Assistant Principal - Director of Sixth Form

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to open a brand new sixth form. Avanti 6 | Stortford opens in September 2027, and we are recruiting now to lead its design, development and launch. The successful candidate will join Avanti Grange in September 2026 with a clear runway of twelve months to shape every aspect of the new provision before the first students arrive.

The Director of Sixth Form will play a central part in the construction and design phase of the new sixth form facilities, the planning of open events and marketing, the design of an ambitious post-16 curriculum, and the development of a high-impact induction programme. They will build, from the ground up, the systems and culture that will define Avanti 6 | Stortford for years to come. Ambition for our students sits at the heart of this role.

The Director of Sixth Form will lead the UCAS and post-18 application process, including a flagship Oxbridge programme and dedicated preparation for entry to medicine, dentistry, conservatoires, art schools and degree apprenticeships. They will be strategically responsible for the More Able and High Prior Attaining programme across the school, ensuring that our students are stretched and prepared from Key Stage 3 onwards to access the most competitive progression routes available.

Avanti 6 | Stortford is part of Avanti Grange Secondary School, rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted in May 2025. Our purpose-built school is modern, bright and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities across the curriculum. We are oversubscribed across every year group and benefit from exceptional levels of support from colleagues across the wider trust. This is a pivotal role in shaping the next stage of our school's journey, and a defining opportunity for a forward-thinking educator who is passionate about post-16 education.

The successful candidate will bring a strong track record of leadership, a clear vision for high-quality sixth form provision and the ability to inspire both students and staff. They will be a skilled communicator, highly organised, and committed to delivering outstanding academic and pastoral outcomes. Above all, we are looking for a leader with the passion and drive to build a sixth form of genuine distinction; someone who can inspire young people to aim high, work hard and believe in their ability to make a difference.

Avanti Grange is an exceptional place to learn and to teach. We hold high expectations of all students, regardless of their starting points, and are committed to ensuring that they leave us not only with strong academic outcomes but also as well-rounded individuals with a deep sense of social responsibility. The same is true of our staff: we expect a great deal, we invest in development, and we look after our people. School visits are welcomed and encouraged. Please contact the school to arrange a suitable time. Interviews will be held on 20th May 2026.

What will you do?

• Be the founding leader of Avanti 6 | Stortford, shaping its curriculum, culture, facilities and identity from the ground up.
• Build a flagship Oxbridge and post-18 progression programme that opens doors to the most competitive universities, apprenticeships and specialist providers.
• Lead the academic, pastoral and personal development of every sixth form student within the framework of The Avanti Way.
• Drive the recruitment, marketing and external engagement that establishes Avanti 6 | Stortford as the destination of choice for ambitious post-16 students.

Why should you apply?

Avanti exists to help each person become a well-rounded human being through intellectual, moral and spiritual growth, and so make the world a better place. You will be working in a fantastic environment, with:

• Great opportunities for professional development.
• Teacher pension scheme (subject to eligibility).
• O2 discounts, Specsavers corporate eye test vouchers.
• Eligible for NUS Card and CSSC membership.
• Well-being programs (retreats, yoga, wellness apps).
• Cycle-to-work Scheme.

What are we looking for?

• Qualified to bachelor's degree level or higher.
• QTS qualified, with significant successful teaching experience including at Key Stage 5.
• A proven leader with a track record of raising student achievement and aspirations, ideally with experience of leading or significantly contributing to sixth form provision.
• Sound knowledge of UCAS, post-18 progression routes and the post-16 curriculum landscape, including A Level, T Levels, V Levels and the Extended Project Qualification.
• Able to self-start, work independently and lead collaboratively, with the credibility to influence and challenge across a senior team.
• Strong commitment to the ethos and values of Avanti Schools Trust, and to the safeguarding and welfare of all students.

Please view the full Job Description for more information on the responsibilities and essential criteria required for this role.

Further information

Avanti Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates are required to have an Enhanced DBS check unless internally appointed and still within the cycle of DBS re-checks. Any appointment subsequently made will be subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and other pre-employment checks.

Diversity and Inclusion

We want to make sure we are attracting the widest possible range of people and ensure that they are accepted, understood and treated equally when they work here. This means we will work hard to understand that each employee is unique and ensuring that individuals or groups are not treated differently or less favourably on the basis of specific characteristics. Such characteristics include (but are not limited to) age, disability, gender including transgender, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, and how the school supports pregnant women and new parents.