Head of Sixth Form

Safa British School Dubai

Job Purpose:

To play a leading role in the strategic direction, operational management, and ongoing development of the Sixth Form, ensuring an exceptional academic and pastoral experience

To lead and monitor initiatives that raise standards of attainment, progress, attendance, and behaviour, promoting a culture of high expectations and success

To oversee the design, research, implementation, and evaluation of projects, policies, and procedures that enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of the Sixth Form

Key Accountabilities:

Student Achievement, Progress and Wellbeing

Monitor and evaluate student progress, attainment and wellbeing, ensuring timely and effective support, guidance and challenge for all learners, including smooth transition into and out of Key Stage 5

Analyse academic, attendance and behavioural data to identify trends and implement interventions that secure sustained improvement, with a particular focus on Priority Students

Ensure consistently high standards in uniform, equipment and attitude to learning across the Sixth Form

Lead on the effective implementation of the school s rewards and sanctions systems to promote positive behaviour and high expectations

Maintain regular communication with parents and carers to celebrate success, address concerns, and ensure engagement with school events and information evenings

Leadership and Management

Provide professional leadership and line management to Heads of Year, Form Tutors and other colleagues, setting a clear tone for Key Stage 5 that reflects and models the Safa ethos

Lead on professional development (CPD) priorities for Key Stage 5, ensuring staff are equipped to deliver high-quality academic and pastoral provision

Contribute to the school s strategic planning through the Self-Evaluation Form (SEF) and School Improvement Plan (SIP), developing and implementing a coherent vision for Sixth Form excellence

Ensure policies, plans and priorities for the Sixth Form are clearly communicated and consistently applied across the school

Take a proactive role in behaviour management, applying sanctions where appropriate and ensuring consistency of expectations across the year groups

Curriculum, Guidance and Progression

Oversee and contribute to the design, delivery and evaluation of the Sixth Form curriculum and careers education programme, ensuring it enables students to make informed decisions about university, college and employment pathways

Support and promote higher education and post-16 opportunities through links with universities, colleges, employers and other schools, including visits, fairs and partnership events

Work closely with the Head of Key Stage 4 to lead an effective transition process for Year 11 students, ensuring readiness for A Level study and alignment with Safa s academic and pastoral ethos

Liaise with the Examinations Officer to ensure the smooth administration of examinations and assessments

Provide oversight of A Level options guidance and the induction of new Key Stage 5 students and parents

Community, Ethos and Inclusion

Promote a strong sense of pride and belonging within the Sixth Form through assemblies, termly themes and student leadership opportunities such as the Student Council

Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment that celebrates diversity and upholds high expectations for all learners

Liaise with internal and external stakeholders (including the School Counsellor, LINK, and senior pastoral staff) to ensure student safety, attendance, progress and behaviour are effectively supported

Keep up to date with developments in inclusion and ensure that best practice is reflected in Sixth Form provision

Lead initiatives to promote and retain student enrolment into Years 12 and 13 through effective communication with parents and the wider community

The ideal candidate will have:

Experience working in a British school, preferably in the UAE

Qualities of a team player

Passionate about learning and teaching

A commitment to providing exciting and purposeful learning opportunities for all children

The drive and enthusiasm to inspire, nurture and empower students and colleagues

Qualification and Experience Required:

In accordance with UAE regulations, applicants must have any of the following set of qualifications:

Proficient Level of English

Bachelor s degree in Education or a bachelor s degree with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education with QTS or equivalent

A track record of excellent learning and teaching and the ability to create a nurturing and safe learning environment