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- Tasks: Lead and inspire Year 9, 10, and 11 students in their personal and academic growth.
- Company: Join the vibrant community at Surbiton High School, dedicated to exceptional pastoral care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while shaping their future.
- Qualifications: Good honours degree; QTS desirable but not essential; experience in pastoral care.
- Other info: Culturally diverse school committed to inclusion and safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Surbiton High School is seeking an inspiring, dedicated and forward‑thinking Head of Year 9/10/11 to join our vibrant community. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate educator committed to exceptional pastoral care and eager to play a leading role in shaping pupils’ wellbeing, personal development and academic progress.
As Head of Year, you will be at the heart of our pastoral provision - guiding pupils through key stages of their school journey, supporting their growth, and ensuring they flourish both inside and outside the classroom. This role is ideal for a teacher who wants to make a real difference, lead with compassion and purpose, and collaborate within a supportive and innovative pastoral team. Applications from teachers of all subject areas are encouraged, though appointments will be subject to timetabling capacity.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Champion Pupil Wellbeing & Development: Leading the pastoral welfare, conduct and progress of Years 9, 10 or 11. Building strong relationships with pupils, Form Tutors and families, fostering trust and confidence. Being a visible, approachable presence across the Year group, regularly visiting form rooms. Guiding pupils at critical points, including GCSE options in Year 9 and A‑level choices in Year 11.
- Lead and Inspire Your Team: Coordinating and supporting Form Tutors and the Assistant Head of Year. Facilitating half‑termly tutor meetings and contributing to the whole-school wellbeing agenda. Playing a leading role in the development and delivery of our PSHE and SMSC programmes.
- Drive Academic Progress: Monitoring academic progress and achievements of individual pupils. Working closely with senior leaders during reporting cycles and parental consultations. Supporting transition to Sixth Form through close collaboration with senior colleagues.
- Engage with the Wider School Community: Attending co‑curricular events and celebrating pupils’ achievements. Being available during GCSE results week for your Year group.
- Teaching Responsibilities: Alongside your pastoral role, you will bring your subject expertise to the classroom by delivering inspiring lessons that promote curiosity, independence and confidence. Supporting every pupil to feel included, valued and challenged. Maintaining strong subject knowledge and embracing best pedagogical practice. Contributing to co‑curricular activities, school trips, departmental planning and whole‑school initiatives.
About You
- Brings the Right Qualifications & Experience: Holds a good honours degree. Ideally has QTS (desirable but not essential). Has experience within pastoral care and working collaboratively with colleagues.
- Demonstrates Strong Skills: Excellent organisational and communication abilities. Confidence in delivering engaging lessons across age groups. ICT proficiency and strong administrative skills.
- Embodies the Right Personal Qualities: Warm, approachable and able to build meaningful relationships. Committed to helping pupils flourish in every aspect of school life. A team player with integrity, enthusiasm and high professional standards. Reflective, imaginative and ambitious—for yourself and for the pupils you lead.
Why Join Us? At Surbiton High School, you’ll be part of a community that values innovation, collaboration and exceptional pastoral care. We invest deeply in professional development and offer opportunities to grow your leadership practice through CPD and ongoing training. If you are passionate about guiding young people through some of the most significant stages of their school lives, we’d love to hear from you.
Surbiton High School holds a Skilled Worker sponsorship licence and, subject to all the relevant legal requirements being met, we would be willing to consider sponsorship for the successful candidate. Surbiton High School is culturally diverse and fully committed to celebrating and respecting inclusion and diversity throughout our community. Surbiton High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers, the Disclosure and Barring Service and online/social media searches.
Please note that the School reserves the right to appoint at any stage during the recruitment process. For any queries relating to the role or your application, please email recruitment@surbitonhigh.com.
Head of Y9/10/11 employer: The Independent Schools Council
Contact Detail:
The Independent Schools Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Y9/10/11
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Surbiton High School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insights into the school culture and what they really value in a Head of Year.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion during interviews! We want to see how committed you are to pupil wellbeing and development. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think about how you'd handle various pastoral scenarios. We love candidates who can demonstrate their problem-solving skills and compassion in real-life situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your enthusiasm for the role. It shows us that you’re genuinely interested and helps keep you top of mind.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Y9/10/11
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 dedicated you are to supporting pupils' wellbeing and development, so share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience with Year 9, 10, or 11 students and how you can contribute to their academic progress and personal growth.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your qualifications and experiences are easy to understand. This will help us see your potential at a glance!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out on joining our vibrant community!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council
✨Know Your Pastoral Care Inside Out
Make sure you understand the key aspects of pastoral care and how it impacts pupils' wellbeing. Be ready to discuss your experiences in supporting students through critical stages, like GCSE options and A-level choices, as this will show your commitment to their development.
✨Build Relationships with Confidence
Demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships with pupils, Form Tutors, and families. Prepare examples of how you've fostered trust and confidence in previous roles, as this is crucial for a Head of Year position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to talk about your experience in leading teams and coordinating efforts among colleagues. Highlight any instances where you've facilitated meetings or contributed to school-wide initiatives, as this will illustrate your capability to inspire and support others.
✨Engage with the School Community
Express your enthusiasm for being involved in co-curricular events and celebrating pupil achievements. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to the wider school community, as this aligns perfectly with the role's expectations.
