fiona@hutton.education
About this job
Beginning in 2027 and reporting to the Deputy Head – Pastoral, the Head of Year is a significant pastoral leadership position responsible for the physical, emotional and academic wellbeing of students within a designated Senior School cohort. Working collaboratively with House Co-ordinators, Pastoral Care Group Tutors, teaching staff and College leaders, the Head of Year will create an environment in which every student is known, supported, appropriately challenged and encouraged to participate fully in College life. Visible, relational and highly responsive, they will provide leadership across student wellbeing, behaviour, academic engagement, transitions, year-level programmes and community relationships, while serving as an important point of connection between students, families and staff.
The Head of Year will bring both warmth and rigour to the role. They will identify emerging strengths, trends and concerns across the cohort; draw upon pastoral and academic data to inform interventions and continuous improvement; support students to fulfil their academic potential; and lead consistent, evidence-informed approaches to student wellbeing and behaviour. Integral to the role will be the ability to build trust, communicate with clarity and judgement, lead and support colleagues, and cultivate a collaborative year-level culture characterised by high expectations, inclusion, service and a strong sense of belonging. Somerset’s evolving pastoral framework reflects its belief that student care and student outcomes are intrinsically connected and that personalised, evidence-informed support enables young people to flourish.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead and continuously develop the Year Level pastoral, wellbeing and formative leadership programmes, informed by evidence, data and contemporary practice.
- Build open, respectful and productive relationships with students, parents, teachers, tutors and the broader College community.
- Monitor individual and cohort academic progress, engagement and wellbeing, identifying emerging concerns and implementing timely, appropriate interventions.
- Provide consistent leadership in student behaviour, expectations and standards, working collaboratively within College policies and pastoral frameworks.
- Support and lead Year Level teachers and tutors, strengthening professional practice, collaboration and collective responsibility for student care.
- Ensure the successful inclusion, induction and transition of students, including those with diverse needs, and promote equitable participation in College and co-curricular experiences.
- Coordinate Year Level meetings, parent and student information opportunities, camps, activities, service initiatives and other significant cohort events.
- Contribute actively to College pastoral planning, policy development, evaluation and child safety guidelines.
The preferred candidate will be an accomplished educator, able to teach across Mathematics, Economics, Science or Humanities. We are seeking a highly relational pastoral leader with a genuine commitment to holistic education and the wellbeing and personal success of young people. Relevant teaching qualifications and experience, ability to obtain the Queensland College of Teachers registration and a Working with Children Blue Card are required, together with First Aid and CPR certification or a commitment to attain these.
Somerset College places children’s safety, wellbeing and voice at the heart of its work and expects all staff to actively contribute to a culture of safety, care and respect. All appointments are subject to appropriate screening and ongoing safeguarding obligations.
https://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/our-college/college-policies
Hutton Consulting Australia is partnering with Somerset College in the search and selection process for this position. For a confidential discussion regarding the application process and to access candidate information, please contact Fiona Hutton: fiona@hutton.education
Application closing date: Thursday 1st October, 2026 5:00pm
Please ONLY APPLY directly via Hutton Consulting Australia’s website at: https://hutton.education/opportunities