Job Description

Head of Year 7

Location: Woking, Surrey
Salary: £35,602 to £54,327 per annum plus TLR 1.1 £10,531
Contract: Full time, permanent
Start date: January 2027 

About the role

We’re supporting an 11 to 18 secondary school near Woking to appoint a Head of Year 7. This is a pastoral leadership role at the heart of the school: you’ll lead the year group through the transition from primary to secondary, setting the tone for everything that follows.

Pastoral care is taken seriously here. Students are known as individuals, and Year 7 is where that starts, with a strong focus on helping every child feel safe, settled and ambitious from their very first day.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading a team of Year 7 form tutors and setting clear expectations for the year group
• Overseeing primary to secondary transition, including visits, induction and liaison with feeder schools
• Monitoring attendance, behaviour and pupil progress, and stepping in early when students need support
• Working closely with the DSL, SENCo and families to keep students safe and thriving
• Building strong, positive relationships with parents and carers

About you

This role suits someone who cares deeply about young people and has the energy to help 11 year olds feel settled, confident and ambitious. Perhaps you’re a tutor or Assistant Head of Year ready for your first Head of Year post, or an experienced pastoral leader looking for a school that truly values this work.

• QTS qualification
• Pastoral experience in a secondary school, such as form tutoring or year team work
• Strong behaviour management and a calm, fair approach
• Sound understanding of safeguarding and KCSIE
• Excellent communication with students, staff and families

What the school offers

• A supportive senior leadership team that prioritises pastoral care
• Leadership development and ongoing CPD
• Good transport links and on-site parking

Why apply through Ethos Education

Our consultants work by subject and phase, so we take time to understand both you and the school before making an introduction. We’ll give you an honest picture of the role, support you through interview, and remain on hand once you’ve started. If you’re ready to step into a Head of Year 7 role in Surrey, get in touch today.

All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and full safeguarding checks in line with KCSIE.