Head of Year

Longsands Academy; St. Neots; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Longsands Academy invites applications for a Head of Year from January 2027. The role carries leadership responsibility for a year group, with a focus on outstanding pastoral care, high behavioural standards and strong academic outcomes.

You will work with families, partners and staff to remove barriers to success and secure excellent scholar progress. We seek an experienced teacher with a track record of leadership, robust safeguarding practice and the ability to analyse data to tailor

Qualifications

• Qualified teacher with a strong track record of classroom practice.
• Proven leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Ability to analyse data to inform decisions and interventions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and champion a year group, ensuring high standards of pastoral care and academic support.
• Monitor and analyse attendance, behaviour and achievement data to drive improvement.
• Collaborate with safeguarding, SEND and teaching teams to support scholar success.
• Build strong home–school partnerships with parents and carers.
• Lead assemblies, interventions and events to promote standards and values.
• Promote the academy's ethos of excellence and safeguarding for all scholars.

Skills

Qualified teacher

Leadership

Data analysis

Communication

Safeguarding knowledge

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Job description

Head of Year

Longsands Academy

Salary: MPS-UPS + TLR1A (£10,530)
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Start Date: January 2027
Closing Date: 18 October 2026

About Longsands Academy

Longsands Academy is a thriving secondary school at the heart of the St Neots community, united by a shared commitment to excellence, high achievement and transforming opportunities for young people. We are unapologetically ambitious for every scholar, regardless of background, and believe that outstanding teaching, strong relationships and a culture of high expectations enable all young people to flourish. As part of Astrea Academy Trust, we offer a knowledge-rich curriculum, excellent professional development opportunities and a supportive culture where staff are encouraged to grow and excel in their careers.

The Role

We are seeking an exceptional and dedicated Head of Year to join our team from January 2027. This is an exciting opportunity for a talented teacher and leader who is passionate about ensuring every scholar achieves their full potential academically, socially and personally.

As Head of Year, you will provide outstanding pastoral leadership, champion high standards of behaviour, attendance and achievement, and work closely with colleagues, families and external partners to remove barriers to success and secure excellent outcomes for all scholars.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and champion a year group, ensuring the highest standards of pastoral care and academic support.
• Monitor and analyse attendance, behaviour and achievement data, implementing strategies to drive improvement.
• Work collaboratively with pastoral, safeguarding, SEND and teaching teams to support scholar success.
• Build positive relationships with parents and carers to secure strong home-school partnerships.
• Lead year group assemblies, meetings, interventions and scholar-focused events.
• Act as a role model for scholars, promoting the academy's values and culture of excellence.
• Support scholars to overcome barriers and participate fully in academy life.
• Contribute to transition, rewards and wider academy improvement initiatives.

What We Are Looking For

• A qualified teacher with a strong track record of classroom practice.
• A passionate advocate for high standards, inclusion and scholar achievement.
• An effective leader who can motivate, influence and support others.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.
• The ability to analyse information and use data to inform actions and interventions.
• Resilience, professionalism and a determination to ensure every scholar succeeds.
• A commitment to the values and vision of Longsands Academy and Astrea Academy Trust.

Join us and play a pivotal role in shaping the life chances of our scholars, leading a year group with ambition, care and unwavering commitment to excellence. At Longsands Academy, you will be part of a team that believes every scholar can achieve extraordinary things.

Commitment to Safeguarding and EDI:

Astrea Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory background checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check. We value diversity and welcome applications from underrepresented groups. As a Disability Confident employer, we provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure all candidates can fully demonstrate their abilities.

In line with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 and the statutory Code of Practice, the Trust requires all public-facing post holders to demonstrate fluent English. Within a school setting, this applies to all roles that involve direct or indirect interaction with pupils, parents, or members of the public.

Flexible Interview Dates:

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, so don't miss out on this exciting opportunity. Please note that interview dates are flexible, and the academy reserves the right to interview shortlisted candidates during the application window.