Assistant Headteacher

Director of Sixth Form & Post-16 Strategy

Leadership Scale (Outer London) | Full Time | Permanent

Woodford County High School is seeking an exceptional strategic leader to shape the future direction of our Sixth Form and Post-16 provision.

This is not simply a Head of Sixth Form role.

We are looking for an ambitious Assistant Headteacher who will lead the academic, intellectual and future-facing development of our Post-16 strategy within a high-achieving girls’ grammar school, to start in September 2026.

Woodford has a long-standing tradition of outstanding outcomes. Our Sixth Form students progress to competitive universities and ambitious destinations each year. However, we believe Post-16 education must go further preparing young women not only for examinations, but for an evolving global landscape shaped by technological change, competitive admissions processes and emerging career pathways.

The successful candidate will:

• Lead strategic improvement in KS5 value-added and high attainment
• Shape a distinctive Woodford Sixth Form identity rooted in scholarship and leadership
• Oversee ambitious university and apprenticeship pathways, including Oxbridge and competitive routes
• Maintain expert awareness of national Post-18 developments
• Strengthen super-curricular and enrichment provision
• Contribute fully as a member of our Senior Leadership Team

We are seeking a thoughtful, analytical and outward-facing leader with:

• Proven success in improving Post-16 outcomes
• Strong understanding of KS5 accountability and curriculum design
• Experience of leading staff and managing change
• Ambition for young people’s futures within a high-performing environment

Woodford County High School combines intellectual rigour with a strong community ethos. Our students are capable and highly motivated; we are unapologetic about excellence, while equally committed to wellbeing and character development.

This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic leader ready to shape the next phase of Post-16 development in a forward-thinking school.

Visits to the school are warmly encouraged.

For further information, please see the accompanying recruitment pack.

Closing Date: Monday 16^th March 2026 at 9am

Interview Date: Week commencing 23^rd March 2026

Woodford County High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check and other pre-employment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.