The Head of House / Year (HoHY) will lead, develop, hold accountable and support a team of tutors and other staff to ensure the achievement, wellbeing and development of students in their Year Group and House. The HoHY will hold an additional responsibility for attendance across Years 7-11, working closely with the Inclusion Officer and other Heads of Year to ensure that barriers to attending school are identified early on and the provision for individual students is clearly mapped. 

The successful candidate will be a highly effective and inspirational leader, with the ability to build positive relationships with students, parents, carers, teaching staff and external partners. This role is central to the pastoral leadership of the school, supporting students to achieve high standards of behaviour, attendance, wellbeing and academic success.

The HoHY will lead and develop a strong House ethos, promoting a culture of aspiration, inclusion and achievement.

They will work closely with tutors, support staff and fellow Heads of House to ensure that every student is supported and challenged to reach their full potential, both within and beyond the classroom. The successful candidate will provide outstanding guidance and support to students, working collaboratively with families, subject leaders and pastoral colleagues.

They will monitor student progress, attendance and behaviour, implementing effective intervention strategies where required and ensuring that students have full access to the curriculum and wider school opportunities.

The HoHY will contribute to the strategic development of the school through the creation, implementation and evaluation of House Development Plans and self-evaluation processes. They will lead tutor teams, oversee tutor time provision, deliver assemblies and House events, and support the development of student leadership opportunities across the school community.

The successful candidate will contribute to staff development, mentoring and professional review processes, ensuring consistently high standards of pastoral care and student experience.

We are an ambitious and supportive school community, where staff contribute enthusiastically to all aspects of school life. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and motivated professional to make a significant impact on student outcomes and wellbeing while working as part of a dedicated and collaborative leadership team.

We are looking for the right person to fill this vacancy; you are looking for the right school to work in. The characteristics we are looking for include:

• Understanding of effective pastoral care and the factors that influence student wellbeing, attendance, behaviour and achievement.
• Experience of working with young people and supporting their personal, social and academic development.
• Able to establish high expectations and promote high standards of behaviour, attendance, engagement and conduct.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to prioritise workload and manage competing demands effectively.
• The ability to work calmly under pressure and make sound professional judgements in a busy school environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the confidence to build positive and productive relationships with students, parents, carers, staff and external agencies.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage constructively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience of monitoring student progress, attendance and wellbeing, and implementing appropriate support and intervention strategies.
• The ability to lead, motivate and support tutor teams and student leaders, fostering a positive and inclusive culture.
• A commitment to promoting student leadership, personal development and participation in the wider life of the school.
• Able to analyse information and use data to identify trends, monitor outcomes and support decision-making.
• Able to work collaboratively as part of a pastoral leadership team and contribute positively to whole-school improvement.
• Experience of working in a school, college or youth-focused setting is desirable.
• A high level of confidence and competence in the use of ICT and relevant software systems.
• The ability to work in a changing environment and respond positively to new challenges and initiatives.
• Committed to the ethos, vision and values of Wycombe High School.

Wycombe High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are required, before taking up post, to undertake a criminal record check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). HR will carry out an online search on shortlisted applicants.

Candidates for teaching and support staff posts will be assessed at interview for their suitability to work with children. Appointment is conditional upon at least two satisfactory references which include specific comments on working with children and young people.

All staff at the school have a responsibility to promote and safeguard the welfare of students at the school.