At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a year team, ensuring student welfare, discipline, and academic progress.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking Trust focused on social mobility and equitable education.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, health plans, and a cycle to work scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience in secondary education required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a commitment to safeguarding and student welfare.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 65000 £ per year.
Qualified Teacher of xxxxxx to join our team. The Head of Year will lead a year team of form tutors and associate staff, taking overall responsibility for the organisation, welfare and discipline of the year group. The Head of Year is responsible for the academic progress and achievement of all students in their care and is expected to embrace ownership of the year group. The role requires a teacher who can multi-task, prioritise demands and go the extra mile. Liaising with parents and external agencies is an important aspect of the job, as is focusing on the academic achievement of all learners in the year group. The year group operates as a "mini-school" within its designated area of the school.
Responsibilities
- Attendance: Promote outstanding attendance across the year group through rigorous scrutiny of registers, working with the Attendance Officer, associate year staff, form tutors and external agencies. Identify appropriate interventions for students below the Attendance Policy values and ensure required actions are taken.
- Form Tutors: Ensure the team of form tutors meet regularly, implement policies and protocols, lead, assist and monitor form tutors, and support assemblies.
- Students and Achievement: Address students in an appropriate style for occasions such as congratulating achievements, offering counselling, and supporting transitions. Monitor academic progress and devise strategies for groups needing additional intervention (e.g., PP, LAC, SEN, HPA, MPA, LPA, boys, girls). Support assessment and monitoring procedures and attend Parent Consultation Evenings as required. Maintain knowledge of students on the SEN register and review year-group support with senior leadership. Monitor points on Class Charts to identify students needing pastoral support (e.g., behaviour, attendance, punctuality). Lead weekly meetings with other Heads of Year to discuss progress.
- Record Keeping: Maintain pastoral records (e.g., Bromcom / Class Charts) and communications with parents/carers. Lead investigations into serious misbehaviour and manage reintegration meetings post-suspension, including data for reintegration planning. Prepare referrals to external agencies when necessary.
- Parents: Maintain proactive communication with parents/carers, arrange meetings as needed, and discuss school policy or student welfare issues.
- Whole-School Discipline: Maintain a high profile in corridors and playgrounds, support other important areas such as detentions, and supervise break/lunch times and transitions as required.
- Key Performance Indicators: Improve attendance (target 96%+), academic targets in line with school priorities, punctuality, correct dress, and engagement activities (e.g., Family Breakfast/Lunch) as appropriate to role.
Qualifications
Qualified to degree level or above with QTS status or equivalent.
Experience
Evidence of successful practice as a teacher in a secondary school and ongoing improvement of teaching practice to enhance student achievement. Experience of developing schemes of learning and supporting with extra-curricular/enrichment activities.
Knowledge
Up-to-date knowledge of the curriculum (including GCSE/A Level where applicable) and understanding of strategies to raise aspirations regarding results and behaviour. Experience of educational research to facilitate learning and knowledge of safeguarding and welfare requirements.
Leadership
Ability to lead by example, strong teamwork, high expectations for accountability and consistency. Motivation to continually improve standards and to inspire excellence; empathy and listening skills; commitment to safeguarding and welfare of all students.
Teaching and Learning
Effective ICT and numeracy skills to analyze data; strong communication; energy, resilience and perseverance; commitment to educational research. Excellent classroom teacher with reflective practice, strong behaviour management, and ability to tailor lessons to student needs.
Trust-wide Context
As one Trust we share a common purpose focused on social mobility and social justice through equitable education. Our recent achievements include sustainable growth, increased opportunities, and recognition for pioneering work in youth mental health and safeguarding. We offer a multi-campus environment with digital infrastructure investments to support teaching and learning.
Benefits
- Discounts on everyday purchases (Eden Red)
- Comprehensive health plan (UK Health Care)
- Cycle to work scheme via Halfords
- Access to Blue Light Card
Safeguarding
The Mercian Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.
Head of Year in England employer: The Mercian Trust
Contact Detail:
The Mercian Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Year in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, attend local events, and join online forums. 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
Show off your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or improved student outcomes. This is your chance to demonstrate that you can take ownership of a year group and drive academic progress.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you hear about a school looking for a Head of Year, don’t wait for them to post a job ad. Reach out directly through our website and express your interest. A little initiative can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you would handle various scenarios related to attendance, behaviour management, and parent communication. Being ready with thoughtful responses will show you're the right fit for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Year in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Head of Year role. Use specific examples from your teaching background that showcase your leadership skills and ability to support student achievement.
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for education shine through! Share your commitment to student welfare and academic success, and explain why you’re excited about the opportunity to lead a year group within our school.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, making it easy for us to see your qualifications and what you can bring to the team.
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Mercian Trust
✨Know Your Year Group
Before the interview, take some time to research the specific year group you'll be leading. Understand their unique challenges and achievements. This will help you demonstrate your commitment and readiness to embrace ownership of the year group.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate form tutors and support staff, as well as how you've implemented policies that improved student welfare and academic performance.
✨Engage with Parents and External Agencies
Be ready to discuss your strategies for maintaining proactive communication with parents and collaborating with external agencies. Share specific instances where your efforts have positively impacted student outcomes or attendance.
✨Demonstrate Your Data Savvy
Since monitoring academic progress is key, come prepared to talk about how you've used data to inform your teaching practices. Discuss any tools or systems you've used to track student performance and how you've tailored interventions based on that data.