At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in a disadvantaged community and foster a caring learning environment.
- Company: Join Star Academies, a high-performing multi-academy trust dedicated to educational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holidays, healthcare cash plans, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent career progression and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and help shape their futures.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including English and Maths, plus experience in education and pastoral support.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Do you have the drive, passion and commitment to deliver outstanding support to help young people in a disadvantaged community? If so, joining the Star support team might just be the best career move you ever make. This is your opportunity to join a dedicated team of support staff who are committed to providing the best possible education for our pupils.
About Tong Leadership Academy
Tong Leadership Academy is a state-of-the-art secondary school in Bradford. We joined Star Academies in 2016 and, like all Star schools, we have a leadership specialism. We are a rapidly improving school with high ambitions and expectations for all of our pupils. We provide a knowledge-based academic curriculum alongside a rich and diverse leadership programme that grows character and inspires charitable and social action. Our pursuit of educational excellence is based upon our fundamental belief that every pupil has the capacity to become a successful and inspirational leader. We were graded as 'Good' in all areas by Ofsted during our most recent inspection in October 2023.
Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for a talented individual to help foster a caring and supportive learning environment for our young people. Your experience of pastoral care will place our learners' welfare at the heart of the school. The successful candidate will be a committed team player with excellent organisational and technical skills. You will have the ability to problem solve and provide excellent customer service to our community.
- You will have: 5 GCSEs including English and Maths at grade 9-4/A*- C.
- Experience of working with young people in an education setting.
- Experience of providing pastoral support within an education setting.
- The ability to maintain positive relationships with students and other adults.
- The ability to speak in front of large groups of students and small groups of staff.
About Star Academies
Star Academies is a high-performing multi-academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values-based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you’ll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person’s future - our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed.
Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our professional development hub, Star Talent Academy. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a large, growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level. We can also offer you a range of rewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans.
Find out more
Please download the job description and person specification below for further information about the role. For an informal and confidential discussion about the role please call us on.
Key Dates
- Closing Date: Monday, 9 February 2026 at midnight.
- Interview Date: To be confirmed.
- Proposed Start Date: Monday, 23 March 2026.
Application Process
To apply for this vacancy please use the 'Apply for job' link below. You should ensure your application form and supporting statement address all elements of the person specification. We will only consider candidates who meet the vast majority of the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.
Our Commitment
Star Academies is committed to safeguarding, safer recruitment and promoting the welfare of pupils. Our comprehensive recruitment and selection processes aim to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Successful candidates are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks. We are equally committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity. We aim for our workforce to be representative of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to providing equality and fairness in our recruitment and employment practices and not to discriminate on any grounds. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.
Head of Year employer: Star Academies
Star Academies is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a healthy and inclusive workforce. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing and engagement, the organisation offers a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and collaboration among colleagues. Located in Blackburn with flexible hybrid arrangements, employees benefit from a vibrant community atmosphere and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Year
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Research Tong Leadership Academy and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through local education events. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you when you apply through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about your experiences in pastoral care and how they relate to the role. Practise articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing how you can support young people in a disadvantaged community.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in the interviewers' minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Head of Year position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Year
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through in your application. We want to see that drive and commitment to making a difference in the lives of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. Address each element of the person specification so we can see how you fit into our team at Tong Leadership Academy.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your supporting statement, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Star Academies
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the school’s ethos and values, especially their commitment to supporting disadvantaged communities. Research Tong Leadership Academy and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Pastoral Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you’ve successfully provided pastoral support. Think about challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and commitment to student welfare.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
During the interview, don’t just answer questions—engage in a conversation. Ask insightful questions about the school’s initiatives and how you can contribute to their goals. This shows your genuine interest and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
Since the role involves speaking in front of groups, practice delivering a short presentation on a relevant topic. This will help you feel more confident and showcase your ability to communicate effectively with both students and staff.
