Head of Year 9/10/11

Tenure: Full-time, Permanent

Start Date: September 2026 or January 2027

Salary: Competitive salary (Surbiton High School Pay Scale) + TLR

Surbiton High School is seeking an inspiring, dedicated and forward‑thinking Head of Year 9/10/11 to join our vibrant community. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate educator committed to exceptional pastoral care and eager to play a leading role in shaping pupils’ wellbeing, personal development and academic progress.

As Head of Year, you will be at the heart of our pastoral provision - guiding pupils through key stages of their school journey, supporting their growth, and ensuring they flourish both inside and outside the classroom. This role is ideal for a teacher who wants to make a real difference, lead with compassion and purpose, and collaborate within a supportive and innovative pastoral team.

Applications from teachers of all subject areas are encouraged, though appointments will be subject to timetabling capacity.

What You’ll Be Doing

Champion Pupil Wellbeing & Development:

• Leading the pastoral welfare, conduct and progress of Years 9, 10 or 11.
• Building strong relationships with pupils, Form Tutors and families, fostering trust and confidence.
• Being a visible, approachable presence across the Year group, regularly visiting form rooms.
• Guiding pupils at critical points, including GCSE options in Year 9 and A‑level choices in Year 11.

Lead and Inspire Your Team

• Coordinating and supporting Form Tutors and the Assistant Head of Year.
• Facilitating half‑termly tutor meetings and contributing to the whole-school wellbeing agenda.
• Playing a leading role in the development and delivery of our PSHE and SMSC programmes.

Drive Academic Progress

• Monitoring academic progress and achievements of individual pupils.
• Working closely with senior leaders during reporting cycles and parental consultations.
• Supporting transition to Sixth Form through close collaboration with senior colleagues.

Engage with the Wider School Community

• Attending co‑curricular events and celebrate pupils’ achievements.
• Being available during GCSE results week for your Year group.

 Teaching Responsibilities

Alongside your pastoral role, you will bring your subject expertise to the classroom by:

• Delivering inspiring lessons that promote curiosity, independence and confidence.
• Supporting every pupil to feel included, valued and challenged.
• Maintaining strong subject knowledge and embracing best pedagogical practice.
• Contributing to co‑curricular activities, school trips, departmental planning and whole‑school initiatives.

About You

Brings the Right Qualifications & Experience

• Holds a good honours degree.
• Ideally has QTS (desirable but not essential).
• Has experience within pastoral care and working collaboratively with colleagues.

Demonstrates Strong Skills

• Excellent organisational and communication abilities.
• Confidence in delivering engaging lessons across age groups.
• ICT proficiency and strong administrative skills.

Embodies the Right Personal Qualities

• Warm, approachable and able to build meaningful relationships.
• Committed to helping pupils flourish in every aspect of school life.
• A team player with integrity, enthusiasm and high professional standards.
• Reflective, imaginative and ambitious—for yourself and for the pupils you lead.

Why Join Us?

At Surbiton High School, you’ll be part of a community that values innovation, collaboration and exceptional pastoral care. We invest deeply in professional development and offer opportunities to grow your leadership practice through CPD and ongoing training.

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for further details. 

If you are passionate about guiding young people through some of the most significant stages of their school lives, we’d love to hear from you.

Surbiton High School holds a Skilled Worker sponsorship licence and, subject to all the relevant legal requirements being met, we would be willing to consider sponsorship for the successful candidate.

Surbiton High School is culturally diverse and fully committed to celebrating and respecting inclusion and diversity throughout our community.

Surbiton High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers, the Disclosure and Barring Service and online/social media searches.

Please note that the School reserves the right to appoint at any stage during the recruitment process.

For any queries relating to the role or your application, please email  recruitment@surbitonhigh.com