At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead pastoral care and support for students, ensuring their well-being and development.
- Company: Oswestry School, a historic independent school with a strong community ethos.
- Benefits: Generous fee discounts for staff children, medical support, and access to facilities.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and thriving environment.
- Why this job: Join a progressive team dedicated to outstanding pastoral care in a beautiful setting.
- Qualifications: Experienced middle leader passionate about pastoral care and safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 65000 € per year.
‘We learn not for school but for life’ Oswestry School is an independent, co-educational day & boarding school, with an 11‑18 Senior School of c.400 pupils and a 4‑11 Prep School of just over 100 pupils. The strong ethos of the School is reflected in its strength of pastoral care and sense of community. The School recently underwent inspection, with a very good report. As well as providing a fantastic learning and living environment for young people, Oswestry School offers an enjoyable, challenging and rewarding working environment. Located in the ancient town of Oswestry in the county of Shropshire, the school was founded in 1407 and, as such, lays claim to being one of the oldest truly independent schools in the country. It is located in a beautiful corner of Shropshire with easy access to the great outdoors as well as good links to the local town of Shrewsbury and the cities of Chester, Manchester and Birmingham.
Oswestry School is seeking to appoint a Deputy Head Pastoral to join us from January 2027. Combining a long‑established heritage with a progressive outlook, we provide an environment in which both pupils and staff can thrive, and where pastoral care and safeguarding are key priorities. This role would suit an experienced middle leader with the expertise, experience and passion to ensure Oswestry continues to be known for its outstanding pastoral care.
Responsibilities- Oversee the pastoral flourishing of the school, ensuring each pupil is fully supported, nurtured and developed.
- Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), responsible for safeguarding within the school.
- Lead the safeguarding team of Deputy DSLs and the wider pastoral and boarding team.
- Serve as a member of the School Leadership Team and report directly to the Headmaster.
- Promote the shared goals and purpose of the three key strands of academic, pastoral and co‑curricular.
- Experienced middle leader with a passion for pastoral care.
- Right to work in the UK; this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
- Willingness to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Generous fee discounts for staff children, a medical support package and use of facilities to emphasise that Oswestry School is a community that cares for its employees.
ContactFor further information or an informal discussion about the post and the school, please contact Senior Deputy Head, Mr Rob Lane at rob.lane@oswestryschool.com.
Application DeadlineClosing Date for applications: 9pm on Tuesday 9th June 2026
Interview DatesProvisional First Round Interview Date: Monday 15th June 2026
Provisional Final Round Interview Date: Tuesday 23rd June 2026
Oswestry School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Deputy Head Pastoral in Oswestry employer: Oswestry School
Oswestry School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing environment that prioritises pastoral care and employee well-being. Located in the picturesque town of Oswestry, staff benefit from generous fee discounts for their children, a comprehensive medical support package, and access to excellent facilities, all within a community that values personal and professional growth. With a rich history dating back to 1407, the school combines tradition with a forward-thinking approach, making it an ideal place for passionate educators to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head Pastoral in Oswestry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education, especially those who have experience in pastoral roles. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Oswestry School's ethos and values. Show us how your passion for pastoral care aligns with our mission. We love candidates who resonate with our community spirit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around safeguarding and pastoral care. We want to see your expertise shine through, so be ready to share your experiences and strategies.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our amazing community at Oswestry School.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head Pastoral in Oswestry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Pastoral Care:When writing your application, let your passion for pastoral care shine through. Share specific examples of how you've supported students in the past and how you plan to continue that at Oswestry School.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to reflect the ethos of Oswestry School. Highlight your experience as a middle leader and how it aligns with our commitment to outstanding pastoral care and community spirit.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us see your qualifications and enthusiasm without any confusion.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our school there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oswestry School
✨Know the School's Ethos
Before your interview, take some time to really understand Oswestry School's ethos and values. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to pastoral care and community spirit. This will help you align your answers with what they stand for and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Deputy Head Pastoral, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership skills. Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led a team or implemented effective pastoral strategies. Highlight how these experiences can contribute to the school's mission of nurturing and developing pupils.
✨Prepare for Safeguarding Questions
Given the importance of safeguarding in this role, be ready to discuss your experience and approach to child protection. Think about scenarios you've faced and how you handled them. This will show that you take safeguarding seriously and are prepared to lead the safeguarding team effectively.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's future plans, the pastoral team's dynamics, and how they measure success in pastoral care. Engaging with the interviewers not only shows your interest but also helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.
