UPDATED FOR 2025
In this 4 page resource I detail guidance for completing a prioritisation task in a pastoral interview. This is example 1 on this topic.
This includes answering the questions:
What is a prioritisation task?
Why do interviews use it?
What questions might you be asked on prioritisation in your formal interview?
What kind of answers could you give to prioritisation questions?
This resources also provides an example of a prioritisation in tray task and a worked answer of the order of tasks as well as justifications.
Great for preparing you for one of the in tray tasks at interview!
NOTE: This in tray prioritisation is the most comprehensive of my resources on this topic for Heads of Year/Pastoral staff but you can also find additional examples of priorisation tasks in my shop that don’t cover the questions above - they’re simply another task to practice with worked answers! You can also find other in tray resources/bundles in my shop as well!
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A bundle is a package of resources grouped together to teach a particular topic, or a series of lessons, in one place.
Bundle
Head of Year / Head of House Interview Questions, Tasks & Answers – Complete Pastoral Leader Interview Bundle
**£56 OF RESOURCES FOR £24.99** Ultimate Head of Year / Pastoral Leader Interview Preparation Bundle This comprehensive 20-resource bundle is designed to prepare aspiring Heads of Year, Heads of House and Pastoral Leaders for every key element of the interview process. Whether you are applying for your first pastoral leadership role or stepping up into a more senior position, this toolkit will help you anticipate questions, analyse data tasks, and approach every interview stage with confidence. Interview Questions & Answer Guidance ✅ 3 sets of pastoral interview questions (45+ total) – without answers to allow realistic practice ✅ 3 sets of “5 Big Pastoral Questions” with model answers (15 total) ✅ 16 common interview questions with bullet-point answers – concise, strategic responses you can adapt to your own experience Note: Some question crossover is included intentionally to reinforce preparation across different interview scenarios. Data Tasks & Leadership Analysis ✅ 2 progress data analysis tasks ✅ 1 attendance data analysis task ✅ Guide to analysing progress data – key tips for demonstrating strong pastoral insight ✅ Guide to analysing attendance data – identifying patterns and next steps Year Group Planning & Pastoral Improvement ✅ Year group improvement planning example ✅ “40 Ideas for…” leadership booklets • Improving attendance and behaviour • Leading a pastoral team and working across the school In-Tray Tasks & Practical Interview Preparation ✅ Prioritisation task guidance – how to structure responses ✅ 7-page interview preparation guide – what to expect and how to stand out ✅ Student panel task guide – succeeding in panel settings ✅ Letter of concern response guide – a common in-tray challenge This bundle forms part of my Ultimate Tier, created for candidates who want to prepare thoroughly, save time and walk into interview with a clear strategy. Downloaded by 250+ aspiring Heads of Year preparing for pastoral leadership roles. Also Available Smaller preparation packs are available if you prefer a lighter starting point: Pastoral Leader Interview Bundle 1 https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/head-of-year-head-of-house-pastoral-role-interview-bundle-12348298 Pastoral Leader Interview Bundle 2 https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/head-of-year-head-of-house-pastoral-role-interview-bundle-12425576
£24.99
Bundle
Head of Year Interview Tasks Bundle | In-Tray, Data, Prioritisation & Scenario Prep
**Practice the real tasks you’ll face on the day** In this bundle you will find lots of resources to help you prepare for in tray tasks at a Head of Year interview! - an overview of the interview day, organisation and in trays you can expect on a Head of Year/pastoral role interview - this resource also covers 10 tasks you might be asked to tackle and briefly how to approach each one - a detailed guide on how to analyse data as a Head of Year - 2 x example progress/attainment data analysis tasks for you to practice prior to the day (whole year group practice data) - 1 x example progress/attainment data analysis tasks for you to practice prior to the day (select focused cohort practice data) - 1 x example attendance data analysis task for you to practice prior to the day - a detailed guide on how to respond to a parental complaint letter in tray task - 2 x example prioritisation in tray tasks with worked examples and space for your own completion of the task - guidance on a gold fish bowl task and how these types of tasks work - guidance on scenario tasks and preparing for questions on dealing with specific scenarios as a HOY
£12.99
Bundle
Head of Year / Head of House Interview Preparation Bundle 2 – Pastoral Leadership Questions & Tasks
This is a smaller bundle of pastoral interview resources which contains resources useful for interview. You can also find my two other bundles here: Pastoral Leader Interview Bundle: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/head-of-year-head-of-house-pastoral-role-interview-bundle-12348298 Ultimate Pastoral Leader Interview Bundle: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-ultimate-head-of-year-pastoral-interview-bundle-12472346 a) 3 x sets of questions you may be asked on a pastoral interview - over 50 questions for practicing interview answers. b) guidance on a prioritisation task - a task which frequently comes up at Head of Year interviews as an in tray excercise. c) an overview of the general roles and responsibilites of a Head of Year/Head of House - with details about the jobs and tasks you’ll be expected to complete when in post. d) two parts of my series ‘5 Big Pastoral Questions’. This is guidance on how to answer 10 questions which come up in interview in detail. e) an overview of the key abbreviations linked to a pastoral role. Please follow me on facebook: facebook.com/teachcoach
£10.99
Bundle
Head of Year Interview Questions & Tasks Bundle | Head of House & Pastoral Leadership Roles
**Head of Year | Head of House | Pastoral Role | Interview Toolkit Bundle** This 14 resource Toolkit Bundle is a mid-tier collection designed to help aspiring Heads of Year or Pastoral Leaders prepare for interview with confidence and clarity. It offers a wide range of practical tools covering common interview questions, key pastoral scenarios, and in-tray tasks — ideal for those seeking structured support without committing to the full Ultimate Bundle. In this bundle you will find: **Interview Questions & Guidance** * 3 sets of questions you may be asked on a pastoral interview — over 50 questions for practicing. * Parts 1 & 2 of my series “5 Big Pastoral Questions” detailed guidance on how to answer 10 common interview questions. **In-Tray / Prioritisation Tasks** * Guidance on a prioritisation task — a task which frequently comes up at Head of Year interviews as an in-tray exercise. * An example progress/attainment data analysis in-tray task — to help you prepare for interview. * An example attendance data analysis in-tray task — for interview practice. * A PDF containing guidance on responding to a parental concern letter — another common in-tray task at Head of Year interviews. **Data Analysis Support** * A PDF guide to analysing a set of progress data from a Head of Year perspective — detailed, step-by-step approach with suggested actions. **Additional Resources** * Two PDF e-booklets useful to read prior to interview, offering ideas for discussion: E-booklet 1: Leading a team and working across school E-booklet 2: Ideas for improving attendance and behaviour * An example assembly on raising aspirations — successfully used in a Head of Year interview. * A PDF with information on what to expect during a Head of Year interview and the types of in-tray exercises you may face. *Perfect for teachers and leaders applying for Head of Year or pastoral roles who want structured, focused interview preparation.* Please follow me on facebook: facebook.com/teachcoach
£31.99
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It would be useful to suggest a time limit for the prioritisation task. There's a mistake where you muddle up e/f on your example of ordering the tasks. I'd avoid the pink text as it's hard to read. The resource is otherwise okay but a bit pricey for the quality and content.
Great resource, helped me to get the job!
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