Head of Sixth Form
The Whitstable School, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1PX15 days remaining to apply
Job start date
2 September 2026
Closing date
22 May 2026 at 3pm
Date listed
7 May 2026
Job details
Job role
- Head of year or phase
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Key stage 5
Working pattern
- Full time: Full time teaching hours
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- £32,916 - £51,047
Pay scale
- MPS/UPS
Additional allowances
TLR 1C (£10,174)
What skills and experience we're looking for
We are seeking an ambitious, dynamic, and visionary leader to take our Sixth Form provision to the next stage of its development. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to build on an already strong foundation and play a pivotal role in realising a bold, forward-thinking vision for post-16 education.
Our Sixth Form is thriving — characterised by a positive culture, strong relationships, and a clear commitment to academic success. We are proud of the high-quality teaching and learning that underpins student achievement, and we are now looking for a leader who will drive this even further, embedding consistently high standards across all areas of provision.
As Head of Sixth Form, you will:
- Provide strategic leadership for the continued growth and development of the Sixth Form
- Champion excellence in teaching and learning, ensuring consistently high-quality classroom practice
- Establish and sustain a culture of high expectations, where all students are supported and challenged to achieve their very best
- Inspire students to become confident, independent learners, fully prepared for their next steps
- Work closely with the Headteacher and senior leadership team to align the Sixth Form with the wider school vision
- You will lead a well-structured and highly supportive Sixth Form team, including:
o Two Deputy Heads of Sixth Form, with responsibility for attainment tracking, intervention, enrichment, destinations, and recruitment
o A full-time Pastoral Manager, ensuring strong day-to-day pastoral care, attendance, and student wellbeing
o A part-time Pastoral Manager, with a dedicated focus on UCAS applications and post-18 progression, ensuring students are expertly guided through university and apprenticeship pathways
This strong staffing model provides the capacity to combine strategic leadership with operational excellence, ensuring that every student is known, supported, and challenged to succeed.
We welcome applications from leaders with a range of subject specialisms; however, the ability to teach Criminology at Key Stage 5 would be a distinct advantage.
We are looking for a leader who:
- Has a proven track record of outstanding teaching and impactful leadership
- Is passionate about post-16 education and student outcomes
- Can think strategically while delivering operational excellence
- Has the drive, creativity, and resilience to lead change and inspire others
- Is committed to inclusion, aspiration, and ensuring every student can succeed
What the school offers its staff
This role offers a unique opportunity to help reshape the Sixth Form experience. As numbers continue to grow, we are evolving towards a more college-style model, including the potential for a broader, more flexible curriculum and an extended day, with teaching and enrichment opportunities reaching later into the afternoon.
In return, we offer:
- The opportunity to shape and lead a key phase of the school’s development
- A supportive and forward-thinking senior leadership team
- A strong and collaborative Sixth Form leadership and pastoral structure
- Engaged, motivated students who are proud of their Sixth Form
- A culture that values innovation, collaboration, and professional growth
If you are ready to take on a role that combines strategic vision with tangible impact, we would love to hear from you.
Join us to benefit from:
- Enhanced Maternity Pay
- Teachers Pension Scheme – with a generous employer contribution
- Employee Referral Recruitment Incentive
- Discounts with local and national retailers, cinemas and restaurants
- Access to training and development
- Employee Assistance Programme – Wellbeing and advice
- Cycle to Work scheme
- On-site Parking
Flexible working opportunities
We understand the importance of work-life balance and will give due consideration to requests for flexible working.
We are proud to be an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.
Further information about the job
Ready to join us?
If you are interested in this post and require further information or would like an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact tws_hr@admin.at or 01227 931300.
Applications should be made via Kent Teach or by submitting a SAT Application Form to tws_hr@admin.at. Please note, we cannot accept CVs.
If you experience any difficulty in completing the application form, please contact recruitment@swale.at or 01795 905989.
We are happy to discuss any support you may need during your application process as part of our reasonable adjustment approach.
In accordance with current GDPR compliance we will not keep any details / application forms on file once the position is filled.
The Whitstable School may undertake online searches of any candidates as part of the Shortlisting Process.
Applications will be considered upon being received. Interviews may take place prior to the closing date.
Swale Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from ROA and will require an enhanced DBS disclosure
Swale Academies Trust schools will conduct an online check of shortlisted candidates in line with the Keeping Children Safe In Education guidelines.
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
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 The Whitstable School
- School type
- Academies, ages 11 to 18
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- School size
- 1109 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- The Whitstable School website
- Email address
- tws-hr@swale.at
The Whitstable School, under the stewardship of its Headteacher Mr Alex Holmes, is charting an ambitious course towards excellence while ensuring inclusivity every step of the way. As a new era unfolds, the school stands ready to redefine its role in the community – not merely as an educational institution but as a hub of innovation, opportunity and personal growth.
Situated in the heart of Whitstable, Kent, the secondary school’s fresh vision aims to cater to the needs of its current students, as well as inspire future generations of prospective students.
At the heart of Mr Holmes’ vision is a commitment to provide a holistic educational experience – one that recognises the diverse talents and aspirations of every student. Central to this ethos is the belief that academic achievement should be complemented by a robust creative and vocational pathway. Thus, the school is expanding its GCSE offerings to include construction and bolstering its investment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics enrichment.
The Whitstable School is also broadening its A-level curriculum, introducing a suite of exciting new qualifications to accommodate the evolving needs of its student body, while a partnership agreement with Football Futures underscores the school’s dedication to nurturing regional football talent.
Acknowledging the impact of extracurricular activities, Mr Holmes has introduced new roles such as Enrichment Coordinator, aimed at diversifying the range of trips and rewards available to students. This commitment to broadening horizons and celebrating success extends to the very fabric of the school’s culture, with an emphasis on fostering a supportive environment where every student can thrive.
Through a redesigned curriculum model, The Whitstable School is prioritising the development of leadership skills, ensuring that students across all year groups have the opportunity to lead, inspire and make a tangible impact within their community.
Arranging a visit to The Whitstable School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email tws-hr@swale.at.
School location
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