At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head of Year in managing student behaviour, attendance, and academic progress.
- Company: Join Darwen Vale High School, a community focused on excellence and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and exclusive discounts through our Aldridge Benefits Scheme.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values high aspirations and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while building a rewarding career in education.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience with young people.
Location: Blackburn with Darwen, UK
Salary: SPC 11-15 £24,826 - 26,486.85 (Actual Pro Rata Salary)
Contract Type: Permanent
Education Phases: Secondary
Job Roles: Pastoral Health And Welfare
Working Patterns: Full-Time
Application Deadline: Sunday, 31st May 2026
About the School: Darwen Vale High School is more than its recent Ofsted recognition; it is a community built on shared vision and ambition. Guided by the Aldridge principle of “no child left behind”, DVHS strives to be a beacon of excellence in Darwen. “We champion a safe, inclusive culture of high aspirations and achievement, where everyone is inspired to excel and take pride in all they do. By promoting responsibility, independent thinking and respect for diversity, we prepare learners to thrive as outstanding members of our community.”
Our Vale Values:
- We Aim High
- We Work Hard
- We Care
These values shape everything we do, ensuring every student receives an excellent education and is ready for the wider world.
About the Role: Join Our Team as an Assistant Head of Year! We are recruiting for 2 Assistant Heads of Year; one is permanent and the other a 12 Month Fixed Term Contract. The aim of the role is to support the Head of Year in managing the year group, promoting high standards of behaviour, attendance, and academic progress. The Assistant Head of Year will contribute to students’ personal development and wellbeing, assist in implementing pastoral initiatives, and work collaboratively with staff, parents, and external agencies to ensure a positive and supportive learning environment.
Who we are Looking For:
- Confident, calm, and approachable individuals
- Ability to manage groups of students effectively
- Strong communication and organisational skills
- Previous experience in a school or working with young people is a plus – but not essential!
We welcome applications from all sections of the community and particularly encourage applications from underrepresented demographics.
Person specifications Essential Requirements:
- GCSE’s in English and Mathematics at level 4 or above
- NVQ Level 3 for Teaching Assistants or equivalent qualification or experience
- Experience of working with young people
- Experience of dealing with challenging students
- Are looking to build and grow a career in an educational setting
- Full working knowledge and understanding of the national curriculum and other basic programs/strategic processes and barriers to learning, including behaviour management strategies
- Understanding of the principles of child development and learning processes
Key Benefits of working for Aldridge Education:
- Aldridge Benefits Scheme – Enjoy exclusive offers and discounts tailored just for you!
- Cycle to Work Scheme – Save money and stay fit with our bike-friendly benefits.
- Employee Assistance Programme – Your well-being matters! Access free, confidential support whenever you need it.
- Flexible Working Opportunities – Balance work and life with flexibility that suits you.
- Free On-Site Parking – No more hunting for parking, we’ve got your spot covered.
- Generous Annual Leave – Start with a great holiday allowance, and it gets even better after 5 years!
- Pension Schemes – Secure your future with access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Refer a Friend Scheme – Know someone who would love it here? Earn rewards by bringing them on board!
To Apply: If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Aldridge Education, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.
Assistant Head of Year employer: Aldridge Education
Darwen Vale High School, part of Aldridge Education, is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work environment, dedicated to the personal and professional growth of its staff. With a strong emphasis on high aspirations and achievement, employees benefit from flexible working opportunities, generous annual leave, and a comprehensive benefits scheme, all while contributing to a community-focused educational setting in Blackburn with Darwen. Join us to make a meaningful impact on students' lives and thrive in a culture that values care, hard work, and ambition.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Head of Year
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Darwen Vale High School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the school culture and what they really value in candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions. Think about how your experiences align with their values of aiming high, working hard, and caring. We want to show them we’re a perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for education! During the interview, share specific examples of how you’ve positively impacted students’ lives. This will help us stand out as someone who truly cares about their development.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can keep us fresh in their minds and shows our enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s just good manners!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Head of Year
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with young people shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives and how you align with our Vale Values.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Mention any past roles or experiences that relate directly to the Assistant Head of Year position, so we can see why you're the perfect fit!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to understand your qualifications and motivations.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you have all the latest information about the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aldridge Education
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with Darwen Vale High School's values: Aim High, Work Hard, and Care. Think about how these principles resonate with your own experiences and be ready to share examples of how you embody these values in your work with students.
✨Showcase Your Pastoral Skills
As an Assistant Head of Year, you'll be supporting students' personal development and wellbeing. Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed challenging situations or supported young people. This will demonstrate your capability in handling the pastoral aspects of the role.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication skills are essential for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend or family member to get comfortable discussing your qualifications and experiences.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Use this opportunity to show your interest in the school and the role. Ask about the school's approach to behaviour management or how they support staff in their professional development. This shows you're engaged and serious about contributing to the team.
