Harris Federation
Assistant Principal and DSL
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Assistant Principal and DSL
We are looking for an Assistant Principal and DSL to join us at Harris Westminster Sixth Form.
Our school is one of the top sixth forms in the country, with the aim to deliver high quality education and outstanding outcomes to students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. We expect applications for this job to be competitive so recommend getting an application in early, as we will interview as and when suitable applications are received.
About Us
Our examination results and student destinations (2026 leavers: 50 of our students attended Oxbridge, 81% Russell Group) are outstanding and are testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff and students. I encourage you to explore our website to learn more about the unique aspects of our curriculum and student offerings which make HWSF so special. Our newsletters give a great insight into day-to-day life at HWSF.
HWSF is selective on both ability and disadvantage and places first go to academically able students from disadvantaged backgrounds. It is a wonderful school with an ethos of “learning is amazing”, where staff truly care about the progress their students make over their two years with us.
Our school is one of the top sixth forms in the country, with the aim to deliver high quality education and outstanding outcomes to students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. We expect applications for this job to be competitive so recommend getting an application in early, as we will interview as and when suitable applications are received.
We want the best people to join our community and we are committed to a diverse and inclusive student and staff body. If you are passionate about making a difference and feel you have the right experience and expertise, I encourage you to apply to join us.
To learn more about working in our academy and what we can offer you, view our academy page via the “why work at” button.
Main Areas of Responsibility
Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting the Head of School and Senior Leadership Team in delivering the Sixth Form vision and strategic priorities
- Leading safeguarding provision as Designated Safeguarding Lead and managing the safeguarding team
- Coordinating pastoral support and working with external agencies to promote student wellbeing and success
- Leading initiatives that maximise student achievement, personal development and progression to higher education
- Supporting the day-to-day leadership and operation of the Sixth Form
- Promoting and embedding the Sixth Form's ethos, values and high expectations
- Driving high standards of teaching, learning and student outcomes across the Sixth Form
- Contributing to the work of the Senior Leadership Team and supporting effective implementation of academy policies
- Ensuring all students receive the support and opportunities needed to reach their full potential
- Playing a key role in the wider Sixth Form and academy community
- Preparing reports and updates for governors and senior leaders
- Line managing middle leaders, teachers and support staff to drive academic and pastoral excellence
- Leading performance management, coaching and professional development for staff
- Contributing to self-evaluation, quality assurance and continuous improvement activities
- Delivering assemblies and engaging with students to promote a positive Sixth Form culture
- Modelling outstanding professional standards and supporting the ongoing development of the academy's provision and outcomes
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Qualifications & Experience
We would like to hear from you if you have:
- Qualifications to A Level or equivalent
- Level 3 Designated Safeguarding Lead training
- Level 3 Prevent Lead training
- Successful leadership experience in a school or related environment
- Experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy (DDSL), with a strong track record of leading safeguarding practice, managing complex cases, working effectively with external agencies, and promoting a culture where the welfare and safety of children are paramount
- Successful pastoral experience in a school or related environment
- Experience of improvement planning and securing improvement
- Experience of implementing a range of strategies to improve outcomes for young people
- Proven track record of managing and implementing change in relation to teaching practices and standards
Next Steps
If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact us via e-mail, or call to arrange a conversation.
Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. You will need this when completing your application.
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Please note: we may hold interviews as and when applications are received and we reserve the right to offer to a candidate prior to the closing date. We only accept applications submitted online via our careers website and which are completed before the closing deadline. With this in mind, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible and advise you check the job information as per the listing on our careers site.
Rewards & Benefits
Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level to senior leadership.
We look for talented individuals who share our vision for creating exceptional places of learning, and are committed to ensuring that every child in London has access to the best possible education.
In addition to the opportunities for career progression, training and development, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance, a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme, a Wellbeing Cash Plan and many other benefits.
Safeguarding Notice
The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants. Before applying, please review our Policy Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders.
Equal Opportunities
The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.
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