At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Heads of Year to enhance student outcomes and engagement.
- Company: Benfield School, part of the NEAT Academy Trust, focused on nurturing young people.
- Benefits: Professional development, flexible working, discounts, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team 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 33000 - 43000 £ 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. The role focuses on improving outcomes for pupils and their families, including 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 evidence of the 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 self to continually improve.
This post is full time, 37 hours per week, permanent, term‑time only plus 5 training days. Benfield School is a fully inclusive 11–16 school with a distinct ethos and strong sense of support and loyalty. Excellent relationships between students and staff and a purposeful learning environment are evident in lessons and around the modernised site. This foundation gives students a strong platform to be confident, happy and able to achieve their aspirations.
Our school is one of eight primary and secondary schools within the NEAT Academy Trust family. At the heart of our trust is the aim to nurture, educate, achieve and transform the lives of all young people in the communities we serve across the North East. We have a national research school that aims to build and strengthen networks of schools throughout the region and help them access effective educational 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 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 in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: NEAT Active Ltd
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 wellbeing of its employees, the school offers numerous benefits including flexible working options, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, and a comprehensive pension scheme. Located within the NEAT Academy Trust, Benfield School provides a unique opportunity to be part of a collaborative network aimed at transforming the lives of young people in the North East.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Assistant Head of Year in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, attend local events, and join online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its ethos. Understand their priorities and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as someone who truly gets what they're about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring examples of how you've improved outcomes for pupils in previous roles. Whether it's attendance, behaviour, or engagement, having concrete evidence will make you a strong candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. 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 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 to drive improvement, so give us examples of how you've done this in the past.
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Barriers to Learning:We’re looking for someone who understands the challenges young people face. Share your strategies for overcoming these barriers and how you’ve successfully engaged students in the past. This will really make your application stand out!
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 role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at NEAT Active Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a Senior Assistant Head of Year. 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 role, but ready to take it on.
✨Showcase Your ICT Skills
Since excellent ICT skills are a must, be prepared to talk about your experience with data management and how you've used technology to drive school improvement. Bring examples of how you've leveraged data to enhance student outcomes, especially in areas like attendance and behaviour.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Inclusion
Benfield School values inclusivity, so highlight your experience working with diverse groups of young people. Share stories that illustrate your ability to 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 the NEAT Academy Trust's vision. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you. It’s also a great way to demonstrate your willingness to engage and contribute to the school community.
