Director of Sixth Form and Data Systems
Chengdu, China | ASAP/August 2025
The School
Curriculum: UK to A-level
This is the first international school of a highly prestigious UK girl's school - a vibrant, co-educational day school offering a full British Curriculum enhanced with the best elements of Chinese culture and learning. The school uses an immersion learning approach with each class taught by an international and a Chinese teacher. A commitment to academic excellence is upheld, but the school also holds true to the values and ideals that underpin the parent school which includes the important role the arts will play, with music, art and drama playing a central role in the curriculum. Students will understand the importance of life beyond academic excellence. Teachers will have access to a comprehensive L&D scheme, as well as close links with the UK parent school, to ensure plenty of opportunity to share ideas with UK counterparts.
Living and Working in Chengdu
The school is located in the prosperous, fast growing Hi-Tech District of Chengdu - a city that offers an exceptional living and working environment. Although one of China's less explored cities - Chengdu is a key economic hub in South West China. Chengdu has a high standard of living but lower living costs and this has given the city the reputation of easy to move to and hard to leave. It is a popular tourist destination; famous as home to the Pandas, Sichuan food, mountains, temples and Giant Buddha's.
Role and Requirements
At the heart of the role of Director of Sixth Form and Data Systems is the opportunity to lead and inspire a dynamic student community of intelligent, enthusiastic and creative individuals and to create a purposeful, supportive environment to help them make the best of their many talents. They are encouraged to set ambitious personal goals as well as to become responsible, thoughtful citizens and to take their place among society's leaders and opinion makers.
As a member of the wider Senior Leadership Team, Director of Sixth Form and Data Systems has responsibility for all aspects of the educational provision for Sixth Form students, overseeing their academic progress and pastoral well-being, and managing its day-to-day running. The role involves close liaison with members of the Senior Leadership Team and key staff.
In monitoring, tracking and supporting academic progress, the Director of Sixth Form and Data Systems works closely with the Head of Senior School and the Deputy Head Academic to develop an educational programme for the Sixth Form that fosters a culture of intellectual inquiry and independence and prepares all students for their next steps beyond the School. An important part of the role is to oversee the work of, and work closely with, the Head of Careers and to manage the university and college application process.
The Director of Sixth Form and Data Systems responsibility for the overall academic progress, welfare, discipline and administration of all students in the Sixth Form involves working closely with the Principal, Deputy Head Academic and the Deputy Head Pastoral. It includes taking a leading role in embedding a respectful and aspirational culture that promotes the well-being, engagement and development of all students, while having an overview of each individual's needs. The Director of Sixth Form and Data Systems sets the tone for these important year groups. An important goal is to ensure that the Sixth Form experience is embraced and appreciated by all students. The Director of Sixth Form and Data Systems is responsible for promoting the Sixth Form both inside and outside the school and participates in the Sixth Form admissions process.
The post holder will also be responsible for overseeing the school's IT and data systems, data protection and their relevant policies.
Requirements
Minimum Bachelor's Degree with PGCE/QTS or Bachelor of Education Degree with QTS
Minimum two years' teaching experience at a UK or international school
Demonstrable experience of working in safeguarding at an advanced level in a leadership or management capacity
Experience of responsibility at a senior management level would be a distinct advantage
Experience of safeguarding in a UK context
Experience of leading training sessions for staff members
Experience working with students for whom English is not their first language
Good understanding of the UK regulatory framework around safeguarding
Good Communication Skills
Good teamwork and Collaborative Skills
Familiarity with the National Curriculum of England (plus IGCSE/GCSE and/or A Levels as appropriate)
Resilience and a good sense of humour
Fairness, Kindness and Warmth
Interest in wider issues relating to student wellbeing
Understanding of how UK safeguarding principles operate in a Chinese context
Interest in wider educational research and practice
Ability to understand, empathise with and enjoy the culture, ethos and values
Flexibility to learn and adapt to new cultures and situations
Sound judgement, with the ability to make reasoned, reasonable and balanced decisions
A high level of professionalism and consideration of the well-being of children
A willingness to confront difficult issues and have difficult conversations
A willingness to explore innovative approaches from across the educational field
Excellent interpersonal skills, with an even-handed, sensitive approach, an understanding and empathy with the feelings and motives of others, able to see things from the perspective of others
Respect for all members of a school community, irrespective of position, gender, age & ethnic background
A clean enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services check or police check (for applicants who have never worked in the UK) and no question regarding suitability to work with children
Salary and Benefits
Competitive Salary
Housing and utilities allowance
Annual airfare allowance
Visa assistance
Medical, dental and life insurance
Investment/retirement scheme