Assistant Principal and DSL
Harris Westminster Sixth Form, London, SW1H 9LH26 days remaining to apply
Start date details
January
Closing date
2 November 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
7 October 2026
Job details
Job role
- Assistant headteacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent - to August 2027
Full time equivalent salary
- £61,554 - £81,120
Pay scale
- Leadership 1-14 (Inner London)
Additional allowances
Annual Loyalty Bonus + Pension Scheme (TPS) + Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan + Additional Harris Benefits
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
For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack.
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.
Benefits
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. Learn more about our benefits on our website.
Flexible working opportunities
We are committed to fostering a positive and supportive working environment for our staff, recognising that achieving a balance between professional and personal responsibilities is essential. We understand that each individual's circumstances are unique, which is why we offer flexible working options that can be adapted to meet the needs of both the academy and our employees.
Further information about the job
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.
Applying for the job
Apply for the job by following the link below.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on school website (opens in new tab)Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Harris Westminster Sixth Form
- Organisation type
- Free School, ages 16 to 19
- Education phase
- Sixth form or FE college
- Size
- 610 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 16 to 19
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- Email address
- careers@harrisfederation.org.uk
- Phone number
- 0203 772 4555
A 2016 Ofsted inspection found Harris Westminster Sixth Form to be Outstanding in all areas, confirming our status as London’s leading state sixth form for able students. Harris Westminster combines the strengths of Westminster School in teaching academically able students with the Harris Federation’s experience in establishing and running outstanding maintained sector schools. We take full advantage of our location just off Parliament Square to provide students with a vibrant and stimulating academic environment including weekly guest lectures in school. We are highly over-subscribed, academically selective and have a varied student cohort including 40% Pupil Premium. 17 students from our 2016/17 cohort went on to study at Oxbridge. We are looking for outstanding individuals to join this exciting and scholarly community.
School location
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