Deputy Head of Sixth Form

About the School - Downsend Sixth

We are incredibly proud to be opening Downsend Sixth and see this next chapter for Downsend School as an exciting and enticing prospect for both staff and students alike. The buildings, environment and experience will give our students an excellent foundation on which to build their own futures.

Downsend Sixth will have a different feel to other more traditional sixth form experiences, housed in its own newly renovated space near the centre of Leatherhead, there will remain a connection with the rest of the Downsend community, but students will have a much greater chance to cultivate independence, maturity and a real opportunity for personal growth. The building will have state of the art technology and facilities that will allow all students to develop and flourish.

We are now looking for a Deputy Head to join the Downsend Sixth Team to join the team for August 2025.

About Cognita

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.

About the role

As a member of the Downsend Sixth Senior Management team and reporting directly to the Head of Downsend Sixth, the Deputy Head will provide academic, pastoral, and operational leadership, fostering a positive learning environment where students can thrive both personally and academically. This role involves working alongside the Head of Downsend Sixth to provide strategic direction for the newly created Sixth Form, deputising in their absence, and overseeing students’ academic progress, attendance, and overall wellbeing. The Deputy Head ensures academic continuity between Downsend Senior and Downsend Sixth through regular contact with the leader of learning and innovation in the Senior School, identifies innovative and creative ways to inspire and engage pupils, and provides tailored support for university applicants in collaboration with the Head of Futures. Additionally, the role includes collaborating with subject leaders to monitor academic performance, taking a leading role in managing student retention and admissions, and ensuring the school’s marketing aligns with the agreed direction and ethos.

Who we are looking for:

The new Deputy Head of Downsend Sixth will be a passionate advocate for education and student success, known for being approachable, empathetic, and supportive. As a collaborative team player, you will drive change through outstanding leadership, attention to detail, and engagement with others, playing a key role in shaping future generations. You'll thrive in a dynamic environment, aiming to establish Downsend Sixth as a leading institution for sixth form education. Committed to safeguarding and promoting student welfare, you possess up-to-date knowledge of national educational trends. With strong leadership and management skills, a forward-thinking mindset, and a proven track record in strategic planning, bringing extensive experience in pastoral or academic leadership across the 11-18 age range, including teaching Key Stage 5. Your qualifications include Qualified Teacher Status and, ideally, a postgraduate qualification in educational leadership.

To view the full Candidate Pack, please Click Here.

Please do enjoy looking through the information contained in this pack and learning more about Downsend Sixth, Downsend School and Cognita.

If you do wish to have a conversation about the role do not hesitate to get in touch via the following email address marc.broughton@downsend.co.uk and I look forward to hearing from you if this role is something that you wish to pursue.

Benefits at Cognita

• Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
• Teacher’s Pension
• Free lunch provided during Term Time
• School holidays and public holidays
• Free parking on site (subject to availability)
• School fee discount
• Exclusive third-party discounts
• Professional Development

How to Apply

Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is Sunday 2nd February 2025.

Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.

EARLY APPLICATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO INTERVIEW AND APPOINT PRIOR TO CLOSING DATE FOR THE RIGHT APPLICANT.