures designed to raise academic performance of Sixth Form pupils. This includes oversight of supervised homework, catch-up sessions, pupil mentoring, homework completion and homework patterns.

- Liaise with the Deputy Head Academic to ensure that assessment and baseline data used to evaluate student academic performance and set targets is used effectively to help support attainment

- Ensure that outstanding academic achievement and effort of Sixth Form pupils is suitably recognized.

- Develop and manage Sixth Form reporting structures and processes

- Liaise with the ALNCo and outside agencies, as appropriate

- Work with the Deputy Head Academic to develop, prepare and implement the AS and A2 options system

- Liaise with the Deputy Head Academic with regard to A-level external exams, timetable preparation and Sixth Form study leave.

- Liaise with the Deputy Head Academic with regard to the introduction of new A-level subjects

- Manage, in conjunction with the Deputy Head Academic, the issuing of A-level examination results.

-  With the Deputy Head Academic, keep the senior school academic curriculum for Lower and Upper Sixth under    review and advise on future developments

- Contribute to strategic discussion, planning, adaptation and implementation, especially in respect of preparation for the workplace, development of the broader skills required by employers, and readiness for the challenges of the 21st century.

- Ensure that the School is aware of, and responsive to, curricular issues and developments internationally and in the UK as they affect students at Key Stage 5.  This involves leading, as required, discussions about such issues and working with relevant members of the SMT to implement any changes to provision that may be required.

University and careers:  guidance and applications

- Oversee a programme of careers and university advice for Sixth Form students in conjunction with the Head of Careers.

- Line manage the Head of Careers

- Oversee and co-ordinate all stages of the application processes for university and college entrance and assist/advise students and staff with application to universities world-wide, including Oxbridge and US universities such as MIT and Harvard

- Prepare all university and college references

- Oversee the appropriate liaison with university representatives and other external agencies and ensure positive relationships are forged

Co-curricular provision and development

- With the Deputy Head Academic, keep the senior school co-curriculum for Lower and Upper Sixth under    review and advise on future developments, ensuring a broad range of opportunities for sporting, artistic and intellectual engagement and development.

- Oversee international exchanges and internships

- Oversee community service, work experience and local partnership activities

- Liaise with schools local to Chengdu to promote joint activities

Pastoral care

- Oversee a pastoral programme and ensure pastoral support meets the needs of Sixth Form students, working alongside the Deputy Head Pastoral and tutor teams.

- Be responsible for the emotional well-being and pastoral care of all Sixth Form pupils, including liaising with the School Counsellor and other staff, in conjunction with the Deputy Head Pastoral.

- Participate in any serious or complex disciplinary matters affecting pupils in the Sixth Form

- Be responsible for and monitor the attendance, punctuality, dress and behavior of the Sixth Form at all times

- Take the lead in managing day to day disciplinary, reward and support procedures involving Sixth Form students, working closely with the Deputy Head Pastoral

- Deal with any outstanding queries relating to students, such as a prolonged absence, if the tutor is unable to explain.

- Oversee students on report and make contact with parents when necessary

- Supervise the Sixth Form Study Area and its facilities, before school and at break and lunchtimes.

- Ensure that pastoral information about students in the Sixth Form is effectively maintained (in line with school procedures) and communicated effectively, sensitively and on a need to know basis.

- Respond promptly to iSAMs and My Concern entries whilst guaranteeing there is a clear record of actions and the support that has been provided

- With the Deputy Head Pastoral Care, ensure continuity of pastoral care between KS4 and KS5  

- Coordinate all procedures related to monitoring student welfare. 

- Establish positive and supportive relationships with students and parents so that personalised support can be offered for the welfare of all students

- Contribute to the work of Heads of House, and the Deputy Head Pastoral to develop a positive culture of mutual respect, in accordance with the school’s Behaviour Policy.

- Provide suitable opportunities for the students’ views to be reflected in the School’s provision for Sixth Form pupils.

- Develop, lead and train the team of Sixth Form tutors, maintaining regular formal and informal contact

- Allocate Sixth Form pupils to tutor groups, based on their subject choices.

- Develop a Sixth Form pastoral team, meeting regularly to ensure good practice is shared and suitable initiatives and innovations are discussed about the development of pastoral care in the school.

- Support the selection of the Heads of School and Senior Prefect team.

- Induct the new senior prefect team each year, providing guidance and fostering leadership skills through regular meetings.

- Attend pastoral meetings as required with the Deputy Head Pastoral, contributing to discussion about the development of pastoral care at the school.

- Contribute towards the school’s PSHE and well-being education programmes

- Liaise with outside agencies, as appropriate

- Contribute individual comments on Sixth Form pupils within the school’s reporting system, including on pastoral development and on academic progress and goals.

Admissions and Leavers

- Liaise with the Deputy Head Academic to support the process by which internal and external pupils are assessed and interviewed for Year 12.

- Manage the induction of all new students into the Sixth Form and meet with their parents.

- Implement strategies (year-group wide and individual) to encourage progress from Y11 into the Sixth Form

- Contribute to the Admissions process, including all assessment days, Open Days, prospective parent meetings, induction and familiarization events.

- Attend Prospective Parents’ meetings and Open Days.

- Assist in organizing Sixth Form events, such as the Prom and Graduation where calendarized.

Strategy and external communication/engagement

- Organise parents’ conferences

- Initiate and respond to communication with parents ensuring that they are kept fully informed and involved in the progress of their children.

- Contribute to the planning and management of whole school events

- As a member of SLT, contribute to the development of strategy for the school as a whole and advise the Head of Senior School on the future development   of the Sixth Form

Examinations

- Manage assessment and internal examination procedures

- Manage all external examination procedures through liaison with examination boards

- Disseminate information about external examinations to candidates and staff in a timely manner

- Collate and share predicted results with SMT

- Liaise with Linked to ensure examination rooms are fully equipped and suitably prepared for external examinations

- Prepare for and attend results’ day

Additional Responsibilities

- Complete Senior School timetabling responsibilities KS3-KS5

- Convene, chair and set the agenda of Sixth Form tutor meetings

- Work closely with marketing and admissions to build a flourishing Sixth Form

- Work closely with and support the Head of Careers to ensure students receive the best advice for their future

- Lead assemblies, and encourage student leadership within assemblies.

- Oversee student records

- Promote high performance learning approaches 

- Assist with the proofing, checking and correction of reports

Other Duties

- Following all agreed school policies and procedures as shared and in the staff handbooks

- Undertaking other reasonable duties as requested by other members of the Senior Leadership Team and any duties that the Head of Senior School deems necessary for the effective operation of the School

SPGS International School Chengdu is committed to ensuring and promoting the health and safety of children. Successful applicants will:

1. Participated in the school's regular training on child protection, and sign the code of conduct

2. Immediately report to the designated or acting safeguarding lead for any potential risks for the children

3. Strictly abide by the school's policies on information confidentiality and protection

4. Play the role of safeguarding members to promote and ensure the health and safety development of all students in the school

5. Report any students concerns to the designated or acting safeguarding lead

6. Report any unsafe behavior on campus to the designated or acting safety lead in accordance with the school's "whistle blowing" policy

7. Maintain a professional relationship with students and respect and maintain personal boundaries

SPGS International School Chengdu is committed to safe recruitment and child protection, relevant qualifications and police clearance of applicants will be verified

Whilst every effort has been made to explain the main duties and responsibilities for the post, each individual task undertaken may not be identified, especially in the context of a school which requires flexibility in all of its employees.

This job description is current at the date shown but, in consultation with the post holder, may be changed by the Principal to reflect or anticipate changes in the job commensurate with the grade and job title.