Pastoral Head of Year

Working Pattern: Two days per week (7.5 hours per day), 52 weeks per year

Actual starting salary (calculated pro rata): £16,043.60 per annum

Salaries are paid in 12 equal monthly instalments

Can you provide support and guidance to our students and their families?

We are seeking a strong pastoral leader to join our Heads of Year team, on a job share for two days per week, to be responsible for the care of young people within a specified year group. If you have experience in working with young people and their families from a diverse range of backgrounds and are passionate about well being and mental health, this is the role for you.

This is an important role securing a complementary service to teachers and other pastoral staff, addressing the needs of students that require support to overcome barriers that impact on their learning both inside and outside of school.

You will:

• Be the safeguarding lead for a year group and ensure good communication between families, other professionals, and the school, working with the Year Team Leader and Student Welfare and Wellbeing Officer
• Rigorously monitor the attendance and behaviour of the students to ensure a school-based action plan is in place to support the most vulnerable
• Develop the social, emotional and academic wellbeing of students in collaboration with external agencies

We are looking for a pastoral leader who is highly organised, resilient, and compassionate. To succeed in this role you will have:

• Qualifications relating to mental health, wellbeing or child development
• The ability to demonstrate knowledge of and competence against the 9 domains of the Professional Capability Framework at social work level
• The ability to develop and establish effective, collaborative partnerships and networks to promote appropriate information sharing

Please refer to the job description and person specification for more information.

At The St Leonards Academy, we believe in the power of knowledge to enrich lives and shape educated citizens. We are committed to a broad and balanced curriculum ensuring every student, regardless of background, encounters the best of human thought and achievement.

The academy takes pride in its meticulously planned curriculum, dedication to excellence, and robust pastoral support system. We prioritise reading and offer comprehensive mental health support. Exceptional assistance is provided for students with additional needs, alongside a wide array of enriching extracurricular activities.

With rigorous safeguarding measures and opportunities for student leadership, The St Leonards Academy creates a safe, supportive environment where all 1400 students can thrive.

Visit us: Home - The St Leonards Academy

• Automatic annual pay increments: Pay progression is not linked to performance and all our staff benefit from automatic pay progression (subject to the maximum salary for the role). Cost of living awards are also reviewed annually.
• Generous Pension: Safeguard your future with financial security throughout your retirement. Employer contribution rate of 18.9%.
• Holiday Entitlement: Take advantage of 27 days annual leave per annum (FTE), plus statutory Bank Holidays.
• Health and Wellbeing: A strong commitment to your health and wellbeing including; onsite Wellbeing Champions, designated Mental Health Ambassadors and an annual day devoted to your health and wellbeing. This day provides the opportunity to spend valuable time catching up with colleagues, as well as some 'Time for You' to do whatever most enhances your wellbeing.
• Personal Development Day: One day annually dedicated to your personal development which could include volunteering, training or a seminar (self-funded).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to free and confidential counselling services, providing support for both work and personal issues.
• Cycle to Work: Build exercise into your commute, with our cycle-to-work programme, offering a £2K loan to purchase a bicycle.
• Retail Discount: Savings with hundreds of retailers including gym, private medical, dental and online GP service, as well as eligibility for the Blue Light Discount Scheme.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check. This role is considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013, 2020 and 2023. It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. Further information is available: Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975 - GOV.UK ()

We welcome applications from all members of the community.

The Trust is proud to be part of the government's Disability Confident scheme which underpins our staff and volunteer recruitment practices. If you would like any support or assistance at any stage of the recruitment process please let us know.

For further information about this opportunity please download the attached job description and personal specification, and view our candidate pack here: Candidate Pack

To arrange a visit or to have an informal discussion about this role please contact Nicky Sully, Assistant Principal on

Closing date: 4 January 2026

Interview date: To be advised

Proposed start date: 4 May 2026

Not your perfect job? Please register for job alerts to learn about our future vacancies: Future Job Alerts

A helpful guide to completing your application is available here: Guidance on your application