Assistant Head Of Year

Are you passionate about making a real difference in students\’ lives? If so, this is the ideal opportunity to play a key role in helping to shape their journey at Uplands Academy. As an Assistant Head of Year, you will be at the heart of pastoral care, supporting student wellbeing, fostering positive behaviour, and helping every learner reach their full potential.

Uplands Academy is a mixed 11‑16 non‑selective converter academy with approximately 835 students. Uplands is situated in Wadhurst, a small, rural town in East Sussex with traditional, independent shops in a warm and friendly local community. Wadhurst is close to Royal Tunbridge Wells which is approximately seven miles north with its bustling shopping centre, iconic landmarks and thriving social scene and fascinating architecture. A lot of our staff commute to us from a variety of places such as the south coast including Hastings and Eastbourne together with other locations across Kent and Sussex. Uplands Academy, alongside Beacon Academy and Hailsham Academy, is proud to be part of MARK Education Trust. The acronym MARK was selected because staff who work in the Trust are motivated, ambitious, resourceful and knowledgeable. The Trust was established in September 2022 with the integration of Uplands Academy (formerly Uplands Community College) into the partnership with Beacon Academy. In September 2025, the Trust were delighted to welcome Hailsham Academy (formerly Hailsham Community College Academy Trust). Together, we are committed to building strong, cohesive teams dedicated to driving continuous improvement and innovation, ensuring our students thrive and our staff are empowered to deliver and develop with excellence. At Uplands Academy, we are ambitious for excellence in all we do. Our vision is to provide the best possible education for all our students and to be an exceptional educational establishment for our community and nationally.

• Impactful Work: Be the trusted point of contact for students, guiding them through challenges and celebrating their successes.
• Professional Growth: Gain valuable leadership experience and develop skills in behaviour management, safeguarding, and student support.
• Rewarding Career: See the direct results of your efforts in improved student outcomes and wellbeing.

Uplands Academy would like all candidates to answer specific questions for the personal statement section. For reference, here is a preview of the questions/headings:

1. Have you ever been subject to an investigation regarding safeguarding concerns or a disciplinary investigation?
2. Would you like to be considered for other vacancies across the Trust?
3. Please add a supporting statement detailing how your qualifications, experience, and personal attributes align with the criteria outlined in the Person Specification. Your response should clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential requirements and, where applicable, the desirable criteria for this role.

If you are committed, empathetic, and ready to inspire, we would like to hear from you.

Benefits of working at Uplands Academy for support staff

• Discounted use of gym and exercise classes at the local Sports Centre
• Free on‑site parking
• Blue Light Card – a UK discount service on thousands of retailersPaid sick leave after 1 year\’s service