As a student at William Clarke College, have you ever wondered what does my Head of Year actually do? What is the purpose of a Head of Year? With the We Are staff takeover we thought it was timely to provide an insight into this challenging but ever so rewarding role at the College.
The general brief for a Head of Year is to guide, mentor and walk alongside each student as they navigate the ups and downs of College life. It’s a job that demands patience, resilience, and a deep commitment to student wellbeing.
Some days, it’s tough. But every challenge is matched by moments of joy, pride, and the satisfaction of seeing students grow into people ready to face the World beyond the College gates.
A Head of Year wears many hats. Some days, we are motivators, encouraging students to strive for their best and push beyond their limits. Other days, we act as mediators, helping to resolve conflicts and strengthen friendships. We are of course, also disciplinarians, ensuring that College expectations are upheld. We do this not because we enjoy enforcing rules, but because we know that structure and expectations help shape character and responsibility.
There are times when we have to make difficult decisions, have hard conversations, or hold you as students accountable for your actions. It is not always easy, but it’s part of helping young people learn important life lessons that will serve them well beyond the College.
While discipline is a part of the job, at the heart of being a Head of Year is this deep care for our students. Every student is different, with their own strengths, struggles, and aspirations. Whether it’s checking in on someone who’s having a tough time, celebrating the success of a student, or offering guidance we are constantly thinking about the wellbeing of each and every student under our care.
We see the late nights spent studying, the pressure of Assessment Tasks, the disappointment of setbacks, and the effort put into sports, music, and leadership. We see the quiet students finding their voice, the determined students refusing to give up, and the many acts of kindness that often go unnoticed. These are the moments that make the role so fulfilling.
Despite the challenges, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing a student come into their own as they gain confidence, learn from mistakes and become a person of integrity, resilience, and compassion. Watching a year group grow together, form bonds, and eventually step into the next stage of life is indeed a deep and special privilege.
So next time you see your Head of Year reminding someone about uniform, checking up on a student, or speaking on some random topic in your Year Group Meeting, remember everything we do is because we care about you. We believe in you and we want to see you thrive and flourish as we walk this journey with you.
