Deputy Head of KS4 in Oxford

Deputy Head of Key Stage 4 at Greyfriars Catholic School, part of the Pope Francis Multi Academy Company (PFMAC), within the Archdiocese of Birmingham. This role is central to ensuring pupils achieve their best through pastoral leadership, behaviour management, safeguarding, family engagement and operational support.

Core Responsibilities

• Support the strategic and operational leadership of Key Stage 4.
• Promote a culture of high expectations, belonging and inclusion.
• Maintain a highly visible presence throughout the school day.
• Support students in overcoming barriers to learning through proactive intervention.
• Lead restorative conversations and reintegration meetings where appropriate.

Behaviour and Culture

• Lead on the day‑to‑day management of behaviour within Key Stage 4.
• Monitor behaviour trends and identify students requiring additional support.
• Coordinate appropriate interventions and behaviour plans.
• Work alongside staff to promote consistent implementation of school routines and expectations.
• Contribute to the school’s positive culture through visible leadership and relationship‑building.

Student Support

• Coordinate support for students with complex pastoral needs.
• Work closely with SEND, attendance and safeguarding teams to ensure joined‑up provision.
• Support transition into and through Key Stage 4.
• Promote student well‑being, resilience and engagement.

Safeguarding

• Work closely with the DSL team to identify and support vulnerable students.
• Maintain accurate safeguarding records and ensure timely referrals.
• Attend multi‑agency meetings where required.
• Promote a culture where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Attendance and Student Engagement

• Monitor attendance and punctuality across Key Stage 4.
• Work proactively with families to improve attendance.
• Coordinate interventions for students at risk of persistent absence.
• Analyse attendance data and evaluate the impact of interventions.
• Work alongside the Attendance Officer and external agencies to reduce barriers to attendance.

Family Engagement

• Build strong and productive relationships with parents and carers.
• Act as a first point of contact for families requiring pastoral support.
• Facilitate meetings with parents, external professionals and school staff.
• Support families in accessing early help and wider services where appropriate.
• Promote positive communication between home and school.

Multi‑Agency Working

• Liaise with Children’s Services, Early Help, CAMHS, Youth Justice and other external agencies.
• Coordinate support plans and monitor agreed actions.
• Ensure effective information sharing in line with safeguarding procedures.
• Represent the school professionally at multi‑agency meetings.

Operational Leadership

• Support the daily organisation and smooth running of Key Stage 4.
• Maintain accurate pastoral records and documentation.
• Coordinate key pastoral events and meetings.
• Produce reports and analysis to inform leadership decision‑making.

Professional Responsibilities

• Uphold the Catholic ethos and values of the school.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional integrity.
• Participate fully in training and professional development.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the level of the post.

Key Contacts & Safeguarding Commitment

• Daily involvement with the pastoral team, senior team and SEND team.
• Regular contact with parents and families to support improvements in behaviour.

Greyfriars Catholic School is committed to safeguarding children and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful candidates will be subjected to an enhanced Disclosure & Barring check together with other relevant employment checks.

Person Specification

Experience

• Demonstrable experience of working with children.
• Experience in a similar role, preferably within a school setting.
• Experience of working with external and multidisciplinary agencies.

Education and Qualification

• 4 GCSEs at C or 4 and above (or equivalent), including English and Maths.
• Relevant safeguarding qualifications.

Skills and Knowledge

• Ability to think operationally and strategically.
• Commitment to improving the life chances of students.
• Commitment to establishing high and rigorous standards of discipline.
• Understanding of kindness and how high expectations and kindness are linked.
• Up‑to‑date and thorough working knowledge of KSCE and relevant curriculum frameworks.
• Ability to manage complex and personal issues.
• Effective time‑management.

Interpersonal Skills

• Positive, solution‑focused member of the Greyfriars team.
• Ability to relate to teachers, other professionals, families and students.
• Good listening and de‑escalation skills.
• Ability to work as a member of a team, be flexible and work on own initiative.

Other

• Ability to relate to and promote the ethos of the school.
• Willingness to undertake training as required.
• Optimistic outlook recognising the complexity of working in schools but the joy central to such work.

Application Process

Applicants must meet the required qualifications and experience, provide evidence of suitability to work in the UK, and complete any required background checks.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to equal opportunities and do not require faith as a condition of employment. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.