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, wellbeing support, flexible working, and discounts at retailers.
- Other info: Join a supportive community with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and help them achieve their aspirations.
- Qualifications: Experience in secondary education and strong ICT skills required.
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. 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 - Student Outcomes Leader 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, employees benefit from tailored career pathways, access to wellbeing resources, and a range of family-friendly policies. Located within the NEAT Academy Trust, our school offers a collaborative culture that prioritises the growth and success of young people in the North East, making it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Assistant Head of Year - Student Outcomes Leader in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, attend local events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its values. Understand their priorities around student outcomes and think of examples from your experience that align with their goals. This will show them you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to improving attendance and behaviour. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements.
✨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, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in students' lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Assistant Head of Year - Student Outcomes Leader in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Education:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with young people shine through. Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to improving student outcomes and how you’ve made a difference in previous roles.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don’t just list your past jobs; dive into the details! Talk about your relevant experience in secondary education, focusing on how you've tackled barriers to learning and engagement. Use examples that demonstrate your understanding of strategies that work.
Highlight Your ICT Skills:Since excellent ICT skills are a must, make sure to mention any relevant tools or software you’re familiar with. Explain how you’ve used data to drive improvements in attendance and behaviour, showcasing your analytical side.
Tailor Your Application:Take the time to tailor your application to our school’s ethos and values. Show us that you understand what we’re about and how you can contribute to our mission. And remember, applying through our website is the best way to get your application in front of us!
How to prepare for a job interview at NEAT Active Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of strategies to overcome barriers to learning and engagement for young people. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience that demonstrate how you've successfully supported students in these areas.
✨Data is Key
Since the role involves understanding data to drive school improvement, come prepared with examples of how you've used data in previous roles. Whether it's tracking attendance or behaviour, be ready to explain how you’ve leveraged this information to make impactful changes.
✨Show Your Passion
This position is all about improving outcomes for pupils and their families, so let your passion for education shine through. Share stories that highlight your commitment to student success and how you’ve made a difference in their lives.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the school’s ethos. You might want to ask about their current initiatives for improving student outcomes or how they support staff development.
