Deputy Head (Pastoral)

The Deputy Head (Pastoral) is a key member of the Executive and Senior Management Team, responsible for leading the pastoral care, wellbeing, and personal development of pupils across the school, including overall responsibility for the leadership and strategic development of boarding.

With a fixed term starting 10 August 2026, the successful candidate will provide 1 FTE, covering temporary sick cover until at least the Spring Term of 2027, and work on a full-time schedule. The role includes evening and weekend commitments, including regular visits to boarding houses, attendance at school events, and active engagement in the boarding community.

Reports to: Head

Responsible for: HsMs, Heads of Year, medical centre staff, Wellbeing Hub, Island Leaders

Salary: Competitive

Hours of Work: 1 FTE

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
  • Lead the School’s pastoral vision and values, fostering a culture of care, respect and high expectations.
  • Oversee and develop pastoral systems, policies and procedures, ensuring they are effective and fit for purpose.
  • Drive strategic development of boarding, maintaining the highest standards of pastoral care and pupil welfare.
  • Promote an inclusive and supportive environment prioritising pupil wellbeing and personal growth.
• Pastoral and Wellbeing Leadership
  • Provide leadership and oversight of safeguarding, ensuring rigorous enforcement of child protection policies and liaising with external authorities.
  • Support personal and social development of pupils through a robust tutorial and wellbeing programme (Ad Vitam).
  • Oversee behaviour, attendance and discipline policies to ensure consistency across the school.
  • Develop and implement initiatives to enhance pupil resilience, mental health and wellbeing.
  • Work with the medical centre, Wellbeing Hub and pastoral staff to provide high-quality health and emotional support.
• Boarding Leadership
  • Provide strategic oversight of all aspects of boarding, ensuring the highest standards of care.
  • Line-manage and support Hsms, ensuring best practice in boarding provision.
  • Oversee compliance with national boarding standards (CARE) and statutory requirements.
  • Foster a warm and supportive boarding community and integrate boarding life within the wider school.
  • Oversee House development plans for each boarding house and publish/review the School’s Boarding Handbook annually.
• Staff Leadership and Development
  • Lead and manage all pastoral and boarding staff, promoting professional development opportunities.
  • Provide training and guidance for Hsms, Heads of Year, Assistant Child Protection and pastoral staff.
  • Support and develop a culture of professional dialogue, high expectations and accountability.
• Pupil Experience and Parental Engagement
  • Serve as key point of contact for pastoral concerns, working closely with pupils, staff and parents.
  • Ensure effective communication between school and home regarding relevant pastoral matters.
  • Develop initiatives that strengthen partnership between school, parents and external agencies.
  • Oversee the induction, transition and integration of new pupils into the school community.
  • Develop channels of communication for pupil voice across the school.
• Operational and Compliance Responsibilities
  • Act as School’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Lead.
  • Ensure all safeguarding and child protection policies are strictly adhered to, conducting regular training and audits.
  • Collaborate with external inspectors (CARE) and regulatory bodies (HMIE) to maintain highest compliance standards.
  • Contribute to the strategic development of school policies and whole-school decision-making.

Person Specification

• Extensive experience in pastoral leadership within a boarding or independent school setting.
• Strong commitment to pupil welfare, safeguarding and wellbeing.
• Outstanding leadership and people management skills.
• Ability to inspire and engage staff, pupils and parents.
• Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to develop and implement pastoral strategies that enhance pupil experience.
• Experience as an HSM or in a similar boarding leadership role.
• Experience in leading large-scale pastoral initiatives or wellbeing programmes.
• Strong understanding of national boarding standards and compliance requirements.

All successful applicants will be required to hold or be accepted for membership of the Disclosure Scotland Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme.