Head of Sixth Form

Harris Garrard Academy is a school that disrupts the status quo in order to drive social mobility for our young people. Our academic results have placed us in the top 10% nationally for secondary and 5% for our primary phase; transforming students' lives forever. We are located in the wider South Thamesmead area and are accessible by fantastic rail and bus transport links (we are on the Elizabeth Line, Bus Superloop bus route). The academy’s stunning working environment is within a purpose built school designed by Norman Foster and nominated for the Stirling Prize for architecture in 2004.

Our vision is clear: nothing is impossible and everything is possible, irrespective of personal characteristics or background. Every problem has a solution. We believe we are more robust, resilient and determined as a team than as a group of individuals. We support, challenge and hold each other to account at all levels within the academy to ensure that our students achieve their potential, are motivated, engaged and fully prepared for life beyond our academy.

As one of Harris’s successful all through academies, staff at all levels belong to a strong, cohesive team working with Executive Principal Wayne Barnett and Head of Academy Kristen Gringeri and the wider SLT team. Staff can expect to grow with us as we continue to innovate and evolve as an academy. With ample opportunity to build on CPD, your potential is limitless with us.

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

Are you a passionate teacher looking for your next step? We are looking for a qualified, experienced Teacher to join Harris Garrard Academy as Head of Sixth Form.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• To provide strategic and operational leadership of the Sixth Form, ensuring exceptional standards of student achievement, attendance, conduct, personal development and progression.
• To lead the development and implementation of a high-quality Sixth Form provision that supports the academy improvement priorities and the wider Harris Sixth Form strategy.
• To establish a culture of high expectations, professionalism and aspiration in which all students are supported to achieve their academic and personal potential.
• To be accountable for the recruitment, retention, progress and destinations of Sixth Form students.
• To lead and develop the Sixth Form team, including tutors and support staff, ensuring consistently high-quality pastoral and academic support.
• To ensure the Sixth Form operates efficiently, compliantly and in accordance with academy, federation and statutory requirements.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We would like to hear from you if you:

• Hold QTS (or equivalent) and a relevant undergraduate degree, and, ideally, a leadership qualification and/or further qualification in education or pastoral care.
• Demonstrate successful teaching experience, including at post-16.
• Have experience of leading and improving student outcomes.
• Have experience of using assessment and student data to drive improvement.
• Have experience of leading or contributing to pastoral systems and student support.
• Have experience of monitoring attendance, behaviour and student progress.

For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

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.

Flexible Working: 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.

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), a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Teachers Pension Scheme, a Wellbeing Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme, and many other benefits.

Safeguarding Notice: 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.

Equal Opportunities: The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.

APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION: Thank you for your interest in this position. If you would like to discuss this opportunity, or to request a visit, please email the academy via the Why work page on harriscareers. Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. This will be help you when completing your application, and throughout the recruitment process. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we may interview and offer to a candidate before the closing date.