Head of Upper School (Years 9-11) - Pupil Development

Required: September 2024

Hours: Full Time

Closing date: Monday 26th February

Interview date: Thursday 29th February

The Role

This role represents an outstanding opportunity for a highly motivated, creative and energetic teacher to join one of the country’s leading HMC independent schools as Head of Upper School. In this student-focused role, you will support our cohort of Third to Fifth Form (Years 9-11) pupils to make the most of the rich educational offer at King’s. The post will offer significant strategic insight which may support a future move to senior leadership.

The Head of Upper School carries significant responsibility for Pupil Development in Third, Fourth and Fifth Form. Reporting to the Deputy Head (Academic) and Deputy Head (Pastoral) and leading the Heads of Year and teams of Form Tutors, the successful candidate will be expected to maintain a strong and visible presence within the School.

The Head of Upper School will play a vital role in the journey of students throughout their school life. They will work alongside the Head of Middle School to ensure the seamless transition of pupils from Second to Third Form; they will provide strategic direction, foster academic excellence, encourage an ethos of mutual care and support amongst pupils, and nurture the holistic development of students during their critical years of adolescence; they will work closely with the Head of Sixth Form in contributing to a retention plan that enables the Sixth Form to continue to thrive.

The School

The King’s School, Gloucester has a rich academic tradition dating back to its founding in 1541. It houses the longest-serving classroom in Europe and is held in high esteem amongst the local and wider community, winning Gloucestershire Independent School of the Year in 2020 and 2021, and being Highly Commended again in 2022. Following the 2022 ISI Inspection, King’s was proud to be declared ‘excellent in all areas’.

Main Duties

Leadership:

• Play an active role in the delivery of the School’s Pastoral Development Plan;
• Create an Upper School Development Plan which caters for Pupil Development and Progress;
• Lead pastoral care, academic development and co-curricular pursuits of the Section through collaboration with key stakeholders;
• Lead the Section’s Heads of Year and Tutors, ensuring the highest standards of pastoral support are available to all pupils;
• Set the tone for the Section, which embodies positivity, enthusiasm and aspiration;
• Lead regular Sectional assemblies, celebrating success within the Section;
• Work with the Heads of Year to ensure that the PSHE programme covers all the statutory requirements and is progressive;
• Take responsibility for the organisation of the Upper School Highlights section on Foundation Day.

Pastoral:

• Take on the role of a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, acting as a triage for the safeguarding of students within the Section;
• Champion the wellbeing and pastoral care of the Upper School;
• Lead parent liaison for students who present with complex pastoral needs, coaching the Head of Year and contacting parents directly where necessary;
• Support behaviour management and sanctions as required;
• Maintain accurate records of all Safeguarding issues on appropriate systems;
• Contribute to the delivery of staff training on pastoral matters;
• In conjunction with the Deputy Head (Pastoral), write My Plans and Pastoral Care Plans to be shared with parents, pupils and colleagues;
• Support the Peer Mentoring Programme in conjunction with Heads of Year, the Head of Middle School and the Head of Sixth Form;
• Promote efficient and transparent parent communication within the Section via a regular Upper School section of the Bulletin, and other appropriate channels;
• Build on year group specific rewards and embed Upper School rewards;
• Lead pupil voice groups within the Section.

Academic:

• In conjunction with the Heads of Year, set clear and aspirational expectations of pupils from Third to Fifth Form, and equip pupils with a programme of study skills and revision in preparation for examinations;
• Work alongside the Deputy Head (Academic) to advise pupils and parents on option choices at GCSE and A-Level / BTEC;
• Lead specific focus groups, e.g. academic high-achievers or unheard voices;
• Ensure staff are engaged with the needs of pupils within the Section on the Learning Support Register;
• Oversee the liaison between Heads of Year, Form Tutors and the Learning Skills department;
• Be present on results days to provide advice and pastoral support;
• Support the Deputy Head (Academic) in monitoring academic standards through progress grades, reports and end of year examinations, to identify pupils for intervention;
• First class, innovative teaching in their subject area and in a manner appropriate to pupils’ ages and abilities.

Co-curricular:

• Actively promote and support the co-curricular programme and annual calendar of trips and events;
• Support the Assistant Head (Co-curricular) in the organisation of Fourth Form Activities Week;
• Study analytics to identify non-participants, carrying out gap analysis to establish new activities and opportunities to increase uptake;
• Review the calendar events across the Section to ensure a good balance of activities.

Personal Profile

• An outstanding classroom practitioner;
• A passionate interest in the School’s pastoral and academic work, and the ability to encourage all pupils to achieve their full potential;
• Able to demonstrate real experience of pastoral issues for children, handling difficult conversations carefully and supporting pupils;
• A high profile as a role model for pupils and parents, with obvious drive and vision;
• Able to lead meetings and assemblies, being both an outstanding communicator and a very good listener;
• Exceptional enthusiasm, commitment and energy;
• Able to maintain a sense of humour and perspective;
• The ability to lead others and, when necessary, convey the highest expectations of performance and behaviour.

Allocation and Allowance

This role is allocated a Point C on the School’s supplementary pay spine, details of which can be discussed at interview.

The King’s School operates to a 10-day timetable cycle consisting of 60 periods. Full-time members of staff teach 48 periods per cycle. This role will come with a 10-period remission, and attendance at the fortnightly pastoral meeting will be expected.

Benefits

• A contributory pension through Aviva APTIS;
• Generous fee remission for children at King’s;
• Before / After School Care for children at King’s;
• Access to a Doctor for advice and short consultations;
• Staff Wellbeing Programme;
• Cycle to Work scheme;
• Lunches;
• Parking.

Applications

Candidates should apply through TES. A CV is not required. Closing date for applications is Monday 26th February 2024 at 12:00 noon, with interviews taking place on Thursday 29th February 2024.

For further information, please contact Mr Harry Fuller on 01452 337337 or via email to recruitment@thekingsschool.co.uk.