Head of Years 8 and 9

About the role

We are an outstanding special secondary school for pupils with learning difficulties and are seeking an inspirational Head of Years 8 and 9 to join our highly motivated and dynamic staff team. This position would be particularly suitable for an aspiring senior leader with a real interest in developing their pastoral expertise. It is also a fantastic opportunity for somebody who would like to learn more about special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and a range of CPD opportunities will be provided to support this.

You will be an experienced, exemplary teacher and role model with high expectations of pupils’ learning and behaviour. You will oversee the pastoral care of pupils across years 8 and 9 and ensure that pupils in these year groups make excellent progress and that they are supported, encouraged and challenged both in and out of the classroom. You will keep in regular contact with parents and carers and forge excellent relationships with them.

You will work extremely closely with our Pastoral Support Team that consists of our Inclusion Manager, Autism Specialist, 2 Home School Link Workers, Pastoral Support Worker, Head of Year 7, Head of Years 10 and 11 and is led by our Assistant Head Teacher (Pastoral). You will also work closely with the school safeguarding team, developing your knowledge of current safeguarding procedures and legislation. For candidates who are interested there may be the opportunity to undergo DSL training in the near future. You will demonstrate the ability to lead, manage and deliver outstanding lessons that are differentiated to meet the needs of pupils working below national standards. You will be creative, innovative and imaginative.

About the school

The Abbey is currently undergoing significant investment as we expand from 2 to 3 form entry and we will be benefiting from a range of brand-new facilities including 9 classrooms, a learning resource unit, sports hall, staff work area and suite of therapy rooms. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of an exciting development project that will change the school beyond recognition.

The Abbey is part of WMAT, a dynamic, forward thinking and innovative Trust. We are currently seven schools - three special schools and four secondaries within the Farnham, Godalming and Haslemere area. There are regular opportunities for collaborative working, CPD and the sharing of expertise between staff across the schools. There are also opportunities for staff to join a range of Trust working groups that have different areas of foci, such as safeguarding, pupil premium, teaching and learning and subject specialism. 

Further information

To find out more about the school and this exciting opportunity, please download the Applicant Info Pack or visit www.abbey.surrey.sch.uk 

You are very welcome to come and visit the school, please contact the school to arrange an appointment on 01252 725059. 

To apply, please return your completed application form to Mrs Theresa Sorsby via email: enquiries@abbey.surrey.sch.uk 

We reserve the right to close this job earlier than advertised, therefore please apply as soon as possible.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo enhanced DBS and right to work in the UK checks.