Head of Senior Years

This role is offered on a full-time permanent basis, and is available from August 2026.

£61,411 per annum (point C4 on EA promoted pay scale)

Working Hours: 35 hours per week

Location: Edinburgh

Closing Date: 19/04/2026

Department: Pastoral Care

Region / Division: Edinburgh Academy

The school prides itself on its warm and welcoming community, inclusive of all staff. Our teaching staff work alongside the operational teams to ensure the smooth running of the school. We value the contribution of all team members. Through involvement in the co-curricular programme all those who work with us can bring their passions to work. Developing our talent is important to us. Access to training and professional development is available and encouraged.

Our reward package includes:

• Generous Defined Contribution Pension Scheme
• Access to onsite gym
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee Benefits Programme, including discounted access to health insurance, financial well-being products, cycle to work and electric car schemes as well as discounts to a number of major retailers
• A three course lunch is provided during term time

We are seeking an inspirational and highly capable teacher and leader who is passionate about supporting young people at a crucial time in their education and development. The Head of Senior Years has responsibility for the pastoral and academic wellbeing of pupils in the Senior Years (6ths/S5 and 7ths/S6). Supported by Assistant Heads of Year—who hold direct leadership of individual year groups—the Head of Senior Years oversees all aspects of student life for pupils in S5 and S6. They will have a strong and visible presence across the Senior School, uphold high standards of behaviour and appearance and take responsibility for the smooth, day‑to‑day running of the Senior Years.

This is a pivotal leadership role that blends academic oversight with pastoral leadership. It would suit an experienced teacher with a wide-ranging skillset who can inspire young people, lead staff with clarity and empathy and use data intelligently to raise attainment and enhance pupil wellbeing.

The current post-holder is also the Child Protection Co-ordinator, working closely with the Deputy CPC, the Depute Rector (Student Life), Rector and all colleagues to safeguard young people’s wellbeing and safety.

Main Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Team Management: Lead, support and develop the Assistant Heads of Year and their team of Class Teachers/Tutors, using individual strengths to build a coherent and effective Senior Years team. Work collaboratively with the wider Pastoral Team to share ideas, solve problems and coordinate strategies across the school, including in the creation and delivery of the Pastoral Improvement Plan. Chair the Senior Years discussion at Academic/Pastoral Review Meetings and ensure robust follow‑up and feedback. Model professional standards and a solutions‑focused approach; contribute to assemblies, Class Teacher programmes and key Senior Years events.
• Pupil Progress, Curriculum and Tracking: Oversee the academic progress of Senior Years pupils, ensuring rigorous target‑setting, monitoring and review from entry to exit. Advise pupils and families on subject choices for S5/S6 (Highers and Advanced Highers) and suitable pathways, ensuring balanced programmes of study aligned to pupils’ aspirations. Work closely with the Deputy Rector (Academic) and Support for Learning to coordinate interventions, reasonable adjustments and enrichment opportunities. Use the school management information system, iSAMS, to track attainment, attendance and engagement; analyse trends, identify risk, and lead timely, evidence‑based action planning. Support academic routines specific to the Senior phase (e.g., prelim preparation, study skills, supported study, assessment calendars).
• Transitions, Admissions and Induction: Work with the Admissions Department on pupils joining the Senior Years, including inductions for external entrants and transition from 5ths (S4) into 6ths (S5). Coordinate information flow with the Junior/Middle Years and relevant colleagues to ensure continuity of support and expectations as pupils enter 6ths (S5). Where appropriate, this may include working with the Head of Careers to offer guidance to 3rds (S2) pupils selecting subjects at National 5; as well as to 5ths and 6ths (S4 and S5) pupils selecting Higher and Advanced Higher courses.
• Safeguarding, Wellbeing and Conduct: Liaise with the Deputy Rector (Student Life), the Child Protection Coordinator (CPC), Deputy CPC and, where required, outside agencies on wellbeing, safeguarding and, when necessary, child protection matters. Build productive links with parents, carers, outside agencies and organisations to support pupil progress and wellbeing. Monitor and maintain high standards of behaviour and appearance across Senior Years, with specific responsibility for pupil discipline in line with the School’s Positive Behaviour Policy.
• Co‑Curricular, Leadership and Wider Life: Oversee and encourage Senior Years involvement in co‑curricular activities; coordinate, publicise and monitor attendance at clubs, societies and activities. Work with the Director of Sport to support the physical wellbeing of Senior pupils. Seek out and promote opportunities for pupil leadership (e.g., Prefects, Captains, committees, mentoring, ambassador roles). Support the Mentoring Scheme, in which senior pupils mentor Geits (P7) and 2nds (S1), in liaison with the Junior Years Team and the Head of Support for Learning. Track and celebrate wider engagement, supporting the development of the four capacities—successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors. Develop an exciting 7ths (S6) ‘offer’ to ensure EA retains pupils and the confidence and support of families. This may include the curricular offer, events and other opportunities related to leadership and Character Education.
• Post‑School Pathways, Guidance and Destinations: Support post-school pathway and careers guidance within the QS context for S5/S6 and contribute to UCAS and other application processes (including college, apprenticeships and international routes), in collaboration with the relevant leads. Ensure effective references, predicted grades processes and timelines are met; contribute to Information Evenings and parent communications. Assist in the proof-reading and checking of UCAS personal statements and references.
• Communications and Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a key point of contact for parents and families regarding pastoral/academic oversight of Senior Years pupils. Liaise with Deputy Rectors, Support for Learning, other colleagues and, where necessary, outside agencies, throughout the year. Organise, manage, oversee and contribute to key school events, briefings and publications relevant to Senior Years.

Duties of All Teachers at The Edinburgh Academy:

• To plan, prepare and teach lessons to all assigned pupils according to their educational needs.
• To assess, record and report on the progress of pupils within the guidelines set out in the Staff Handbook.
• To engage with the wider School Curriculum in a manner consistent with the ethos of the School.
• To carry out such administrative and other routine tasks as are outlined in the Staff Handbook.
• To demonstrate a commitment to both individual professional development and to the developing curriculum in the School.
• To carry out any other duties and to assume any other responsibilities as the Rector shall from time-to-time reasonably request.
• To be conscious at all times of the importance of the external image of the School and to act in a professional and constructive manner with pupils, parents and external agencies.

The Ideal Candidate:

This is an important and demanding leadership role, central to the wellbeing, scholarship and overall development of pupils in the Senior Years. The successful candidate will set and maintain the highest standards in scholarship, pastoral care, commitment and discipline. Given the scope of the post, it is not expected that the post holder will concurrently hold another senior whole‑school appointment (e.g., Head of Department). The post would suit either an applicant seeking a significant promoted post for the first time, or a Head of Department wishing to develop in a new and challenging direction.

Essential Qualifications/Experience:

• A qualified and experienced teacher with GTCS registration.
• A proven track record of leadership (pastoral and/or academic) with high‑level administrative and communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of how to motivate, inspire and challenge young people to achieve their best academically and personally.
• An empathetic and knowledgeable pastoral leader with a strong understanding of child protection and wellbeing.
• Experience using iSAMS or other school databases and MIS.
• Experience of post-school pathway and careers guidance in particular within the QS curriculum and UCAS processes.
• Experience supporting subject choice for senior pupils and guiding coherent S5/S6 programmes.
• Confidence in data analysis and tracking to inform targeted interventions and school improvement.

The Edinburgh Academy is a fully co-educational school. The School consists of a Senior School, Junior School and a Nursery Department. The School is a member of HMC. The Edinburgh Academy moved to full co-education across the whole school in 2008. The Junior and Senior Schools are on separate sites, both of which have spacious grounds and sports facilities including extensive playing fields, an all-weather sports area, and a large Sports Hall and Centre.