Head of Year

Are you ready to take responsibility for ensuring academic and pastoral success for a year group?

Are you passionate about supporting young people to achieve their best? The King Edmund School is seeking an enthusiastic and committed Head of Year to join our dynamic pastoral team in our thriving secondary school, set in a diverse community.

As Head of Year, you will play a vital role in the academic and personal development of students, leading a year group and ensuring every child receives the support they need to thrive. You’ll work flexibly across both upper and lower school key stages, adapting your approach to meet the evolving needs of our students.

We are determined to become the school of choice in Essex—a place where every young person is challenged, supported, and inspired to thrive. This isn’t a dream - it is a promise and you will be at the centre of delivering and creating this. 

The Role

The role requires an empathetic attitude and resilient nature as well as excellent communication skills.  Each Head of Year has the responsibility for one Year Group within the school, in respect of all welfare, guidance and disciplinary issues, and will lead a team of Form Tutors to facilitate this. Heads of Year work closely with their Line Manager, Designated Safeguarding Lead, Student Support and the Pastoral Team. The Head of Year plays a very important part in the creation of a positive ethos, in the maintenance of an orderly atmosphere and in fostering productive home-school links.

What We’re Looking For

• Ideally at least 1 year of experience working in a similar role, but not essential

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire both students and staff

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work flexibly across different key stages (upper and lower school)

• Organisational abilities to manage the academic progress and well-being of students effectively

• Passionate about supporting student development and fostering a positive learning environment

• Committed to promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equality within the school community

• Dedicated to upholding high standards of academic excellence while nurturing individual student growth 

• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work closely with colleagues, parents, and external stakeholders 

Why Join King Edmund School?

This is a school with immense potential and a powerful sense of purpose. Under new leadership, we are creating something exceptional—step by step, brick by brick. You will be joining a committed, talented team at a moment of transformation, where your leadership will directly shape our school’s success story.

Come and be part of something extraordinary!

The school day lends itself to a good work/life balance with the teaching day ending at 14:10. The school offers an extensive support programme, including mentor/buddy system, Initial Teacher Training support for Early Career Teachers (ECTs) or for those seeking Qualified Teacher Status (QTS / QTLS), a system of twilight training sessions, as well as excellent development opportunities.  Staff benefits include free car parking, on-site gymnasium and swimming pool as well as staff recognition schemes.  

If you are currently considering a career move, we would very much like to hear from you.  Please visit the vacancies section of our website (https://kes.essex.sch.uk/join-our-community/staff-vacancies) and complete the ‘Quick Apply’ application form and submit a copy of your CV. For more about our school and vision please see attached welcome letter from our new Headteacher.

We also welcome and encourage telephone calls on 01702 560904 to register an interest or to find out more about the school and the role. If you wish to arrange an informal conversation or visit to the school prior to interview, we would be delighted to welcome you to KES prior to the closing date, to offer you the opportunity to get a real sense of the school first hand.  

To arrange a visit, please email your request to Mrs Andrea Atkins – HR Manager at recruitment@kes.essex.sch.uk and provide your availability, as well as a contact telephone number.

The King Edmund School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments will be subject to a satisfactory completion of safeguarding checks.

The King Edmund School is committed to creating a diverse workforce. We’ll consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage, or civil partnership.