At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire students while enhancing their educational and pastoral experience.
- Company: The City of Leicester College, a vibrant multi-cultural community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, healthcare benefits, supportive environment, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to improving life chances for every young person.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on students' lives and shape their future.
- Qualifications: Experience in a pastoral setting with strong emotional intelligence and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 31345 - 33831 € per year.
We are seeking to appoint a passionate, ambitious, and innovative Head of Year to lead and enhance the educational and pastoral experience of a cohort of students within Key Stage 3 or Key Stage 4.
This is an exceptional opportunity for the successful candidate to shape not only the journey of a year group but also to lead and inspire a team of Form Tutors. The role offers the chance to make a measurable and lasting impact on both the academic achievement and personal development of every student in your care.
Start Date: 20 August 2026
Term: Permanent (You are required to complete a 26 working weeks probation period before the appointment is confirmed)
Hours: 37 hours per week / 40 weeks (Term time + 2 weeks)
Working Day: Monday to Thursday, 8:00am to 4:00pm and Friday - 8:00am to 3:30pm (times are non-negotiable)
Grade: LG Grade 7, SCP 19-22
Actual salary: £31,345.55 - £33,831.10
Who are we looking for? This is a challenging yet deeply rewarding role, offering the right candidate an outstanding opportunity to play a pivotal part in navigating the day-to-day demands of a secondary school while making a meaningful and lasting impact on students’ lives. We are seeking an individual with experience in a pastoral setting who is driven, proactive, and able to demonstrate initiative. The successful candidate will possess a high level of emotional intelligence, enabling them to support students on a one-to-one basis, while also having the confidence, presence, and communication skills to positively engage and inspire a full year group.
We welcome applicants who share our belief that every member of our diverse community deserves the very best. The successful candidate will:
- Contribute to embedding our shared vision and ethos across all aspects of college life
- Serve as a TCOLC Character role model, exemplifying our four pillars: Intellectual, Moral, Community, and Performance
- Ensure students are well supported to develop the knowledge, resilience, and behaviours required to thrive—even in the face of challenge
- Demonstrate a genuine passion for working in an inclusive, multi-faith and multicultural environment, recognising the importance of engaging parents, carers, and community leaders in students’ education
- Uphold the highest standards of safeguarding, always acting in the best interests of children
- Work collaboratively as an effective team player, contributing positively across the college
- Show strong motivation and a commitment to ongoing professional development
The City of Leicester College is a thriving multi-cultural 11-19 college, with nearly 1600 students on roll, which includes a highly successful sixth form of 250+. Whilst we are one of the largest schools in the city, we maintain a distinct identity and prioritise the health and well-being of our staff and students alike. In recent years, we have made huge changes to ensure that ambition sits at the heart of everything we do. The changes we have made to curriculum, behaviour and personal development programs have seen us deliver the best exam results we have ever had by some considerable margin.
What we can offer:
- A stimulating and rewarding inner city environment, serving a diverse, multi cultural and multi faith community
- A school with genuine ambition, where we are committed to improving life chances for every young person we serve
- A supportive induction programme, ensuring you feel welcomed, prepared and confident in your role
- A fantastic, well resourced and inspiring learning environment, designed to support excellent teaching and learning
- Committed, enthusiastic and creative staff and students, who work together to achieve exceptional outcomes
- A friendly, collaborative and supportive working culture, where staff teamwork and collective success are highly valued
- Access to high quality technology and digital resources to support your work effectively
- Staff healthcare benefits through Bupa, supporting wellbeing and peace of mind
- RAC vehicle cover, providing practical support beyond the workplace
- A ‘Cycle to Work’ scheme, promoting healthy and sustainable travel
- Eligibility for a Blue Light Card, offering a wide range of national discounts
Closing date for applications: The closing date for this position is 9:00am on Friday 12th June 2026. Interested candidates are advised to apply as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the specified deadline if a suitable candidate is found. Interviews will be held in the following week, but may take place sooner. References will be sought from the short-listed candidates nominated referees prior to interview.
Safeguarding Statement: The City of Leicester College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is eligible for a DBS check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is defined as regulated activity under Part 1 of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006. This post is designated as a regulated activity and requires enhanced criminal records check for a regulated activity (including a barred list check).
Head of Year employer: Cityleicester
The City of Leicester College is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff within a vibrant, multicultural environment. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and ambition, employees benefit from a supportive induction programme, access to high-quality resources, and a collaborative work culture that values teamwork and collective success. This role as Head of Year offers the unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on students' lives while enjoying comprehensive healthcare benefits and initiatives that promote a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Year
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on The City of Leicester College. Check out their website and social media to understand their values and ethos. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your storytelling skills! Think about your past experiences in pastoral settings and how they relate to the role of Head of Year. Prepare some anecdotes that highlight your emotional intelligence and ability to inspire students. We want to hear how you've made a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with the interviewers! During the interview, don’t just answer questions—ask them too! Show your enthusiasm by inquiring about their vision for the role and how you can contribute. This demonstrates your proactive nature and commitment to the school's mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and reinforces your interest in the position. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Year
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how passionate you are about enhancing the educational experience for students. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in a pastoral setting.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the job description. Highlight your experience with Key Stage 3 or 4 and how it aligns with our vision at The City of Leicester College. We love seeing candidates who understand our ethos!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cityleicester
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of Head of Year inside and out. Familiarise yourself with the school's ethos, values, and recent achievements. This will help you demonstrate your passion for the position and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to the school community.
✨Showcase Your Pastoral Experience
Be ready to discuss your experience in a pastoral setting. Think of specific examples where you've supported students, managed challenges, or led initiatives that improved student wellbeing. This will highlight your emotional intelligence and ability to connect with students on a personal level.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
During the interview, don’t just answer questions—engage with your interviewers. Ask them about their experiences at the college and how they see the role evolving. This shows that you’re not only interested in the job but also in being part of the team and contributing to the school's future.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and approach to student support. Prepare by thinking through potential challenges you might face as a Head of Year and how you would handle them. This will demonstrate your proactive mindset and readiness for the role.
