We are seeking an exceptional, proactive and student-centred Head of Year to join our pastoral team. The successful candidate will lead and manage the pastoral care, wellbeing, behaviour and progress of a designated year group, with responsibility for either Year 7 or Year 11, depending on experience, strengths and skill set.

This is a rewarding opportunity for an individual who is passionate about supporting young people to thrive academically, socially and emotionally, while working collaboratively with families, staff and external agencies to ensure every student achieves their full potential.

The Role

As Head of Year, you will play a key role in leading the daily pastoral life of your year group, fostering a positive culture of high expectations, inclusion, attendance, wellbeing and achievement.

You will:

Leadership and Pastoral Support

• Lead and oversee all aspects of daily school life for your allocated year group.
• Develop and implement an effective programme of tutor activities, assemblies and pastoral initiatives through a team of tutors and pastoral staff.
• Lead, support and work collaboratively with form tutors to ensure consistent pastoral care and high standards.
• Monitor and analyse attendance, punctuality, behaviour and pastoral data, implementing targeted interventions to improve outcomes.
• Champion students’ social, emotional and academic wellbeing, working closely with colleagues and external agencies where appropriate.
• Work alongside the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to promote safeguarding and support vulnerable students within the year group.
• Promote positive behaviour, high expectations and a culture where students take responsibility for their learning and conduct.

Behaviour, Welfare and Student Support

• Investigate behaviour incidents and pastoral concerns, gathering information, meeting with students and communicating outcomes effectively.
• Liaise with parents/carers, staff and external professionals to support students and resolve concerns.
• Monitor incidents of bullying, maintain accurate records and lead interventions where needed.
• Develop and review individual support plans, including Behaviour Plans, Education Plans and Pastoral Support Plans.
• Support the administration and implementation of school behaviour systems, including detentions where required.
• Maintain accurate pastoral records and contribute to the ongoing review and improvement of systems and processes.
• Help maintain a calm, purposeful and supportive learning environment.

Transition and Student Progression

• Support smooth transition arrangements for students entering or moving between key stages, particularly for Year 7 or Year 11 cohorts.
• Work collaboratively with data and learning support teams to identify student needs and support effective transition planning.
• Ensure appropriate support is in place for students requiring additional intervention.

Wider School Contribution

• Support and help organise year group events, rewards programmes, trips and celebration assemblies.
• Oversee aspects of in-year admissions processes where required.
• Supervise students beyond lesson times as necessary.
• Accompany and support educational visits and extracurricular activities.
• Attend and contribute to meetings, reviews and training relevant to the role.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience working with young people in a secondary school setting.
• Demonstrates strong pastoral leadership and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Can build positive relationships with students, families, colleagues and external agencies.
• Is highly organised, resilient and able to manage competing priorities.
• Has experience using school information systems and Microsoft Office applications (e.g. Arbor, SIMS, CPOMS or equivalent).
• Understands safeguarding responsibilities and is committed to promoting student welfare.
• Has the ability to inspire, motivate and support students to succeed.