At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire students as Head of Year, fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Company: Avonbourne Boys' and Girls' Academies, part of United Learning, dedicated to student success.
- Benefits: Exceptional salary, Teachers’ Pension scheme, personal days, and health care cash plan.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team in beautiful Dorset with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for education, strong leadership skills, and commitment to our REACH values.
The predicted salary is between 41000 - 51000 £ per year.
About the school Avonbourne Boys' and Girls' Academies are two 11-16 secondary schools based in East Bournemouth where students share a campus and are taught in predominantly single sex classes. When students reach our onsite United Sixth Form, mixed classes are reinstated. We believe this diamond model of education recognises that as boys and girls reach their teenage years, they approach their learning differently allowing us to get the most out of every student. We have close links with Avonwood Primary School, a standalone primary facility based next door to our Academies. Disruption‑free teaching is the promise at Avonbourne with the notion of continuous improvement underpinning all we do.
The Academies advocate a coaching culture, where teachers develop as reflective practitioners, utilising shared best practice and evidence‑based teaching and learning initiatives. In‑house CPD is extensive and high quality and compliments numerous external CPD opportunities within United Learning and through nationally recognised training and qualifications. Pastoral care is superb, with a highly trained team that is morally driven and extremely effective. We encourage students to develop their skills through the provision of educational opportunities which enable young minds to play a part in creating a future which has opportunities for all and encourages aspiration and determination. Our REACH values of Respect, Equality, Ambition, Community and Hard Work & Determination underpin all aspects of academy life for staff and students.
Avonbourne Boys' and Girls' Academies benefit from working closely with The Cornerstone, Glenmoor and Winton Academies, as part of the United Learning Bournemouth and Poole cluster. We work as a team and achieve more, by sharing, than any single school could. We are #AVBProud and look forward to showing you around our Academies. Avonbourne Boys' and Girls' Academies are part of United Learning, a large, and growing, group of schools aiming to offer a life‑changing education to children and young people across England. United Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Job details Salary: United Learning Scale with a TLR 1 (£10,173) Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 14th June 2026 This is an excellent opportunity for someone wishing to further develop their career in a Head of Year role.
What we are looking for
- Someone who passionately believes that all children can achieve, no matter what their starting point, background or needs.
- Someone that does not make excuses for what children can achieve.
- Aligned to our REACH values of Respect, Equality, Ambition, Community, and Hard Work & Determination, and committed to modelling these character strengths in everyday practice.
- Someone who understands the importance of building character as well as knowledge, helping students become confident, responsible, and resilient young people.
- Aligned to our values and mission.
- If you are the type of person who fits with our culture, you will love working here.
- Able to motivate staff and students.
- Highly motivated and ready for the challenge a Head of Year role presents.
- Wider interest in the leadership requirements of a school.
- The ability to contribute positively to the requirements of a middle leadership role.
- Enjoys being part of a hardworking and supportive staff team.
What we offer
- An exceptional salary, above the maintained sector.
- Enrollment to the Teachers’ Pension scheme.
- One personal day every academic year.
- Teaching staff have one flexi period a fortnight.
- Free onsite car park.
- Access to our health care cash plan and rewards scheme, Westfield, after six months service.
- Disruption-free learning and a ‘warm‑strict’ behaviour system.
- Collaborative planning with centralised, shared units of work and resources.
- Opportunity to teach up to A Level.
- A feedback policy focused on whole class feedback – no onerous marking policies.
- A centralised homework system at KS3 – you do not need to mark KS3 homework.
- Centralised detentions, including homework detentions (you do not need to organise/run/chase them at all).
- No formal graded lesson observations – just ongoing ‘no‑stakes’ feedback, helping you to continuously develop.
- Excellent ongoing CPD, career development and promotion opportunities across the United Learning Bournemouth and Poole academy cluster.
- Up to 9 INSET days per year, dedicated to subject knowledge development and planning/resource development.
- An unrivalled professional progression model to enable great teachers to remain in the classroom via our Lead Practitioner (LP) and Specialist Leaders of Education (SLE) routes and/or progression routes to middle and senior leadership.
- A very pleasant location in beautiful Dorset.
All positions are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online check. Avonbourne Academies are an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants.
Note We reserve the right to interview and offer to a strong candidate prior to the closing date.
Contact For more information about this role or to arrange a visit please contact: recruitment@avonbourneacademy.org.uk
Head of Year in Bournemouth employer: Avonbourne-Boys
Avonbourne Boys' and Girls' Academies is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises professional development and the well-being of both staff and students. With extensive in-house CPD opportunities, a commitment to safeguarding, and a focus on character building aligned with our REACH values, employees can thrive in a nurturing environment while enjoying competitive benefits such as an exceptional salary, flexible working arrangements, and a beautiful location in Dorset.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Year in Bournemouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Avonbourne Academies. Understand their REACH values and think about how you can align your experiences with them. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to fit in.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your storytelling! When you're in the interview, share specific examples of how you've motivated students or staff in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep it structured and impactful.
✨Tip Number 3
Ask insightful questions! Prepare some thoughtful questions about the school's approach to pastoral care or CPD opportunities. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can make a lasting impression. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in joining the team at Avonbourne.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Year in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for education shine through! Talk about why you believe all children can achieve and how you embody our REACH values in your teaching.
Be Specific:Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate how you've motivated students and staff. This helps us see how you align with our culture and the challenges of a Head of Year role.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to reflect the unique aspects of Avonbourne Academies. Mention our diamond model of education and how you can contribute to our coaching culture.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Avonbourne-Boys
✨Know the REACH Values
Familiarise yourself with the REACH values of Respect, Equality, Ambition, Community, and Hard Work & Determination. Be ready to discuss how you embody these values in your teaching and leadership style, as they are central to the culture at Avonbourne Academies.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Education
Demonstrate your belief that all children can achieve, regardless of their background or needs. Prepare examples from your experience where you've motivated students to overcome challenges and succeed, aligning with the school's ethos.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Year, you'll need to motivate both staff and students. Think of specific instances where you've successfully led a team or initiative, and be ready to share how you can contribute positively to the middle leadership role.
✨Prepare Questions About Continuous Improvement
Since the school emphasises disruption-free teaching and continuous improvement, come prepared with insightful questions about their coaching culture and CPD opportunities. This shows your commitment to professional growth and aligns with their focus on reflective practice.
