Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale F: £25,669 to £27,844 pro-rata per annum (Actual) (£28,598- £31,022 full time/full year equivalent)
Full Time: 37 hours per week
Working Weeks: 40 weeks
Assistant Head of Year - Championing Behaviour, Attendance and Student Achievement. This role will be based at Hethersett Academy, Queen's Road, Hethersett, Norwich, NR9 3DB. A September start is preferred, subject to completed onboarding checks.
As Assistant Head of Year at Hethersett Academy, you will play a key role in supporting the pastoral care, wellbeing, and behaviour of students within your assigned year group. You will work closely with the Head of Year, tutors, and the wider inclusion team to promote positive behaviour, improve attendance, and ensure all pupils are ready to learn and thrive. You will also liaise with parents, external agencies, and staff to provide timely support and interventions, contributing to a safe and inclusive school environment.
This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference in students’ lives by providing mentoring, supporting safeguarding, and helping pupils overcome challenges that affect their learning. You will also support school policies, participate in assemblies and year group activities, and play an active part in fostering a positive school ethos. Strong communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills are essential, along with a commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.
This role is intended for Year 8 at the outset but can be assigned to other year groups over years.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Support the Head of Year in promoting positive behaviour and enforcing school policies consistently.
- Mentor and coach pupils, providing interventions to address behavioural, emotional, or pastoral needs.
- Monitor attendance and punctuality, liaising with parents and the Attendance Officer to improve outcomes.
- Support the delivery of tutor time and year group activities, fostering a positive ethos.
- Work closely with safeguarding leads to identify and address welfare concerns, including DSL duties if trained.
- Liaise with parents, staff, and external agencies to provide timely support for pupils.
- Support pupils with SEND and additional needs, developing tailored interventions.
- Contribute to monitoring cycles, including pupil perception, learning walks, and progress tracking.
- Participate in rewards, assemblies, and school-wide initiatives to promote achievement and engagement.
- Uphold equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring all pupils feel safe and supported.
About You
The ideal candidate will be a highly professional and approachable individual with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to build positive relationships with pupils, parents, staff, and external agencies. They will have experience supporting pastoral care, behaviour management, and attendance initiatives, with the ability to mentor and intervene effectively with students. Strong organisational skills, resilience, and the ability to work independently are essential, along with a sound understanding of safeguarding, SEND, and equality, diversity, and inclusion. A proactive, solutions-focused approach and a commitment to helping all pupils achieve their potential are key qualities for success in this role.
Essential
- GCSEs in English and Maths (or equivalent) and a relevant Level 3 qualification.
- Experience building positive relationships with pupils, staff, parents, and the wider school community.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and organisational skills, with the ability to work independently and under pressure.
- Knowledge of behaviour management strategies, safeguarding procedures, and supporting pupils with additional needs.
- Ability to monitor pupil progress, provide constructive feedback, and contribute to a positive and inclusive learning environment.
Desirable
- Degree-level qualification.
- Experience of working in schools during Ofsted inspections.
- Ability to lead, motivate, and develop staff or pupils in individual or team settings.
- Knowledge of school curriculum, age-related expectations, and assessment frameworks.
- Commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.
We offer
- Generous annual leave, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with excellent employer contributions
- Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim-back options for healthcare costs *
- Cycle-to-work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology). *
- Free parking at most sites
- Personalised CPD and development programmes
- A structured and specific induction programme.
*Terms and conditions apply. Some benefits are only available following successfully passing probation.
Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities
Inspiration Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.
Assistant Head of Year in Norwich employer: Hethersett Academy
Hethersett Academy is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. With generous benefits such as access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, health plans, and personalised CPD opportunities, employees are empowered to grow professionally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of students with special educational needs. Located in a vibrant community, the academy prioritises collaboration and development, ensuring that every team member feels valued and equipped to succeed.