A career-defining leadership opportunity at The King’s School, Canterbury.
The King’s School, Canterbury, stands at the crossroads of tradition and innovation. With nearly fifteen centuries of academic excellence, we are now embarking on a transformative journey – redefining Sixth Form education for the 21st century.
This is a rare and ambitious opportunity for an exceptional leader. As Assistant Head: Head of Sixth Form, you will join the Senior Management Team (SMT), overseeing the academic and pastoral provision for approximately 450 pupils and shaping a Sixth Form experience beyond compare.
King’s offers the broadest 16+ academic provision of any independent school in the UK, with over 33 subjects and an extensive co-curricular programme. But this role is about more than managing an outstanding provision – it’s about revolutionising it.
A ‘university for the young’
At King’s, we believe that the Sixth Form should not just be a stepping stone to university but a transformative experience in itself. The successful candidate will lead the restructuring of the Sixth Form experience, embedding:
* A University-Style Curriculum – Seminars, supervisions, and discussion-driven learning.
* Cutting-Edge Assessment Methods – Beyond A-levels, incorporating research-based learning, diploma-style qualifications and credit-based pathways.
* Strategic Partnerships – Strengthening university, industry, and alumni connections to enhance employability.
* 21st-Century Skills Development – Fostering independence, resilience, and intellectual curiosity.
Who we are looking for
We seek an ambitious and visionary educator with a strong track record in both academic and pastoral leadership. You may currently be a Head of Department, a Head of Year, or hold whole-school responsibilities, with a clear ability to shape strategy and inspire both pupils and staff.
You will be:
* An outstanding teacher with a record of excellent public examination results.
* A strategic thinker, capable of leading innovation in post-16 education.
* A confident communicator and relationship builder.
* A leader with the resilience and vision to drive real change.
The role
As Head of Sixth Form, you will oversee:
* Academic Excellence – Leading intervention strategies, tracking pupil performance, and ensuring outstanding outcomes.
* Pastoral Leadership – Fostering an aspirational Sixth Form culture, supporting wellbeing, and working closely with Housemasters and Mistresses.
* Admissions & Recruitment – Shaping the strategy for 80–90 new Sixth Form entrants annually, working with families, agents, and international markets.
* Senior Management Leadership – Playing a key role in whole-school strategy, sitting on the SMT, and driving excellence across King’s.
Why join us?
* Salary: Competitive.
* Accommodation: Subsidised housing for two years, with potential for a fully residential role.
* Benefits: Contributory pension, free gym membership, and free meals during term time.
* A Historic Yet Forward-Thinking School: Be part of the future of Sixth Form education at one of the world’s most prestigious schools.
This is more than a leadership role – it’s an opportunity to reshape the Sixth Form experience at King’s and leave a lasting impact on generations to come.
If you have questions about the post or would like an informal discussion to learn more, please contact the Senior Deputy Head at atp@kings-school.co.uk .
For further information and to apply online, please visit the job opportunities page of our website.
Closing date: 25 March 2025.
Interview dates: 27 or 28 March 2025 (held online).
The King’s School is committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process which is in line with the statutory Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates.
All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.