Head of Year

Orchard Mead Academy

4d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an ambitious, compassionate and inspiring Head of Year to join our dedicated pastoral team at Orchard Mead Academy. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of young people by providing strong pastoral leadership and ensuring every student feels supported, valued and encouraged to succeed. You will join a supportive and collaborative team committed to removing barriers to learning, raising aspirations and delivering an exceptional educational experience for every student. As Head of Year, you will lead the pastoral care of an allocated year group, promoting high standards of behaviour, attendance, wellbeing and achievement. You will establish positive relationships with students and families, combining clear expectations with a thoughtful and consistent approach to support. Working closely with tutors, teachers, the wider pastoral team and senior leaders, you will monitor students’ progress, identify concerns early and coordinate effective interventions. You will support students to overcome challenges, celebrate their achievements and help them develop the confidence, resilience and sense of responsibility they need to thrive. You will lead your tutor team in creating a positive year-group culture, ensuring that routines, expectations and the academy’s values are consistently reinforced. Effective communication with parents and carers will be central to the role, alongside working with colleagues and external agencies to meet students’ individual needs. We are looking for someone who combines high expectations with a strong commitment to inclusion and safeguarding, ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Requirements

Experience of working with young people in a school setting, with a strong understanding of pastoral care.
The ability to lead, motivate and support a team, promoting a consistent approach across the year group.
A commitment to improving behaviour, attendance, wellbeing and achievement.
The ability to build positive relationships with students while maintaining clear boundaries and high expectations.
Excellent communication skills and the confidence to work constructively with parents, carers and external agencies.
A calm, fair and solution-focused approach to challenging situations.
Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands and follow through on agreed actions.
The ability to use attendance, behaviour and progress information to identify concerns and evaluate the impact of support.
An understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and the needs of vulnerable students, including those with SEND.
A commitment to continuous professional development and contributing to the wider life of the academy.

Responsibilities

Lead the pastoral care of an allocated year group, promoting high standards of behaviour, attendance, wellbeing and achievement.
Establish positive relationships with students and families, combining clear expectations with a thoughtful and consistent approach to support.
Monitor students’ progress, identify concerns early and coordinate effective interventions.
Support students to overcome challenges, celebrate their achievements and help them develop the confidence, resilience and sense of responsibility they need to thrive.
Lead your tutor team in creating a positive year-group culture, ensuring that routines, expectations and the academy’s values are consistently reinforced.
Communicate effectively with parents and carers.
Work with colleagues and external agencies to meet students’ individual needs.
Ensure a strong commitment to inclusion and safeguarding, ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.