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- Tasks: Lead and develop pastoral care, promoting pupil wellbeing and positive behaviour.
- Company: Join a brand-new independent specialist school focused on supporting autistic pupils.
- Benefits: Enjoy life assurance, pension options, mental health support, and flexible benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEN and ASC, plus strong leadership and pastoral intervention skills.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team in a dynamic environment with growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Pastoral Lead plays a central role in promoting pupils' wellbeing, behaviour and personal development across the school. Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, you will lead and develop the pastoral provision, ensuring that students feel supported, safe and able to engage positively with learning. This is a highly visible, hands-on role that requires strong leadership, calm decision-making and a commitment to inclusive, high-quality pastoral care.
Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the school's pastoral team under the guidance of the Senior Leadership Team
- Promote pupil wellbeing, positive behaviour and personal development across the school
- Model and support high-quality pastoral interventions in line with school policies
- Provide flexible, on-call support to pupils throughout the school day to enable engagement in learning
- Contribute to and implement Positive Support Plans (PSPs) and risk assessments, ensuring they remain effective and up to date
- Attend daily briefings to share feedback on pupil behaviour, attitudes and planned interventions
- Record, monitor and analyse behaviour incidents, reporting patterns and trends to senior leaders
This role is ideal for a confident, resilient professional with strong leadership skills and a passion for supporting young people's wellbeing and success.
Requirements / Qualifications
- Proven experience supporting students with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Special Educational Needs (SEN) and complex needs
- Demonstrable experience delivering effective pastoral interventions and leading school initiatives that positively impact student achievement
- Previous experience in a pastoral leadership role
- GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent) and a full UK driving licence
About the School
Ashley Park is a brand-new independent specialist school for 60 autistic pupils aged 11-19, offering tailored education, care, and support within a safe and supportive environment. Located in Epsom, Surrey, we provide a unique mix of learning opportunities and therapeutic support to meet a wide spectrum of needs and abilities, ensuring every pupil can thrive.
About Options Autism / Outcomes First Group
For over 19 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care. In 2025, Outcomes First Group was proudly certified as a Great Place to Work for the sixth consecutive year.
Benefits
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
- "Your Wellbeing Matters" - mental health support and physical health checks
- Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including: Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits; Hundreds of UK and international discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Pastoral Lead employer: FirstGroup plc
Contact Detail:
FirstGroup plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastoral Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Ashley Park and its approach to pastoral care. Understanding their values will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you've led a team or implemented successful interventions. We want to hear how you’ve made an impact, so be ready to share those experiences during your chat.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for wellbeing! Be prepared to discuss your views on pupil wellbeing and how you can contribute to creating a supportive environment. This role is all about making students feel safe and engaged, so let that shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community at Options Autism. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Pastoral Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for supporting young people's wellbeing shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives, so share any relevant experiences that highlight this.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Pastoral Lead role. Use keywords from the job description and demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for at Ashley Park.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you the best fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at FirstGroup plc
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in the school's ethos and the specific needs of the pupils. Familiarise yourself with the challenges faced by students with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and Special Educational Needs (SEN). This will show that you’re genuinely interested and prepared to support their wellbeing.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your past experiences in pastoral leadership roles. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or implemented effective interventions. Highlight your calm decision-making skills and how they’ve positively impacted student behaviour and engagement.
✨Engage with Scenarios
Expect scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would handle specific situations involving pupil behaviour or wellbeing. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process and demonstrate your problem-solving abilities effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the school’s approach to pastoral care or how they measure the success of their interventions. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and your commitment to contributing positively to the school environment.
