Assistant Head of Year (Darwen Vale High School)

Location: Blackburn with Darwen, UK

Salary: SPC 11-15 £ (Actual Pro Rata Salary)

Contract Type: Permanent

Education Phases: Secondary;

Job Roles: Pastoral Health And Welfare;

Working Patterns: Full-Time;

Application Deadline: Sunday, 31st May 2026

About the School:

Darwen Vale High School is more than its recent Ofsted recognition it is a community built on shared vision and ambition.

Guided by the Aldridge principle of “no child left behind”, DVHS strives to be a beacon of excellence in Darwen.

“We champion a safe, inclusive culture of high aspirations and achievement, where everyone is inspired to excel and take pride in all they do. By promoting responsibility, independent thinking and respect for diversity, we prepare learners to thrive as outstanding members of our community.”

Our Vale Values:

• We Aim High
• We Work Hard
• We Care

These values shape everything we do, ensuring every student receives an excellent education and is ready for the wider world.

About the Role:

Join Our Team as an Assistant Head of Year!

We are recruiting for 2 Assistant Heads of Year one is permanent and the other a 12 Month Fixed Term Contract. The aim of the role is to support the Head of Year in managing the year group, promoting high standards of behaviour, attendance, and academic progress. The Assistant Head of Year will contribute to students’ personal development and wellbeing, assist in implementing pastoral initiatives, and work collaboratively with staff, parents, and external agencies to ensure a positive and supportive learning environment.

Who we are Looking For:

• Confident, calm, and approachable individuals
• Ability to manage groups of students effectively
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• Previous experience in a school or working with young people is a plus – but not essential!

We welcome applications from all sections of the community and particularly encourage applications from underrepresented demographics.

Further details about the role including the full job description and person specification can be found when you click apply.

Person specifications

Essential Requirements:

• GCSE’s in English and Mathematics at level 4 or above
• NVQ Level 3 for Teaching Assistants or equivalent qualification or experience
• Experience of working with young people
• Experience of dealing with challenging students
• Are looking to build and grow a career in an educational setting
• Full working knowledge and understanding of the national curriculum and other basic programs/strategic processes and barriers to learning, including behaviour management strategies
• Understanding of the principles of child development and learning processes

Key Benefits of working for Aldridge Education:

Looking for a fulfilling career with great perks? Here's why working for Aldridge Education is the right choice for you:

• Aldridge Benefits Scheme – Enjoy exclusive offers and discounts tailored just for you!
• Cycle to Work Scheme – Save money and stay fit with our bike-friendly benefits.
• Employee Assistance Programme – Your well-being matters! Access free, confidential support whenever you need it.
• Flexible Working Opportunities – Balance work and life with flexibility that suits you.
• Free On-Site Parking – No more hunting for parking, we’ve got your spot covered.
• Generous Annual Leave – Start with a great holiday allowance, and it gets even better after 5 years!
• Pension Schemes – Secure your future with access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Refer a Friend Scheme – Know someone who would love it here? Earn rewards by bringing them on board!

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Aldridge Education, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.