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- Tasks: Support the Head of Year in managing student behaviour and promoting academic progress.
- Company: Join the vibrant community at Darwen Vale High School, committed to excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and exclusive discounts through our Aldridge Benefits Scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal development and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while building a rewarding career in education.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, experience with young people preferred but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Blackburn with Darwen, UK
Salary: SPC 11-15 ÂŁ (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:
Looking for a fulfilling career with great perks? Here’s why working for Aldridge Education is the right choice for you:
- 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 in Darwen employer: Aldridge Education
Contact Detail:
Aldridge Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Head of Year in Darwen
✨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 all about those Vale Values!
✨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 personal development and wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. Let’s remind them why we’re the perfect fit for the Assistant Head of Year role!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Head of Year in Darwen
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for education and working with young people shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in students' lives!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and goals of Darwen Vale High School. Highlight your experiences that align with our mission of 'no child left behind' and how you can contribute to our community.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically so we can easily see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to access all the details about the role and our school.
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. Reflect on 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 contributed to a positive learning environment. This will demonstrate your capability in pastoral care.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider preparing a few questions to ask the interviewers about their approach to student welfare and behaviour management, showing your interest and engagement.
✨Understand the Role's Requirements
Review the job description thoroughly and make sure you understand the key responsibilities of the Assistant Head of Year. Be prepared to discuss how your qualifications and experiences align with these requirements, particularly your understanding of child development and behaviour management strategies.