Overview
Principal and CEO
Hills Road Sixth Form College, Cambridge
Salary: From £115,000 to £135,000 per annum, commensurate with experience
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Start date: August 2026
Closing date: 9.00am, Monday 24th November 2025.
Interviews: Week commencing 8th December 2025.
The Opportunity
Lead one of the UK’s most outstanding Sixth Form Colleges
Hills Road Sixth Form College is one of the highest-performing state sixth form colleges in the country, renowned for its academic excellence, vibrant community, and commitment to providing an exceptional all-round education for 16–19-year-olds. We are seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to guide the College into its next chapter when the current Principal and CEO steps down in August 2026.
This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a college with a national reputation for excellence, located in the heart of the historic city of Cambridge. With 2,970 full-time students, approximately 2,900 adult learners, and a thriving staff community, Hills Road offers an environment where ambition, collaboration, and innovation thrive.
The Opportunity
* Provide strategic leadership to sustain and enhance our position at the forefront of post-16 education.
* Work with a highly capable and committed team to ensure the continued success and wellbeing of our students and staff.
* Represent and promote the College locally, regionally, and nationally, fostering partnerships that strengthen our educational and community impact.
* Lead the College through an exciting period of transition as we move into a new Academy Trust in which Hills Road is the sole member and founding organisation.
* Build on a foundation of strong finances, excellent facilities, and a deeply embedded ethos of care, integrity, and excellence.
About You
You will be:
* A proven leader with substantial senior management experience in a college or secondary school with significant 16–19 A Level provision.
* A strategic and innovative thinker with the vision to anticipate and respond to a changing educational landscape.
* A confident communicator, able to motivate and inspire staff and students alike.
* Committed to equality, diversity, inclusion, and the safeguarding of young people.
* Empathetic, emotionally intelligent, and passionate about supporting students to achieve their potential.
Why Join Us?
Hills Road offers an inspiring, forward-thinking, and supportive environment in which to lead.
We provide:
* A strong and stable financial position with excellent facilities and resources.
* Highly dedicated and skilled staff committed to continuous improvement.
* Engaged and motivated students who thrive in our academically rich and caring community.
* A comprehensive benefits package, including a generous pension scheme, free on-site parking, free use of sporting facilities, a cycle-to-work scheme, and discounts on Adult Education courses.
How to Apply
Further information, including the application forms and candidate pack, can be found on our website via the button below.
Completed online applications should be submitted by 9.00am on Monday 24th November 2025.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the HR Team on 01223 247251 or email hr@hillsroad.ac.uk.
Hills Road Sixth Form College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and staff. We value diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
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