Job Description

Academy:

Wayland Academy

Category:

Education Support (School Based)

Start Date:

March 2026

Closing Date:

Thu, Feb 5, 2026

Job Weeks:

39 Weeks

Hours:

22.5 hours per week

Type:

Permanent, Part Time

Job Reference:

JAN20262486

Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale F: 15,276 to 16,570 pro-rata per annum (Actual) (28,598 - 31,022 full time/full year equivalent)

Part Time: 22.5 hours per week / 3 days (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday)

Working Weeks: 39 weeks

Start Date: March 2026

Wayland Academy is looking for an outstanding Assistant Head of Key Stage to help our students achieve even more.


The successful candidate will have an unshakable belief in every student's entitlement to the highest quality education and ability to achieve and learn, whatever their personal circumstances. Wayland Academy takes the pastoral care of our students very seriously and we know it is the cornerstone of allowing them to learn in a well ordered and supportive environment.

What You'll Be Doing

To provide pastoral and behavioural support and interventions for all pupils within the specified year group to maximise their achievements and attainment across the school.


To work with Head of Year, tutors, and teaching staff to ensure that pupils are ready to learn and equipped appropriately for their learning.


To support the work of the Head of Year and wider inclusion team to ensure that pupils attendance is improving and meeting expectations.


Liaise effectively with the DSL to ensure that pupil safeguarding needs are addressed as required.


To liaise with parents/carers, staff, pupils and other stakeholders as needed in a timely and professional manner in relation to all aspects of pupils' pastoral care.

About You:

You will be a child-centred, resilient leader who balances pastoral care with high behavioural expectations. You should possess strong empathy, organisational skills for tracking attendance and data, and proactive communication abilities to support students, parents, and staff. You will be visible, approachable, and a firm but fair decision-maker.

Essential:

GCSE English and Maths (or relevant level 3 qualification)


Successful working relationships with all stakeholders, including pupils, staff, parents/carers and the wider community


Ability to exercise considerable initiative as undertaking specified work that contributes to pupils' learning and progress


Ability to resolve more complex problems and/or queries, referring most complex issues to the teacher, or other member of staff


Able to make decisions, identify and solve problems based on thorough analysis and sound judgement


Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication and presentation skills


Strong organisational skills and ability to work well under pressure

Desirable:

Degree


Able to lead, motivate and develop people of all ages to work individually and in teams

Why Join Inspiration Trust

At Inspiration Trust, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. You'll be joining a supportive, forward-thinking organisation that values professional development, collaboration, and innovation. We provide opportunities for growth and empower you to make a real impact in schools across Norfolk and north Suffolk. As part of our thriving network of talented teachers, leaders, and support staff, you'll receive a varied professional development programme designed to help you be the best you can be.


We offer:


Generous annual leave, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with excellent employer contributions


Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim-back options for healthcare costs *


Cycle-to-work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology). *


Free parking at most sites


Personalised CPD and development programmes


A structured and specific induction programme.

Terms and conditions apply. Some benefits are only available following successfully passing probation.

About Us

Wayland Academy

is an oversubscribed, high-performing secondary school at the heart of Norfolk, known for its positive atmosphere and low staff turnover. In 2025, 64% of students achieved grades 9-5 in English and Mathematics, and the school achieved a Progress 8 score of +0.61 in 2024, positioning it among the highest-performing secondary schools in Norfolk and Suffolk.


At Wayland Academy, staff believe that every student is entitled to the highest-quality education, unlocking their potential for excellent grades and a future of their choice. Our curriculum vision reflects the Academy's role in the community, promotes understanding and enrichment, and prioritises students' reading, vocabulary, and fluency in both spoken and written language. We take both learning and pastoral care seriously, ensuring that our students leave confident, capable, and ready to thrive in the wider world.


We are part of the

Inspiration Trust

, twice ranked as the country's top family of comprehensive schools for pupil progress, and strongly believe in the importance of giving the widest educational opportunities to all young people, regardless of their background. We have strong networks across the Trust, with opportunities to work with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to offering excellent professional and learning opportunities for our staff, with a busy programme of continuing professional development courses delivered by some of the country's best educational thinkers and practitioners.


The Inspiration Trust is a Multi Academy Trust, committed to delivering the very best educational experience for the young people of Norfolk and Suffolk, across 17 schools. We are ambitious for our schools and communities and want to create Britain's highest performing federation of 3-19 schools and transform education in the East. Inspiration Trust specialises in transforming schools in disadvantaged areas and taking academies from failing to outstanding.


For information on what it is like to live and work in Watton, click here. The most recent Ofsted inspection in July 2023 gave Wayland Academy an overall grade of 'Good'. "School and Trust leaders form a strong and cohesive team which has driven, and continues to secure, school improvement."

Next Steps

Before applying, please read the attached Recruitment Pack and , for more details about the role. We ask that you read this pack carefully, especially the "Planning your application" section from page 11. This will support your application ensuring you have the opportunity to tell us about your relevant skills, experience and qualifications that relate to the job description and person specification in addition to details of your references covering the last 5 years.

If you would like to know more about this exciting opportunity, then please contact Julie Amys, PA to Principal (JulieAmys@inspirationtrust.org).


To apply for this role please click the Apply button to complete the online application form.


When you start your application, you will receive several emails from our application provider, Vacancy Filler. Please be aware that some email providers may mistakenly mark these messages as spam. To avoid missing important updates, we recommend checking your spam or junk folders regularly throughout the application process and marking these emails as safe.

Closing date for applications: 9am on Thursday 5th February 2026

Interview date: Thursday 12th February 2026

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

Inspiration Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.


All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.