At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a year group, focusing on behaviour, attendance, and pupil wellbeing.
- Company: A rapidly improving secondary school in Lewisham with strong leadership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership development opportunities, and non-teaching support.
- Other info: Join a school recognised for its strong community and high expectations.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: UK QTS and experience in secondary education required.
The predicted salary is between 45864 - 63024 € per year.
Are you an experienced teacher ready to step into a Head of Year position within a secondary school that places equal value on behaviour, pastoral care and academic achievement? This Head of Year opportunity from September 2026 offers the chance to join a well-established pastoral structure in a school that has undergone significant improvement and now holds a Good judgement across all Ofsted categories.
This Head of Year role would suit a teacher with strong presence, high expectations and a genuine commitment to supporting pupils both academically and personally. The school has developed a calm and purposeful culture built around clear routines, strong relationships and consistent pastoral systems. Staff benefit from visible leadership support and clearly defined behaviour processes, allowing Heads of Year to focus on attendance, safeguarding, wellbeing and pupil progress rather than constant low-level disruption.
What the school can offer a Head of Year:
- A fully established pastoral structure with non-teaching pastoral and safeguarding support
- Weekly inclusion and pastoral briefings with direct SLT involvement
- Leadership development opportunities through a large national trust network
- A school recognised by Ofsted for its “strong sense of community” and high expectations
- Consistently improving GCSE outcomes, including a positive Progress 8 score of +0.2
- Extensive extracurricular and enrichment provision including sport, performing arts and student leadership programmes
- Clear progression routes from Head of Year into senior pastoral leadership
The successful Head of Year will:
- Hold UK QTS and experience teaching within a secondary setting
- Be confident leading on behaviour, attendance and pupil wellbeing
- Build strong relationships with pupils, staff and families
- Maintain high standards and consistent expectations across the year group
- Be committed to raising outcomes and supporting pupil development
If you are looking for a Head of Year role where pastoral leadership is genuinely valued and properly supported, this is an excellent opportunity to join a rapidly improving Lewisham secondary school with strong leadership and clear direction.
Head of Year employer: RIBBONS AND REEVES
Join a supportive and dynamic secondary school in Lewisham as a Head of Year, where your leadership will be valued within a well-established pastoral structure. With a strong focus on behaviour, wellbeing, and academic achievement, you will benefit from visible leadership support, professional development opportunities, and a positive school culture that prioritises pupil progress and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Year
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, attend local events, and engage with online communities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Head of Year position or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s culture and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their commitment to pastoral care and academic achievement. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed behaviour, attendance, and pupil wellbeing in the past. This will demonstrate your capability to thrive as a Head of Year.
✨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 here to support you every step of the way in landing that Head of Year role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Year
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for education and pastoral care shine through. We want to see your genuine commitment to supporting pupils both academically and personally, so share specific examples of how you've made a difference in your previous roles.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Year role. Highlight your experience in leading behaviour, attendance, and pupil wellbeing. We love seeing how your unique skills align with our school's values and expectations.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary and avoid jargon – we want to understand your journey without any confusion!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at RIBBONS AND REEVES
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to research the school's values and culture. Understanding their commitment to behaviour, pastoral care, and academic achievement will help you align your responses with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Year, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your teaching experience where you've successfully led initiatives or supported students' wellbeing and progress. Be ready to discuss how you can maintain high standards and expectations.
✨Prepare for Behaviour Management Questions
Expect questions about your approach to behaviour management and attendance. Think of specific strategies you've implemented in the past and be prepared to explain how these have positively impacted student outcomes.
✨Engage with the Interview Panel
During the interview, make sure to engage with the panel by asking insightful questions about their pastoral systems and support structures. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.
