Head of Years 8 and 9

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 which consists of our Inclusion Manager, Autism Specialist, two Home-School Link Workers, Pastoral Support Worker, Head of Year 7, and 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.

We welcome applications from both primary and secondary qualified teachers. We have a great mixture of both within our school – something that greatly enhances our curriculum offer! The majority of our students are working at a KS1 and KS2 level, with a small number studying GCSEs in English, Maths and Art.

About us

The Abbey School converted to Academy status on 1st September 2018 and is part of the Weydon Multi Academy Trust (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 areas. 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 WMAT working groups to further their own continuing professional development.

It is a very exciting time to join our team as we move towards the next stage of our development within WMAT.

We were graded Outstanding by OFSTED in 2009, 2012 and 2016.

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

Working in a special school is extremely rewarding, and our students continue to amaze us on a daily basis with their attitudes, achievements and behaviour. We welcome you to come and meet us and see our fantastic students and staff in action prior to placing your application.

Further information

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

To apply, please return your completed application form to Miss Zoe Mackie by email: recruitment@abbey.surrey.sch.uk

Please note that neither covering letters nor CVs will be accepted.

Closing date: Friday 21st April 2023

Interview date: Friday 28th April 2023 

The Abbey is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Enhanced DBS, Children’s Barred List and Right to work in the UK checks are required for this post.

The Abbey School is committed to creating a diverse workforce. We’ll consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership.