Assistant Principal – Head of Sixth Form

We are seeking an exceptional and ambitious leader to join our senior leadership team as Assistant Principal – Head of Sixth Form. This is an exciting opportunity for a talented professional to inspire, lead and further develop a successful and aspirational Sixth Form provision.

In this role, you will provide strategic leadership for the day-to-day running, academic progress and pastoral care of the Sixth Form, ensuring that all students are supported and challenged to achieve their full potential. You will lead on key aspects, including student recruitment, induction, monitoring of academic progress, attendance and wellbeing, as well as overseeing the UCAS process and post-18 progression.

Working closely with the Principal and Leadership Team, you will play a key role in shaping the vision and development of post-16 provision, ensuring a high-quality curriculum offer and a culture of high expectations, aspiration and achievement.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the role will include whole-school leadership responsibilities alongside teaching within your specialist subject. The ability to teach Law would be advantageous.

We are looking for a candidate who:

• Is a highly skilled professional with a clear vision, who is both caring and enthusiastic, with the ability to inspire teachers and pupils to fulfil their full potential

• Has the vision and drive to further develop a high-performing Sixth Form

• Demonstrates strong pastoral leadership and a commitment to student success

• Can analyse and use data effectively to raise standards and improve outcomes

• Is passionate about supporting students to achieve outstanding university, apprenticeship and career destinations

What we offer:

• A key strategic leadership role within a forward-thinking academy

• A supportive and collaborative leadership team

• Opportunities for professional development and career progression

• A strong commitment to staff wellbeing and development

Why Work for Affinity?

At Affinity, we pride ourselves on being a great place to work, a workplace where everyone belongs, progresses, and thrives. We recognise that our colleagues are our greatest asset, and we are committed to ensuring they feel valued, supported, and empowered.

As a Trust, we are privileged to employ inspirational people who make a positive difference every day. In return, we continually strengthen our offer of a supportive, inclusive, and ambitious working environment, one that promotes mental and physical wellbeing, builds confidence, and fosters pride across our organisation.

Our People Strategy

Our People Strategy is built around three core pillars:

Belongs – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We cultivate an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity, champions equality, and ensures all staff feel respected, valued, and genuinely part of our community.

Progresses – Staff Development and CPD

Our Professional Growth Model empowers colleagues to take ownership of their development. Our strong investment in CPD sets us apart and ensures every colleague has the opportunity to grow and succeed.

Thrives – Wellbeing

We know that mental and physical wellbeing are essential to feeling supported and performing well. That’s why we place strong emphasis on creating an environment where colleagues feel healthy, valued, and able to thrive.

What Are The Benefits of Joining Affinity?

• Investment in your professional development and CPD through our Professional Growth Model

• Removal of performance-related pay

• A commitment to dignity and respect in the workplace

• Opportunities for collaborative working through leadership and staff networks

• A Trust-wide approach to reducing workload

• Wellbeing initiatives supported by our Wellbeing Champion Network

In addition to these core benefits, we also provide an excellent wider package that includes:

• Employee Assistance Programme and mental health support services

• Access to Benenden Health’s self-pay private healthcare service

• Discounted gym membership with Everyone Active

• Cycle to Work scheme

• BHSF health cash plan

• Eye care vouchers

• Flu vaccination vouchers

Visits

Prospective applicants are welcome to visit, and this can be arranged by telephoning 01283 216837.

To Apply

Please note that we do not hold a sponsorship licence and, therefore, are unable to employ individuals residing outside of the UK or candidates living within the UK who require continued sponsorship to work in the UK.

To apply, please visit our careers page: pingleacademy.com/16/current-vacancies

Closing date: 9.00am on 13th April 2026.

Interview date: w/c 20th April 2026.

We welcome a broad range of perspectives with a commitment to equality of opportunity by recruiting a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment and a culture of belonging for everyone in Affinity Learning Partnership. Therefore, we encourage applications from underrepresented communities irrespective of age, disability, race, religion and belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, marriage or civil partnership status, or neurodivergent status. We are happy to make reasonable adjustments wherever possible through the recruitment process, should this be required.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and this position is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK.