At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Heads of Year to improve student outcomes and engagement.
- Company: Benfield School, part of the NEAT Academy Trust, focused on nurturing young people.
- Benefits: Professional development, flexible working, and discounts at national retailers.
- Other info: Join a supportive community dedicated to transforming education in the North East.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and help them achieve their aspirations.
- Qualifications: Experience with young people in education and strong ICT skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are seeking to appoint a Senior Assistant Head of Year from September 2026 with experience of working with young people within education to support our Heads of Year to achieve the school's priorities. You’ll focus on ensuring improved outcomes for pupils and their families, including improved progress, attendance, punctuality, Behaviour for Learning and Attitudes to learning.
The successful candidate should have:
- Relevant experience of working with children or young people within secondary education or be able to offer evidence of ability to succeed in this role.
- Good understanding and knowledge of strategies to overcome barriers to learning and engagement for young people.
- Excellent ICT skills and a clear understanding of data used to drive school improvement particularly attendance and Behaviour.
- A willingness to constructively challenge the work of self to continually improve.
This post is full time, 37 hours per week, permanent and term time only plus 5 training days. Benfield School is a fully inclusive 11-16 school with a distinct ethos and a strong sense of support and loyalty. Excellent relationships between students and staff and a purposeful learning environment is evident in lessons and around the modernised site. With this foundation, students have a strong platform to be confident, happy and are able to achieve their aspirations.
Our school is one of eight primary and secondary schools within the NEAT Academy Trust family of schools. At the heart of our trust is the aim to nurture, educate, achieve and transform the lives of all young people within the communities we serve across the North East. We have a national research school, which aims to build and strengthen networks of schools throughout the region and help them access effective education research and implement it in everyday practice.
In return we offer:
- Great opportunities for continuing professional development and a career pathway across our trust.
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), delivered by Health Assured – the UK and Ireland's leading wellbeing provider.
- Cycle to work scheme offering savings on a range of bikes and safety equipment via salary sacrifice.
- Access to free eye tests for DSE users.
- Opportunities for flexible working.
- Discounts for large national retailers and local businesses in a wide range of categories including holidays, cars, days out, fashion, insurance and much more.
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme which the trust also contributes to on your behalf.
- Recognition of previous service with other schools, academies, local government etc.
- Family friendly schemes such as maternity, paternity, shared parental and emergency dependent leave.
NEAT is committed to safer recruitment practice and promoting the welfare of children and expects staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This position is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and a satisfactory Enhanced DBS from the Disclosure and Barring Service is required as part of pre-employment checks. For shortlisted candidates, we will conduct an online search as part of our screening.
Senior Assistant Head of Year Benfield School in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Neat Academy Trust
Benfield School is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for both staff and students. With a strong emphasis on professional development and a commitment to the well-being of its employees, the school offers numerous benefits including access to an Employee Assistance Programme, flexible working opportunities, and a comprehensive pension scheme. Located within the NEAT Academy Trust, Benfield School provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people in the North East, all while being part of a collaborative and forward-thinking educational community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Assistant Head of Year Benfield School in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, especially those who might know someone at Benfield School. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s ethos and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission to support young people. Tailor your examples to highlight your understanding of improving outcomes for pupils.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend or mentor to do a mock interview with you. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and boost your confidence when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Assistant Head of Year Benfield School in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with young people in education. We want to see how your skills align with our school’s priorities, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your ICT Skills:Since excellent ICT skills are a must, be sure to mention any specific tools or software you’re familiar with. We love candidates who can use data effectively to drive school improvement, so give us the details!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Barriers to Learning:We’re looking for someone who understands the challenges young people face. Share examples of strategies you’ve used to overcome these barriers and engage students. This will show us you’re ready to make a real impact!
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 this exciting opportunity at Benfield School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Neat Academy Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the Senior Assistant Head of Year role. Brush up on strategies for improving attendance, behaviour, and engagement. Being able to discuss specific examples from your experience will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but have successfully implemented them.
✨Showcase Your ICT Skills
Since excellent ICT skills are a must, be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive school improvement in the past. Bring examples of how you’ve leveraged technology to enhance learning outcomes or manage student information effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Inclusion
Benfield School values inclusivity, so highlight your experience working with diverse groups of students. Share specific instances where you’ve overcome barriers to learning and how you’ve supported students from various backgrounds to achieve their potential.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the school's ethos and how they support staff development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school’s values align with yours. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage in a meaningful conversation during the interview.
