Head of Year 9

Teach Now; Watford; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Teach Now in Watford is seeking a Head of Year 9 (Non-Teaching) to lead pastoral support for pupils aged 13–14. This non-teaching leadership role focuses on building trusted relationships, clear expectations, and helping pupils prepare for Key Stage 4, including attendance and safeguarding duties.

You will work with families, tutors and safeguarding colleagues to monitor attendance, behaviour and engagement, celebrate progress, and foster a positive year-group culture within a supportive school

Qualifications

• Experience supporting secondary-aged pupils in a pastoral or school-based role
• Professional communication skills with parents, carers and colleagues
• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and willingness to complete relevant training
• Ability to monitor attendance, behaviour and engagement through accurate records
• Confidence handling sensitive information and maintaining professional boundaries
• Ability to satisfy enhanced DBS and appropriate pre-employment checks

Responsibilities

• Lead Year 9 pastoral organisation and daily routines
• Build trusted relationships and respond promptly to pupil concerns
• Monitor attendance, punctuality, behaviour and engagement
• Coordinate support with families, tutors and colleagues
• Follow safeguarding procedures and maintain accurate pastoral records
• Celebrate achievement and prepare pupils for Key Stage 4

Skills

Pastoral support

Professional communication

Safeguarding awareness

Data/documentation

Discretion with information

Job description

Position: Head of Year 9 (Non-Teaching)

Contract Type: Full-time Permanent Work

Start Date: 02/11/2026

Location: Watford, Hertfordshire

Salary: £22,000–£32,000

Hours: 8:30am–3:30pm, Monday to Friday (term time only)

Contact: Danna Crous – (url removed)

Salary dependent on experience and qualifications, with higher rates reserved for candidates with substantial experience.

About the Role

A secondary school in Watford is seeking a Head of Year 9 to lead pastoral support for pupils aged 13–14. This non-teaching role focuses on building trusted relationships, maintaining clear expectations and helping pupils prepare for Key Stage 4.

You will oversee attendance, behaviour and engagement, working closely with families, tutors and safeguarding colleagues to identify concerns and coordinate support. Alongside addressing challenges, you will celebrate achievement and foster a positive sense of belonging.

This Head of Year 9 role suits an approachable, confident professional who brings calm judgement, warmth and consistent follow-through to pastoral leadership.

Requirements

• Experience supporting secondary-aged pupils in a pastoral or school-based role
• Professional communication skills with parents, carers and colleagues
• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and willingness to complete relevant training
• Ability to monitor attendance, behaviour and engagement through accurate records
• Confidence handling sensitive information and maintaining professional boundaries
• Ability to satisfy enhanced DBS and appropriate pre-employment checks

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Year 9 pastoral organisation and daily routines
• Build trusted relationships and respond promptly to pupil concerns
• Monitor attendance, punctuality, behaviour and engagement
• Coordinate support with families, tutors and colleagues
• Follow safeguarding procedures and maintain accurate pastoral records
• Celebrate achievement and prepare pupils for Key Stage 4

Our client can offer you:

• A non-teaching leadership role focused on pupil wellbeing and development
• Close collaboration with tutors, subject leaders and safeguarding colleagues
• Opportunities to shape a positive year group culture and build family relationships
• Varied work combining daily pupil support with pastoral oversight
• The chance to recognise progress beyond academic results

Equality and diversity statement

We are committed to promoting equality and challenging discrimination. Teach Now is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post will be subject to an Enhanced DBS Clearance.