At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support the pastoral care of a year group, enhancing student wellbeing and engagement.
- Company: Welcoming secondary school in Leeds with a strong focus on inclusion and support.
- Benefits: Collaborative environment, ongoing professional development, and clear career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Strong pastoral systems and leadership support available.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young people's lives and help them thrive academically and personally.
- Qualifications: Experience with young people in education; QTS desirable but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 £ per year.
Location: Secondary School, Leeds
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
About the Opportunity
We are currently working with a welcoming and inclusive secondary school in Leeds who are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and dedicated Head of Year to join their pastoral leadership team from September 2026. This is an exciting opportunity for a committed pastoral professional to take on a key leadership role, supporting the personal development, wellbeing, attendance, and behaviour of a designated year group. The successful candidate will play a vital role in ensuring every student is supported to thrive both academically and personally.
The Role
As Head of Year, you will be responsible for leading and managing the pastoral care of a year group, ensuring high standards of behaviour, attendance, and student engagement. You will work closely with tutors, senior leaders, safeguarding teams, parents/carers, and external agencies to remove barriers to learning and raise aspirations.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the pastoral support and progress of a designated year group
- Monitoring and improving attendance, behaviour, and engagement
- Building strong, positive relationships with students and families
- Coordinating targeted interventions to support wellbeing and achievement
- Working collaboratively with staff across the school to promote consistency
- Supporting key events, transitions, and whole-school pastoral initiatives
- Promoting a culture of high expectations, inclusion, and respect
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for someone who is:
- Experienced in working with young people in a secondary education setting
- Confident in managing behaviour and supporting pastoral development
- Skilled in building strong relationships with students, families, and staff
- Calm, resilient, and solution-focused in approach
- Passionate about improving outcomes for young people
- Committed to safeguarding and promoting student wellbeing
- QTS is desirable but not essential depending on experience
What’s on Offer
- A supportive and collaborative school environment
- Strong pastoral systems and leadership support
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
- A rewarding opportunity to make a real impact on young people’s lives
- Clear pathways for career progression within pastoral and leadership roles
Safeguarding
All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references. The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role.
Pastoral Lead / Head of Year in Leeds employer: Protocol Education Ltd
Join a supportive and inclusive secondary school in Leeds as a Head of Year, where you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' lives. With strong pastoral systems, ongoing professional development, and clear pathways for career progression, this role offers a collaborative work culture that values the wellbeing and personal growth of both students and staff. Embrace the chance to lead a dedicated team in fostering a positive environment that promotes high expectations and respect.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastoral Lead / Head of Year in Leeds
✨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. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their pastoral care approach. We want to see your passion for supporting students shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your experiences in managing behaviour and building relationships with students and families.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for dedicated individuals like you to join our team and make a difference in students' lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Pastoral Lead / Head of Year in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for pastoral care shine through. We want to see how much you care about supporting students' wellbeing and personal development.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in secondary education. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've managed behaviour and built relationships with students and families.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and skills stand out without unnecessary fluff.
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 ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education Ltd
✨Know Your Pastoral Role
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Head of Year. Familiarise yourself with how to lead pastoral support, improve attendance, and engage students. This will help you articulate your vision for the role during the interview.
✨Build Relationships
Think about examples from your past experiences where you've successfully built relationships with students, families, and staff. Be ready to share these stories, as they demonstrate your ability to connect and support the community.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in a pastoral setting and how you overcame them. Highlight your calm and solution-focused approach, as this is crucial for managing behaviour and supporting student wellbeing.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Be prepared to talk about your understanding of safeguarding practices and why they are essential in a school environment. Show your passion for promoting student welfare and how you would implement these practices in your role.
