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.
Our curriculum is broad enough to give real depth to each individual and students will be supported by expert teachers who will deliver outstanding lessons. We will provide expert guidance on future pathways, whether that be going to university, into the world of work, or starting an apprenticeship course.
At Downsend, we are very conscious that the world our students will step into when they leave us is rapidly evolving and changing, and we have a critical role to play in preparing the global citizens and workforces of the future. Our Head of Futures, along with other staff, will be on hand to help support and guide our students as they think about next steps.
In an increasingly interconnected world, future workers will be expected to collaborate with peers residing in various parts of the globe, understand cultural nuances, and, in many cases, use digital tools to enable these new types of interactions. Our Future Skills programme will allow our students to connect with this wider world, and being part of Cognita, a global educational group with 108 schools located in 17 different countries, will facilitate many more opportunities for these experiences to present themselves.
We are now looking for a Deputy Head to join the Downsend Sixth 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 is proudly unique; however, our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.
At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world. And each of our schools is unique too.
We protect what’s special about them while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger. We open their classrooms to the collective wisdom of over 100 schools in 16 countries, ensuring every child gets an education that’s, quite literally, world-class.
It’s an individual approach that empowers every school, teacher, and student to focus on what they do best and thrive. 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, you bring 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. Please do enjoy looking through the information contained in this pack and learning more about Downsend Sixth, Downsend School, and Cognita. If you 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. Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
We protect what’s special about them while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger. We open their classrooms to the collective wisdom of over 100 schools in 16 countries, ensuring every child gets an education that’s, quite literally, world-class.
It’s an individual approach that empowers every school, teacher, and student to focus on what they do best and thrive. 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, you bring 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. Please do enjoy looking through the information contained in this pack and learning more about Downsend Sixth, Downsend School, and Cognita. If you 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. Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
