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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a year group through their educational journey.
- Company: Darwen Vale High School is a rapidly improving academy with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, exclusive discounts, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives in a supportive and ambitious environment.
- Qualifications: Strong interpersonal skills and a passion for inclusive education are essential.
- Other info: Join a team that values empathy, resilience, and integrity.
The predicted salary is between 28561 - 31861 £ per year.
Head of Year
Location : Blackburn with Darwen, UK
Salary : SCP 20-25 £28,561 – £31,861 Actual Pro Rata Salary
Education Phase : Secondary
Working Pattern : Full-Time
Contract Type : Permanent
Application Deadline : Sunday, 13th July 2025
About Us
Darwen Vale High School (DVHS) is an 11-18 academy, with a newly evolving sixth form which sits as part of collaboration with the two other Aldridge Education schools in the town: DACA and DAES. The school s students are drawn not only from Darwen, but also from neighbouring Blackburn, and around 30% of students qualify for free school meals.
DVHS opened in redesigned and refurbished buildings in September 2012 and has grown from year groups of 150 to 240. It is widely recognised as a school which has seen rapid improvements in recent years. Student achievement has improved significantly and as a result, the school has been oversubscribed for the past several years.
In addition, following a recent Ofsted inspection, Darwen Vale has been given a Good rating in all areas, a great achievement, and one which Aldridge and the whole DVHS team are very proud of. The school\’s motto – We aim high. We work hard. We care. We are Vale. – embodies the commitment of the community of staff, students and parents to ensuring the school continues to go from strength to strength.
Join us as Head of Year!
Are you ready to lead, inspire, and support a year group through their most important school years
At Darwen Vale High School, we are looking for an exceptional Head of Year to join our pastoral team. This is a unique opportunity to lead, mentor, and inspire a year group through a crucial stage of their educational journey.
What We re Looking For:
- A strong Head of Year with excellent interpersonal skills
- Experience of or enthusiasm for pastoral support
- Someone who believes in inclusive, ambitious education for all
- A role model who can lead with empathy, resilience, and integrity
Benefits
Join the Aldridge Education Family!
Looking for a fulfilling career with great benefits Here s why working for Aldridge Education is the right choice for you:
- Aldridge Benefits Scheme in Partnership with Sodexo 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 wellbeing 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.
- Good local transport links Local train and bus links
- Staff Recognition Aldridge Appreciates
- 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 onboard
Apply now and help shape the future of our young people.
When you click apply you will be re-directed to our careers site where you can complete your application. To apply for our roles, you must use a laptop, tablet, or computer. Mobile phones are not supported for submitting applications.
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Head of Year. Job in Lower Darwen Education & Training Jobs employer: Aldridge Education
Contact Detail:
Aldridge Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Year. Job in Lower Darwen Education & Training Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the ethos and values of Darwen Vale High School. Understanding their motto, 'We aim high. We work hard. We care. We are Vale.', will help you align your approach and demonstrate how you embody these principles during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff members at DVHS or within the Aldridge Education family. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the school's culture and expectations for the Head of Year role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your pastoral support experience. Highlight instances where you've successfully led a team or mentored students, showcasing your interpersonal skills and commitment to inclusive education.
✨Tip Number 4
Research recent Ofsted reports and school achievements. Being knowledgeable about the school's progress and challenges will allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to their ongoing success as Head of Year.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Year. Job in Lower Darwen Education & Training Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Head of Year position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these requirements.
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that reflects your passion for education and pastoral support. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate your leadership qualities and commitment to inclusive education.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail any previous roles or experiences that relate to pastoral care, mentoring, or leadership in an educational setting. This will show your suitability for the role and your ability to inspire students.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a leadership role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aldridge Education
✨Show Your Passion for Education
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working in education and your commitment to supporting students. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted students' lives in the past.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head of Year, you'll need to showcase your leadership abilities. Prepare to discuss your experience in leading teams or initiatives, and how you can inspire both students and staff to achieve their best.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Support
Highlight your understanding of inclusive education and how you plan to support all students, especially those who may face challenges. Be ready to share strategies you've used to create an inclusive environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that present hypothetical situations related to pastoral care. Think about how you would handle various scenarios, such as conflict resolution among students or supporting a student in crisis.
