Head of Sixth Form / Futures

Job Purpose

The Head of Sixth Form / Futures - (UK Curriculum) is responsible for delivering strategic and visionary leadership aimed at cultivating a progressive, student-centered educational atmosphere. This vital role focuses on developing innovative academic programs, establishing operational frameworks, and nurturing a dynamic school culture, all while ensuring compliance with regulations and promoting sustainable growth. By fostering creativity, critical thinking, and real-world experiences, the Vice Principal / Head of Futures prepares students to become confident, future-ready individuals, while also building a high-achieving team and a strong foundation for the school. The position includes creating pathways for further education and employment that align with students’ aspirations and interests through partnerships and opportunities for work experience.

Job Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Provide visionary leadership to establish and advance a high-performing, future-oriented learning community.
• Develop and implement the school’s strategic plan, aligning academic and operational efforts.
• Recruit, mentor, and inspire a dedicated team committed to excellence in teaching, learning, and student growth.
• Foster the school’s culture, ethos, and values to reflect innovation, inclusivity, and holistic education.
• Act as a representative of the school at the Senior Leadership level, engaging with regulators, parents, and the broader community to build trust and credibility.
• Ensure long-term sustainability by merging educational excellence with operational and financial planning.

Oversight of Programmes

• Design, implement, and evaluate enterprise and employability programs that align with the school’s strategy.
• Drive key initiatives such as the Student Careers Fair, university workshops, and faculty-specific programs to enhance student learning and real-world engagement.
• Integrate entrepreneurial learning across the curriculum, enrichment, and co-curricular activities.
• Conduct annual evaluations of programs to ensure their relevance, quality, and progression.

Mentoring & Student Support

• Provide personalized and group coaching to students, emphasizing practical, real-world learning and its applications.
• Assist students in enhancing soft skills such as communication, confidence, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
• Track individual progress through enterprise portfolios, coaching goals, and structured assessments.
• Build strong, trust-based relationships with students, families, and staff to ensure comprehensive support.
• Ensure effective safeguarding and welfare measures are in place.
• Create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment for all students.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Cultivate relationships with entrepreneurs, incubators, higher education institutions, and local/international businesses.
• Arrange real-world learning opportunities such as visits, panels, projects, and internships.
• Pursue and secure sponsorships to support student initiatives and enterprise programs.
• Develop an alumni network to facilitate mentoring, talks, and work-related opportunities.

Parental & Stakeholder Communication

• Lead initiatives to engage parents, focusing on creativity and real-world applications.
• Communicate clearly regarding program objectives, student expectations, and future pathways.
• Collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and staff to ensure consistent messaging and the integration of enterprise throughout school life.

Marketing, Social Media & Promotion

• Promote the school’s mission, events, and student accomplishments through social media and internal communications.
• Showcase impact through newsletters, websites, and community channels.
• Partner with marketing to highlight student enterprise success.

Apply via the WhatSchool platform.