Deputy Head (Pastoral) in London

Inspired Education is the leading global group of premium schools, with a portfolio of 125 premium private schools spanning 6 continents which utilise proven educational practices from every corner of the globe, ensuring over 95,000 students receive a world‑class learning experience from Kindergarten to Year 13.

In 28 countries, Inspired schools are individually developed and anchored in the vibrant cultures of their respective locations. They collectively form an international family of schools that nurtures each student's academic and personal development in a progressive, dynamic, and innovative learning environment.

By joining our award‑winning team of over 14,000 employees, you can work in state‑of‑the‑art facilities alongside industry‑renowned educators and leaders in some of the world's most desirable locations. We invest heavily in our team members who enjoy industry‑leading professional development, exceptional career opportunities, and mobility across our group.

Wetherby Kensington is a two‑form, non‑selective, pre‑preparatory school for boys from Reception to Year 3. It follows exactly the same curriculum and shares the same values and ethos as Wetherby School and will be an integral part of the Wetherby Group of schools. Boys at Wetherby Kensington receive very high levels of academic education and pastoral care.

Wetherby Kensington is looking to appoint an inspirational, strategic and impactful Deputy Head – Pastoral and Operations on a 1‑year maternity cover contract. The successful candidate will have a track record of fostering the well‑being and flourishing of boys in a high‑achieving environment. This exciting role will suit an ambitious individual with a calm and intelligent approach towards all young people and staff alike. It is a position that comes with great responsibility so you must be a positive influencer and have a strong strategy to ensure the well‑being of our young people is of paramount importance. The Deputy Head (Pastoral and Operations) will play a significant role in the day‑to‑day life of the school and will be expected to make a major contribution to the school’s strategic development.

We are looking for a role model for pupils and colleagues, a leader who will nurture excellence in our boys by delivering a world‑class pastoral programme. The ideal candidate will recommend and implement innovations from research and practice in pastoral provision, lead the development of boys’ character and well‑being, their safeguarding and the care and well‑being of the staff.

This is an exceptional opportunity for candidates who have proven leadership and management skills in an educational setting, who can work in partnership with the Headmistress and the Senior Leadership Team and other stakeholders to continue to develop a clear vision, direction and operational framework for the school. This role is for a September 2026 start.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Hold responsibility for the pastoral care of the boys in conjunction with the Head and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT).
• Be the first point of contact for parents, teachers and boys with regards to pastoral care.
• Be one of the Designated Safeguarding Lead including Prevent and Online Safety and oversee the safeguarding of all children in the school.
• To lead and develop Pupil Voice to be a strong presence, supporting pupils to make positive change in issues that matter to them.
• To promote links with the wider community and ensure that all boys can participate in events within the local and wider community (including in competitions).
• To run the school council, chair all the meetings and implement any proposals that are put forward.
• Developing the behaviour policy and its implementation across the school.
• Oversee the school’s behaviour log and keep accurate up to date records – reporting to the Head and Governors termly.
• To lead and manage the school’s Health and Safety committee meetings ensuring health and safety walks are completed termly and any actions are followed up in a timely fashion to ensure compliance.
• The role will have a minimum of 60% teaching responsibility across the school.
• The person will form a part of the SLT.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

• Qualified teacher status with experience in a leadership role.
• Strong understanding of school operations, compliance, and pastoral care.
• Experience with managing operational and compliance processes in a very busy school setting.
• Excellent organisational and time‑management skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with pupils, parents, and staff.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards in all areas of school life.
• A team player with a good sense of humour and emotional awareness.

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT:

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre‑employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

SCHOOL APPLICATION FORM:

Please download and complete our Inspired Application Form and submit alongside your CV.