Head of Sixth Form (Assistant Head) from September 2026 in Stourbridge
Head of Sixth Form (Assistant Head) from September 2026

Head of Sixth Form (Assistant Head) from September 2026 in Stourbridge

Stourbridge Full-Time 47000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Old Swinford Hospital

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and inspire the Sixth Form, ensuring academic excellence and student wellbeing.
  • Company: Old Swinford Hospital, a top state boarding school with a supportive community.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a vibrant school culture.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of students in a dynamic and inclusive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in leadership and a passion for student success.
  • Other info: Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to nurturing well-rounded individuals.

The predicted salary is between 47000 - 65000 £ per year.

Welcome to OSH. Old Swinford Hospital is one of the country’s leading state boarding schools. A large number of the School’s students are boarders who come from a wide range of backgrounds in the UK and also from the EU and overseas. A third of our pupils are day pupils, who usually go home after lessons, unless they are involved in sport or music, CCF or DofE. The School is now fully co-educational.

OSH is a calm place to work. It is inclusive, tolerant and welcoming. The atmosphere is supportive and orderly, and it is also very relaxed because for many of our pupils their school is also their home. Parents, pupils and staff are all on the same side and our pupils want to learn before going out into the wider world and making their own contribution to it.

We have had two very favourable Ofsted visits, one for boarding and one for curriculum. We enjoy a very good academic reputation and regularly feature in the lists of the most academically successful maintained schools. We pride ourselves on developing in our pupils a balance of academic achievement, character and resilience.

Our extensive extra-curricular programme contributes to our pupils becoming happy, healthy and interested young people, for whom sport, music, art, drama, and outdoor pursuits feature in their everyday lives.

About the Sixth Form: The Sixth Form has been co-educational for over 20 years, and our year groups are made up of students who board as well as day students. Sixth Form lessons take place all over our extensive site but most Sixth Formers are based in their own learning resource centre in a modern and well-equipped teaching block in Swinford Court.

The vast majority of students start their Sixth Form career on three A-level subjects, often complemented by the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). We are committed to academic rigour through our 'Dynamis' pathways specialist enrichment streams in the Arts, Social Sciences or STEM. These provide undergraduate-level lectures on topics ranging from the Enlightenment, Chaos Theory to International Security, encouraging students to engage in super-curricular research and MOOCs that go far beyond the standard specification. Leavers’ destinations regularly include Oxbridge and Russell Group universities; we celebrate with equal enthusiasm those students who enter the world of work or find highly competitive degree apprenticeships and vocational placements.

One of the major attractions helping to recruit students to the Sixth Form at Old Swinford Hospital is the range of extracurricular activities on offer. Students recognise the value of these activities and virtually all of them participate at some level in sport, music, drama or inter-house competition. Our Sixth Formers take a lead in the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), the student-led 'Interact' charitable society and the 'MAFIA' (Mentoring and Friendships in Action) peer-support programme.

All students in the Sixth Form are assigned to tutor groups, where they meet around 20 students each morning for registration and tutorials. Students in the Sixth Form are rightly proud of themselves and of the school. Guided by our motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), we expect the highest standards in terms of academic and social behaviour. Members of Y12 and Y13 set the tone for the whole school, acting as ambassadors, mentors, role models and leaders who embody the unique spirit of a boarding community.

Who are we looking for? The Head of Sixth Form is a key role at OSH which combines both academic and pastoral leadership for the two year groups at the top of the school. The successful candidate will require personal drive and determination, combined with excellent attention to detail, genuine care for the wellbeing of the students and a keen desire to support them towards success.

The Head of Sixth Form is a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), responsible to the Head for all matters concerning the leadership, management, culture and ethos of the Sixth Form, and the careers programme at OSH. As a member of SLT they take collective responsibility for the overall leadership, management and administration of the School under the direction of the Head and also manage a number of subject leaders.

The Head of Sixth Form will ‘walk the talk’, be a key role model to students and colleagues in terms of hard work and learning, uphold the ethos and aspirations of the Sixth Form and be able to articulate a vision for the OSH Sixth Form to a range of stakeholders, including prospective students and parents. They will be generous with their time and will attend frequent events at the School and be supportive of the co-curricular programme and the Church of England ethos of the School.

The role would equally suit a serving Head/Head of Sixth Form wishing to find a new challenge or an ambitious teacher wishing to join a forward-thinking and innovative SLT.

Old Swinford Hospital welcomes applications for employment from all sectors of the community.

Suitability to Work with Children: Old Swinford Hospital is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants are required to undertake an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check. The School reserves the right to close the job advert early where sufficient applications have been received and so we encourage early applications to ensure consideration for the post.

Head of Sixth Form (Assistant Head) from September 2026 in Stourbridge employer: Old Swinford Hospital

Old Swinford Hospital is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where staff are valued and encouraged to grow professionally. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development, employees benefit from a collaborative culture that prioritises student wellbeing and engagement in a variety of extracurricular activities. Located in a historic boarding school setting, the role of Head of Sixth Form provides unique opportunities to lead and inspire students while being part of a dedicated Senior Leadership Team committed to fostering a thriving educational community.
Old Swinford Hospital

Contact Detail:

Old Swinford Hospital Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Sixth Form (Assistant Head) from September 2026 in Stourbridge

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, attend relevant events, and engage with others on social media. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with their mission. Show them you’re not just looking for any job, but that you genuinely want to contribute to their community.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable articulating your experiences and how they relate to the role of Head of Sixth Form. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it counts!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sixth Form (Assistant Head) from September 2026 in Stourbridge

Academic Leadership
Pastoral Leadership
Attention to Detail
Wellbeing Support
Communication Skills
Vision Articulation
Team Management
Student Mentorship
Event Attendance
Co-curricular Programme Support
Safeguarding Knowledge
Community Engagement
Innovative Thinking
Role Modelling

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for education and student development shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in students' lives!

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and ethos of Old Swinford Hospital. Highlight your experience in both academic and pastoral leadership, as these are key aspects of the role.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences without unnecessary fluff.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and shows you’re serious about joining our community.

How to prepare for a job interview at Old Swinford Hospital

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in the ethos and values of Old Swinford Hospital. Familiarise yourself with their academic reputation, co-curricular activities, and the unique environment they provide for both boarders and day students. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect with the interviewers.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

As a potential Head of Sixth Form, it’s crucial to articulate your leadership philosophy. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in the past, especially in academic or pastoral settings. Highlight your ability to inspire and support students while maintaining high standards.

✨Engage with the Community

Demonstrate your commitment to the school community by discussing how you would engage with students, parents, and staff. Share ideas on how to enhance the existing extracurricular programmes and foster a sense of belonging among all students, whether they are boarders or day pupils.

✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions about the role and the school. Ask about the current challenges facing the Sixth Form or how the school envisions the future of its academic and pastoral care. This shows your proactive approach and genuine interest in contributing to their success.

Head of Sixth Form (Assistant Head) from September 2026 in Stourbridge
Old Swinford Hospital
Location: Stourbridge

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