Head of year

Highlands School, London, N21 1QQ

6 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  September 2026

• Closing date

  19 May 2026 at 9am

• Date listed

  13 May 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: MPS / UPS outer London + TLR 1C
• Additional allowances:

  MPS / UPS outer London + TLR 1C

Head of year job summary

At Highlands School we have high expectations of student behaviour. The core principle of our approach to behaviour is ‘prevention before sanction’. This means we emphasise the importance of routines and the consistent application of our behaviour policy so that students do not reach the point where they need to be sanctioned. We use STAR expectations (sit up, track the speaker, ask and answer questions, respect those around you) as our core classroom expectations, to ensure that students can focus on their learning. Our sixth form students play a key role in modelling these standards and expectations to our school community. Centralised detentions and an on-call system reduces teacher workload and ensures that all teachers are supported by clear and effective behaviour systems. These systems are in place from year 7-13

Highlands School has a large and experienced pastoral team, all of whom play a crucial role in delivering excellent pastoral care. Each year group has a senior leader line manager, a head of year and an assistant head of year or behaviour mentor. The pastoral team is also supported by a student wellbeing coordinator, a behaviour manager, a family liaison officer and a safeguarding and inclusion officer.

The successful candidate will be expected to work together with the senior leaders, heads of year and create a cohesive year group that embodies the school’s DARE values. The head of year ensures that a nurturing and supportive provision is in place for their year group, while also ensuring high standards of behaviour and of academic achievement. Heads of year hold to account and develop a team of form tutors, focusing on high standards of social, personal and academic development of students. Heads of year also line manage the behaviour mentor attached to their year group.

Highlands is an ‘Outstanding’ school (OFSTED 2011, 2014 and 2024) at which students consistently outperform national expectations in terms of both attainment and progress. Outstanding outcomes provide our students with the opportunity to continue their studies at prestigious institutions; students at Highlands regularly receive offers from medical schools, Oxbridge and Russell Group universities. Colleagues joining Highlands are joining one of the most popular and successful schools in North London.

The work we do at Highlands is underpinned by our values: determination, aspiration, respect and equality (DARE).

Your application should be completed after reading the job description and person specification. Please use the application form to demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role and why you believe you would be a strong candidate.

We are committed to attracting top talent to our school and welcome applications from all members of the community.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Safeguarding students is central to everything we do at Highlands School. We are committed to ensuring that students are safe, cared for and taught how to keep themselves and others safe. We are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follow our procedures to ensure that students receive effective support and protection.

Applying for the job

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About Highlands School

• School type: Local authority maintained schools, ages 11 to 18
• Education phase: Secondary school
• School size: 1650 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 18
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Highlands School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/highlands-school-london

Highlands is an ‘Outstanding’ school (OFSTED 2011, 2014 and 2024) at which students consistently outperform national expectations in terms of both attainment and progress. Outstanding outcomes provide our students with the opportunity to continue their studies at prestigious institutions; students at Highlands regularly receive offers from medical schools, Oxbridge and Russell Group universities. Colleagues joining Highlands are joining one of the most popular and successful schools in north London.
The work we do at Highlands is underpinned by our values: determination, aspiration, respect and equality (DARE).

School location

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