Head of 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.