Head of Year

Our core values of determination, integrity, curiosity and empathyinspire and nurture a passion for learning and success with a strong sense of inclusivity, individuality and responsibility. We use our voices purposefully as global citizens.

The foundations of achieving our vision are:

• Outstanding curriculum, with outstanding quality and breadth of education
• Exceptional teachers who support students' passion for learning with the tools for success for every individual
• Relationships, routines and recognition that lead to a sense of belonging, wellbeing, mutual respect and exemplary behaviour both within Harris Lowe Academy Willesden and in our local community
• Post-16 excellence with a broad range of pathways, sporting academies and inspiring student leaders
• Arts and sports specialisms that embed essential skills and enable exceptional performance

Our moral purpose is to ensure our students and staff have access to the best possible futures and contribute positively to society through an outstanding careers/development programme, excellent leadership, and coaching.

From its origins as the first city academy, the exceptional education we provide takes advantage of the opportunities offered by our privileged location and facilities in the most vibrant, multi-cultural city in the world. The enthusiasm, discipline and ambition of our students combined with the high expectations, outstanding teaching and creative dedication of our staff makes our vision a reality.

The purpose of your role will be to lead and manage the pastoral needs of a year group, developing effective systems and strategies to ensure students are supported to fulfil their educational potential.

Working with students in your year group, your responsibilities will include:

• Being a visible leader throughout the academy, modelling the academy ethos and values and supporting behaviour for learning
• Student management, including ensuring high standards and acceptable behaviour are maintained from the moment of arrival and throughout the day
• Behaviour management, including use of detentions, reports, telephone calls and letters home, meetings with parents, referral to seclusion unit, and recommendations for exclusions, monitoring behaviour logs, planning interventions and investigated serious incidents
• Developing and implementing strategies to ensure that attendance and punctuality is at or above the school target
• Establishing and managing a programme of enrichment activities to enhance motivation and raise attainment
• Motivating and rewarding students 
• Participating in the planning and delivery of year group assemblies
• Developing effective relationships with parents
• Establishing and maintaining effective administration systems
• Leading in student welfare meetings with external agencies or other school
  groups
• Leading in developing robust and effective student welfare and conflict resolution strategies
• Implementation and monitoring of the uniform policy 
• Establishing and managing support and guidance systems during examinations
• Tracking and monitoring students’ academic progress 
• Taking  a lead, under the guidance of the DSL, in safeguarding
• Maintaining knowledge of students with SEND
• Contributing to the first cycle of assess, plan, do, review for any student
  suspected of having additional learning needs
• Establishing forums for parental consultation and discussion and systems which facilitate “student voice“
• Management of year group information systems

We would like to hear from you if you have:

• A good undergraduate degree
• Understanding of the importance of having high expectations for all students, both of behaviour and academic achievement
• Understanding of inclusive provision and practices for all students, including special educational needs, English as an additional language and high achievers
• Evidence of pastoral related training
• Current First Aid certification, or willingness to undergo training
• Current mini-bus licence or willingness to undergo training to get one
• Understanding the importance of being a Tutor
• Experience of using ICT to monitor attendance and punctuality, or willingness to undergo training
• Experience of using extra-curricular activities to enhance motivation and attainment
• Experience of raising levels of attendance and punctuality through rigorous monitoring, reporting and follow-up action
• Experience of using ICT for curriculum and administration purposes 

For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack.

Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.

In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includesour Harris Allowance for teachers on MPS/UPS, a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, a Wellbeing Cash Plan, electric car scheme, and many other benefits. Learn more aboutour benefitson our website.