Head of Year (KS2) – Ferndown Middle School

We are seeking an inspirational and committed leader to join our Key Stage 2 team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping and enhancing our KS2 provision, ensuring that all pupils flourish and achieve their full potential.

Our vision for KS2 is one that is nurturing, aspirational, and firmly rooted in meeting the individual needs of every child – enabling them to make strong progress academically, socially, and emotionally.

What you’ll do:

The successful candidate will initially take on the role of Head of Year 6, before transitioning to Head of Year 5 the following year, leading the cohort through to the end of Year 6 and then beginning the cycle again. This structure allows for continuity, deep understanding of pupils, and the development of strong, meaningful relationships. As Head of Year, you will provide strong leadership for a team of teachers and have oversight of the educational experience of your year group.

Who you are:

The successful candidate will be an outstanding teacher with a proven record of highly effective classroom practice based in current pedagogy. You will act as a positive role model for our staff and students: maintaining a visible and proactive presence around the school. You will also be skilled in supporting and developing colleagues, ideally with experience of coaching (although training can be given) to support your team to perform at their very best.

We recognise that effective leaders bring a wide range of transferable skills and demonstrate confidence and impact across all aspects of leadership. At the same time, we are committed to supporting your professional growth. As Head of Year, you will be supported to develop further as a leader, and we will actively invest in your ongoing development.

About us:

Ferndown Middle School is a vibrant and caring school serving children in Years 5–8. Here, relationships are central to everything we do. We firmly believe that sustained leadership across a key phase fosters trust and partnership with pupils and families: creating the foundations for success. We are passionate about delivering high-quality academic excellence alongside outstanding pastoral care, recognising that when pupils feel happy, confident, and well-supported, they are empowered to thrive both academically and socially.

Why join us?

• The chance to make a huge difference in the lives of young people, one small victory at a time.
• A school culture built on care, collaboration and a genuine belief in helping every child shine.
• You will be part of an inclusive and collaborative team that, no matter what the challenge may be, are ready to face it head on and are committed to seeing it through.
• Free access to the Employee Assistance Programme and our Cycle to Work Scheme.
• The opportunity to develop your career in a School, and within the Southern Education Trust – a growing Trust where our mission is “making lives better”.

Being a Head of Year at Ferndown Middle School is a deeply rewarding role, rooted in our core values of Kindness, Curiosity and Ambition, which guide not only our work with pupils but also how we support and develop our staff. We are committed to creating a school culture where staff genuinely enjoy coming to work, knowing that this positivity and enthusiasm directly enriches the experience and outcomes for our pupils.

If you feel you have the skills, experience, and enthusiasm to take outcomes to the next level, we would be delighted to hear from you. Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged; please arrange these through the Headteacher’s PA, Michele Shield (01202 876556 or email office@fernmid.dorset.sch.uk).

Closing date: 7th May 2026

Interview date: 20th May 2026

Please note: Applications may be viewed on receipt and interviews arranged sooner than the above date.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, this role involves directly working with children and significant contact with children, and therefore we expect all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Please ensure a full work history is completed in your application form including any gaps of employment. Applicants will be required to complete satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check for this post prior to commencement. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. The Trust is an equal opportunities employer.

If successfully shortlisted the HR Department will also be conducting an individual online search including social media platforms of your ‘name, education and employment’, to demonstrate due diligence following ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ guidance. The search will not form part of the actual shortlisting process and any concerns arising from the search will be discussed directly with you.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £36,443.00-£54,575.00 per year

Benefits:

• Cycle to work scheme
• Enhanced maternity leave
• Enhanced paternity leave
• Referral programme
• Sick pay

Work Location: In person