Head of Year (Non-Teaching))

Head of Year (Non-Teaching)

King’s Leadership Academy Hawthornes - Part of the Great Schools Trust

King’s Leadership Academy Hawthornes is thrilled to offer a compelling opportunity for a motivated and compassionate Head of Year to join our ambitious and thriving learning community. This is a pivotal pastoral role, perfect for someone who thrives on empowering students, removing barriers to learning, and nurturing both academic success and character growth.

The Great Schools Trust was recently recognised as one of the UK’s fastest-improving multi-academy trusts and shortlisted for MAT of the Year. We are redefining education through innovation, values-led leadership, and a culture where both students and staff flourish. With all academies rated Good or better by Ofsted and a strong +0.4 Progress 8 score, we are proud to be transforming futures across our communities. Here’s why our community stands out:

• A powerful pastoral culture rooted in our ASPIRE values: Achievement, Aspiration, Self-awareness, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect and Endeavour
• A track record of inclusion and support: Free breakfasts, Chromebooks for all, funded DofE and cadet experiences, and residentials to build self-esteem
• A forward-thinking curriculum that combines academic rigour with character education, civic responsibility and leadership training

Why Join King’s Hawthornes?

• Wellbeing that works: From protected planning time and workload-reducing AI, to family-friendly policies and staff wellbeing perks.
• Professional growth: Weekly 2-hour CPD, a personal development mentor, access to NPQs and our own Institute of Character & People Leadership (ICPL).
• Cutting-edge tools: Our AI assessment platform (CredimusAI) saves teachers over 100 hours per GCSE cycle, freeing you up to focus on what matters most—your students.
• A culture of belief and excellence: At GST, we believe character is as important as curriculum. Through the King’s Adventure, our students develop leadership, empathy, and resilience, guided by our ASPIRE values: Achievement, Aspiration, Self-awareness, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Endeavour.
• Outstanding student experience: From cadet programmes to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, your teaching will be part of a wider, transformative learning journey.
• Long-term progression: many of our pastoral staff go on to become senior leaders or train as teachers

As a Head of Year, you’ll:

• Be a visible and trusted figurehead for your year group, providing compassionate yet firm leadership
• Uphold school expectations and proactively manage attendance, behaviour and uniform standards
• Support students facing barriers—academic, behavioural, emotional or social—and ensure no child is left behind
• Lead assemblies, home-school communication, and work closely with the pastoral, SEN, and safeguarding teams
• Champion our King’s Adventure character education model, fostering resilience, self-discipline, and aspiration
• Take an active role in safeguarding and promoting well-being through mentoring and daily interaction with students

We’re looking for someone who is:

• An excellent communicator with experience working with young people in schools or similar settings
• Calm under pressure, emotionally intelligent and passionate about inclusion
• Skilled in behaviour management, restorative conversations, and building trust with families
• An organised team player who thrives on collaboration and is committed to professional growth
• Capable of delivering assemblies and maintaining visibility across the academy
• Familiar with safeguarding protocols and ready to engage with external agencies where needed

How to Apply

Visits to the academy are welcomed and encouraged.

King’s Leadership Academy Hawthornes is committed to safeguarding children and promoting their welfare. All appointments are subject to an Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.