IB Diploma Programme Coordinator

About Liberty Woodland School Sixth Form

Liberty Woodland School is developing an exciting new Sixth Form, extending our existing IB provision into post-16 education.

Our Sixth Form will combine strong academic outcomes with the development of independent, thoughtful and capable young adults. We aim to provide students with a highly personalised experience in which they are well known, appropriately challenged and prepared for university, apprenticeships and the wider world.

As we prepare to establish the IB Diploma Programme, we are seeking an experienced, enthusiastic and highly organised IB Diploma Programme Coordinator to join us from January 2027.

This is a significant leadership opportunity. The successful candidate will play a central role in taking Liberty Woodland School through the IB candidacy and authorisation process, while simultaneously developing the curriculum, systems, staffing and culture required for a successful Diploma Programme.

The Role

The DP Coordinator will lead the development, implementation and ongoing coordination of the IB Diploma Programme at Liberty Woodland School.

A key initial responsibility will be to work with the Secondary Leadership Team to support and lead the school through the IB candidacy and authorisation stages, ensuring that the school understands, prepares for and meets the requirements necessary to become authorised to offer the Diploma Programme.

The successful candidate will coordinate the development of the academic programme, DP Core, policies, systems, staff training, assessment procedures and student support structures required for successful implementation.

Once the Diploma Programme is established, the Coordinator will have overall responsibility for its effective day-to-day coordination and continued development.

Depending on the successful candidate's expertise and the needs of the school, the role will include an appropriate teaching commitment within the Diploma Programme. The subject taught is negotiable.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership of the Diploma Programme

The DP Coordinator will:

• Lead the development and implementation of the IB Diploma Programme at Liberty Woodland School.
• Establish a clear strategic plan for the development of the DP.
• Work closely with the Secondary Leadership Team to ensure the programme aligns with the wider vision and development of the school.
• Act as the school's key point of contact for matters relating to the Diploma Programme.
• Promote and embed the IB mission, philosophy and Learner Profile within the Sixth Form.
• Develop a strong culture of inquiry, academic ambition, independence and international‑mindedness.
• Ensure that students experience a coherent, appropriately challenging and well‑supported Diploma Programme.
• Keep senior leaders informed about the development, performance and requirements of the programme.
• Lead the ongoing evaluation and development of DP provision.
• Build a collaborative and ambitious culture amongst the founding DP teaching team.

IB Candidacy and Authorisation

A significant initial responsibility of the DP Coordinator will be to lead and support Liberty Woodland School through the IB candidacy and authorisation process.

The DP Coordinator will:

• Develop a detailed understanding of the requirements, expectations and timelines associated with DP candidacy and authorisation.
• Work with the Secondary Leadership Team to develop and implement an IB DP authorisation action plan.
• Coordinate the school's preparation for each stage of the candidacy and authorisation process.
• Act as the main school contact for the IB during the DP candidacy and authorisation journey.
• Coordinate communication and meetings with relevant IB representatives, consultants and visiting teams.
• Lead the completion and submission of required applications, documentation and supporting evidence.
• Coordinate and support consultation visits and the eventual authorisation process.
• Ensure that recommendations and requirements arising from IB consultation are addressed effectively and within agreed timescales.
• Coordinate preparation for the IB authorisation visit, ensuring staff, students, governors and other relevant members of the community are appropriately prepared.
• Ensure that required DP policies, procedures and systems are developed, approved, communicated and embedded in practice.
• Work with school leaders to ensure appropriate staffing, facilities, resources and budgets are in place to support successful DP implementation.
• Ensure that staff understand the requirements of becoming an IB World School offering the Diploma Programme.
• Coordinate the collection and organisation of evidence demonstrating the school's readiness to deliver the programme.
• Identify areas requiring further development and work with relevant colleagues to address these.
• Maintain accurate records of progress against IB requirements and communicate this regularly to the Secondary Leadership Team.
• Ensure that authorisation preparation is embedded into everyday school practice rather than treated solely as a documentation exercise.
• Following authorisation, maintain the systems and evidence necessary to support ongoing IB requirements and future programme evaluation.

Curriculum Development and Implementation

The DP Coordinator will:

• Lead the development of a broad, balanced and viable Diploma Programme curriculum.
• Work with senior leaders to determine appropriate subject provision based on student needs, staffing and school capacity.
• Coordinate student subject choices and ensure viable combinations are available wherever possible.
• Support teachers in developing appropriate DP schemes of work, curriculum maps and subject documentation.
• Ensure that teaching and curriculum planning reflect the requirements of the relevant IB subject guides.
• Support effective progression from the MYP into the Diploma Programme.
• Ensure that Approaches to Teaching and Approaches to Learning (ATL) are embedded across the programme.
• Promote meaningful connections between individual subjects and the DP Core.
• Encourage collaborative planning and interdisciplinary thinking across the Sixth Form.
• Monitor curriculum implementation and identify areas requiring further development or support.
• Ensure appropriate resources are available to support each DP subject.

DP Core

The DP Coordinator will oversee the effective implementation and coordination of the Diploma Programme Core:

• Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
• Extended Essay (EE)
• Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

The Coordinator will:

• Ensure each element of the Core is appropriately staffed, planned and resourced.
• Work closely with the relevant TOK, CAS and Extended Essay leads or teachers.
• Establish clear timelines, expectations and monitoring procedures.
• Ensure that students understand the purpose and requirements of each component.
• Monitor student progress and ensure concerns are identified and addressed promptly.
• Coordinate appropriate Extended Essay supervision.
• Ensure students receive appropriate guidance and support while maintaining the required level of independence.
• Promote meaningful connections between the Core and students' academic subjects.
• Ensure that the Core forms an integral part of the educational experience of every DP student.

Assessment and Academic Progress

The DP Coordinator will:

• Establish and maintain an appropriate DP assessment calendar.
• Coordinate internal and external assessment requirements across the programme.
• Ensure that teachers understand and consistently apply IB assessment principles and practices.
• Support appropriate standardisation and moderation within and across subject areas.
• Coordinate Internal Assessment deadlines to ensure that student workload is appropriately managed.
• Monitor student progress across the Diploma Programme.
• Develop effective systems for tracking attainment and progress.
• Identify students requiring additional support or challenge and coordinate appropriate interventions.
• Work with teachers, students and parents where academic concerns arise.
• Coordinate predicted grades and other relevant academic information.
• Ensure students are appropriately prepared for the demands of DP assessment and examinations.

Examinations and IB Administration

The DP Coordinator will:

• Oversee the registration of students for DP subjects and assessments.
• Ensure that subject levels and programme choices are accurately recorded.
• Coordinate IB examination entries and required submissions.
• Ensure Internal Assessments and other externally required materials are submitted accurately and within IB deadlines.
• Work with the school's examinations staff to ensure the effective administration of DP examinations.
• Maintain accurate records relating to candidates, subjects, assessment and results.
• Coordinate the release and review of Diploma Programme results.
• Support students and families in understanding relevant IB results and post‑results procedures.
• Ensure that relevant IB systems and platforms are used accurately and effectively.

Academic Integrity

The DP Coordinator will:

• Promote a strong culture of academic integrity across the Sixth Form.
• Ensure students and staff understand IB expectations regarding academic integrity.
• Lead the development and implementation of appropriate academic integrity procedures.
• Ensure students receive guidance regarding referencing, research, collaboration and the ethical use of information and technology.
• Support staff in understanding appropriate levels of guidance for Internal Assessments and the Extended Essay.
• Respond appropriately to concerns regarding academic misconduct in accordance with school and IB procedures.
• Ensure academic integrity expectations are embedded consistently across all DP subjects.

Staff Leadership and Professional Development

The DP Coordinator will:

• Support the recruitment, induction and development of DP teachers.
• Identify the IB professional development requirements of staff.
• Coordinate and monitor relevant IB training.
• Support teachers who are new to the Diploma Programme.
• Provide guidance regarding subject requirements, assessment and programme expectations.
• Facilitate regular collaborative planning and DP team meetings.
• Encourage the sharing of effective practice across subject areas.
• Develop a positive, collaborative and ambitious DP teaching team.
• Ensure staff remain informed about relevant IB updates and developments.
• Support teachers in preparing for IB candidacy, consultation and authorisation processes.

Student Guidance and Support

The DP Coordinator will:

• Lead the process of supporting students to make appropriate DP subject choices.
• Ensure students and families understand the structure, requirements and expectations of the Diploma Programme.
• Provide clear guidance regarding Standard Level, Higher Level and the DP Core.
• Work collaboratively with teaching and pastoral colleagues to monitor students' academic progress and wellbeing.
• Support students in developing effective organisation, independent study and time‑management skills.
• Help students manage the combined demands of academic subjects, Internal Assessments, the Extended Essay, CAS and examinations.
• Coordinate appropriate intervention where students are experiencing difficulties.
• Develop positive and professional relationships with Sixth Form students.

Parents and the Wider Community

The DP Coordinator will:

• Communicate clearly with parents and carers regarding the Diploma Programme.
• Lead or contribute to Sixth Form information evenings, options events, open days and recruitment activities.
• Provide appropriate guidance to families considering the Diploma Programme.
• Communicate important DP deadlines, expectations and developments.
• Promote understanding of the Diploma Programme across the wider Liberty Woodland School community.
• Support the school in communicating its journey through DP candidacy and authorisation appropriately to students and families.

University, Careers and Destinations

Working alongside colleagues responsible for careers and destinations, the DP Coordinator will:

• Ensure students understand how DP subject choices relate to university, apprenticeship and career pathways.
• Support students in making informed choices regarding Higher Level and Standard Level subjects.
• Contribute to guidance regarding university entry requirements where appropriate.
• Support the provision of accurate predicted grades and academic references.
• Work with colleagues to ensure that the Diploma Programme effectively prepares students for their next steps.

Teaching Responsibilities

The DP Coordinator will have an appropriate teaching commitment within the Sixth Form.

The subject taught will be negotiable and based on the successful candidate's qualifications, experience and subject expertise, as well as the needs of the school's developing DP curriculum.

As a DP teacher, the successful candidate will:

• Plan and deliver high‑quality lessons in accordance with the relevant IB subject guide.
• Teach at Standard Level and/or Higher Level as appropriate.
• Maintain high academic expectations while providing appropriate support and challenge.
• Use assessment effectively to support student progress.
• Prepare students effectively for internal and external assessment.
• Model excellent IB teaching practice.
• Promote inquiry, critical thinking, independence and the attributes of the IB Learner Profile.

Wider Sixth Form Leadership

As a key member of the founding Sixth Form team, the DP Coordinator will:

• Contribute to the strategic development of the Sixth Form.
• Help establish the culture, expectations and identity of the new Sixth Form.
• Contribute to the development and review of Sixth Form policies and procedures.
• Support student recruitment and transition into the Sixth Form.
• Contribute to enrichment, academic and community opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the school to ensure continuity between the MYP and DP.
• Promote the Sixth Form and Diploma Programme within the school and wider community.
• Undertake other reasonable responsibilities associated with the successful establishment and leadership of the Diploma Programme.

Safeguarding

Liberty Woodland School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and safeguarding practice.
• Follow the school's safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures.
• Complete all required safeguarding training.
• Report concerns promptly in accordance with school procedures.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students.
• Contribute to a Sixth Form culture in which students feel safe, respected and well supported.

The successful applicant will be subject to the school's safer recruitment procedures, including appropriate references, identity and qualification checks and an enhanced DBS check.

Person Specification

Essential

The successful candidate will:

• Be a highly effective and experienced teacher.
• Have appropriate qualifications and experience to teach a subject at post‑16 level.
• Have a strong understanding of the philosophy and principles of the International Baccalaureate.
• Demonstrate the ability to lead the development and implementation of the Diploma Programme.
• Have the capacity to lead and support the school successfully through IB candidacy and authorisation.
• Have a strong understanding of high‑quality post‑16 teaching, learning and assessment.
• Demonstrate the ability to develop systems, policies and processes within a new or developing educational provision.
• Have high expectations for student achievement and personal development.
• Demonstrate excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Have excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
• Be able to analyse information and use it effectively to support programme development and student progress.
• Be confident leading, supporting and developing colleagues.
• Be able to develop positive and professional relationships with students, parents and colleagues.
• Be able to work collaboratively while also demonstrating initiative and independence.
• Be committed to the IB philosophy of inquiry, international‑mindedness and holistic education.
• Be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.
• Be committed to ongoing professional learning and development.

Desirable

It would be advantageous for candidates to have:

• Previous experience teaching the IB Diploma Programme.
• Previous experience as a DP Coordinator, Assistant DP Coordinator or DP subject leader.
• Direct experience of supporting or leading a school through DP candidacy and/or authorisation.
• Experience preparing a school for an IB consultation or authorisation visit.
• Experience contributing to IB programme evaluation.
• Experience working within an IB World School.
• Experience teaching at both Standard Level and Higher Level.
• Experience coordinating Internal Assessments and external assessment requirements.
• Experience supervising Extended Essays.
• Experience with TOK, CAS and the wider DP Core.
• Experience leading curriculum development.
• Experience leading or supporting staff professional development.
• Experience using student progress and assessment data effectively.
• Experience with university and post‑18 guidance.
• Experience contributing to the establishment of a new Sixth Form or academic programme.
• Relevant IB‑recognised professional development.

The Person We Are Looking For

We are particularly interested in someone who is excited by the opportunity to build something new and who understands both the educational philosophy and the practical requirements involved in establishing a successful IB Diploma Programme.

The successful candidate will join Liberty Woodland School at a particularly important stage of its development. From January 2027, one of their immediate priorities will be to help lead the school through the IB candidity and authorisation journey, working closely with the Secondary Leadership Team, staff and the IB to ensure the school is fully prepared to deliver a high‑quality Diploma Programme.

They will combine strategic thinking with exceptional organisation and attention to detail. They will be able to move confidently between developing the vision for the Diploma Programme and managing the practical requirements of policies, curriculum planning, staff development, assessment systems, documentation and IB deadlines.

Crucially, they will recognize that successful IB authorisation is not simply about producing documentation. They will help ensure that the philosophy, standards and practices of the IB are understood by staff and embedded authentically within the culture, curriculum and everyday practice of the Sixth Form.

They will be collaborative, approachable and solution‑focused, with the ability to bring colleagues together around a shared vision and provide support and guidance to teachers who may be new to the Diploma Programme.

This position, commencing in January 2027, provides an exciting opportunity to join Liberty Woodland School during the development of its new Sixth Form and to play a central role in guiding the school through DP candidity, authorisation and the successful establishment of its IB Diploma Programme.

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