Open to opportunities

Rita Erskine

@ritaerskine

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Dynamic educational leader with a passion for institutional transformation.

United Arab Emirates

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What I'm looking for

I seek a leadership role that fosters collaboration, innovation, and growth opportunities for all learners.

I am a strategic and visionary leader with a strong track record in educational leadership, governance, and institutional transformation. My extensive experience spans post-16 education, sixth-form leadership, and community engagement. I am passionate about fostering inclusive, high-performing learning environments and committed to improving student outcomes and promoting lifelong learning.

Currently, I serve as the Head of Sixth Form at Amity International School Abu Dhabi, where I lead strategic planning, curriculum design, and student engagement initiatives. My governance experience as a school governor has allowed me to contribute to policy development and financial oversight effectively. I am eager to leverage my skills in leadership roles that drive organizational success and expand opportunities for adult learners.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Head of Sixth Form

Current

Amity International School Abu Dhabi

Jan 2024 - Present (1 year 5 months)

Led strategic vision, curriculum planning, and student achievement within the sixth form. Drove student recruitment, retention, and post-16 transition planning to support career progression. Oversaw financial planning, resource management, and budgeting for the sixth form provision.

Strategic Planning Curriculum Design Financial Management Partnership Management EDI Leadership

Co-Head of Department (Humanities) & Ethics whole-school lead

The Brit School

Jan 2023 - Dec 2024 (1 year 11 months)

Designed and implemented an engaging curriculum for Sociology and History. Led quality assurance processes and performance management of teaching staff. Managed the departmental budget, resource allocation, and financial planning.

Curriculum Design Quality Assurance Performance Management Budget Management Leadership Development

School Governor

Sudbourne Primary School

Jan 2023 - Dec 2024 (1 year 11 months)

Provided strategic oversight and governance to support school improvement and compliance. Reviewed financial reports, approved budgets, and monitored spending for fiscal responsibility. Ensured statutory safeguarding policies were implemented effectively across the school.

Governance Policy Development Community Engagement Curriculum Development

Deputy Head of Sixth Form & Designated Safeguarding Lead

Harris Academy

Jan 2018 - Dec 2023 (5 years 11 months)

Led on university and career guidance for post-16 students. Designed academic and extracurricular enrichment programs to enhance student development. Monitored student attainment and pastoral concerns, ensuring effective interventions.

Enrichment Programs

Assistant Principal

Harris Academy

Jan 2019 - Dec 2023 (4 years 11 months)

Provided strategic leadership for Year 8 academic performance and behaviour. Led on safeguarding policy implementation, working closely with external agencies. Managed form tutors and pastoral teams to ensure student progress and wellbeing.

Pastoral Care Policy Implementation Academic Performance

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

King’s College London

MA, Education, Policy and Society

Currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Education, Policy and Society. This program focuses on advanced studies in educational policy, social justice, and societal impact within the education sector.

Department for Education (DfE) – Harris Crystal Palace Teaching Hub

NPQ, Senior Leadership

Completed the National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership. This program equipped me with advanced leadership skills and strategic insights for educational management.

UCL Institute of Education

PGCE, Secondary Social Science

Undertook a Postgraduate Certificate in Education specializing in Secondary Social Science. This qualification prepared me for teaching roles in secondary education, focusing on pedagogical methods and curriculum delivery.

London Metropolitan University

BSc (Hons), Sociology

Grade: 2:1

Earned a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Sociology, achieving a 2:1 classification. The curriculum covered core sociological theories, research methods, and contemporary social issues.