Head of Year

Randstad Education; Bradford; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Refer a Friend voucher (£300)

Job summary

Randstad Education in Bradford is seeking a Head of Year to lead pastoral care and drive outcomes for a year group within a state-of-the-art school. You will balance high-level strategy with hands-on support to improve attendance, behaviour, and student wellbeing.

The role requires QTS, DBS, and a track record of managing challenging behaviours in a secondary setting, with strong communication to pupils, parents, and senior leaders.

Qualifications

• QTS or equivalent teaching qualification.
• Enhanced DBS on the update service (or willingness to apply).
• Proven success in managing complex behaviour in a secondary setting.
• Eligibility to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Establishing a positive ethos and high expectations for the year cohort.
• Tracking attendance data and liaising with families to reduce persistent absence.
• Leading weekly tutor briefings and ensuring quality in the pastoral program.
• Serving as primary contact for families regarding student welfare.
• Designing support packages for students falling behind academically or socially.
• Planning and delivering weekly values-based assemblies.
• Liaising with the Designated Safeguarding Lead for the year group.
• Overseeing behaviour policies and sanctions consistently.
• Managing transition and induction of new students between Key Stages.
• Collaborating with SLT to meet school-wide targets.

Skills

Pastoral leadership

Conflict resolution

Data literacy

Communication

Resilience

Strategic planning

Education

QTS or equivalent

Enhanced DBS on update service

Job description

Can you maintain a calm, authoritative presence in a fast-paced environment?

Are you passionate about removing barriers to learning for every student?

Do you have the resilience to turn a student's challenging day into a breakthrough?

About the Role

The Head of Year is a pivotal middle-leadership position that balances high-level strategy with hands-on pastoral care. The successful candidate will be responsible for the holistic development of their assigned year group, ensuring that attendance is high, behaviour is exemplary, and every pupil feels safe and supported. This role isn't just about managing a cohort; it's about nurturing the "leaders of tomorrow" through the school's unique leadership specialism. It requires a blend of data-driven intervention and genuine empathy.

About the School

Located in Bradford, this school is a state-of-the-art facility for 11-18-year-olds. As part of a renowned national network of schools, it operates with a clear mission: to transform the life chances of young people, particularly those from socio-economically deprived backgrounds. The school is characterised by its Leadership specialism, encouraging pupils to engage in community service, social action, and interfaith alliances. It is a values-based community where staff are invested in and supported by an extensive professional development hub.

Requirements

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an equivalent recognised teaching qualification.
• An Enhanced DBS on the update service (or willingness to apply for one).
• Demonstrated success in managing complex behaviour in a secondary setting.
• Eligibility to work in the UK.

Key Skills

• Pastoral Leadership: The ability to lead, motivate, and manage a team of form tutors.
• Conflict Resolution: Skill in de-escalating tense situations and implementing restorative justice.
• Data Literacy: Proficiency in using progress and attendance data to trigger early interventions.
• Exceptional Communication: The ability to speak persuasively to pupils, parents, and senior leaders.
• Resilience: Maintaining professional composure and optimism under pressure.
• Strategic Planning: Designing and implementing year-group improvement plans.

Responsibilities

• Year Group Culture: Establishing a positive ethos and high expectations for the cohort.
• Attendance Monitoring: Tracking attendance data and working with families to reduce persistent absence.
• Tutor Management: Leading weekly tutor briefings and quality-assuring the pastoral program.
• Parental Liaison: Serving as the primary point of contact for families regarding student welfare.
• Intervention Planning: Designing support packages for students falling behind academically or socially.
• Assembly Delivery: Planning and leading a weekly program of values-based assemblies.
• Safeguarding: Acting as a key link to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the year group.
• Behaviour Oversight: Administering the rewards and sanctions policy consistently.
• Transition Support: Managing the induction of new students or the move between Key Stages.
• Collaboration: Working with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to meet school-wide targets.

What We Offer:

• A supportive, collaborative working environment.
• Opportunities for career progression and ongoing professional development.
• The chance to make a significant impact on the lives of students.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A Refer a Friend scheme where you could earn a £300 Love2shop voucher (subject to terms and conditions).