I want to become a head of year in my secondary school but there is little personal development in the pastoral system. What training is there?

Identify the route taken by previously appointed pastoral staff at your school. Were they appointed internally; if so, you may be able to follow in their footsteps. If the school appoints from outside, why should they do any different? Training for this type of work is often fragmented. Look for one-day courses on specific parts of the role by national providers. For longer courses it may be best to ask those already doing the job which ones they would recommend, if any. Set up your own programme of self-study by browsing the internet and library.

If you have a question for John Howson, please email susan.young@tes.co.uk