At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the pastoral life of Habs Girls, ensuring outstanding support for students.
- Company: Join the award-winning Haberdashers’ Girls’ School, a top independent school in beautiful Elstree.
- Benefits: Make a meaningful impact while working in a supportive and ambitious environment.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth and to influence the next generation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education and pastoral care for highly ambitious girls.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership experience in schools and a passion for pastoral care.
The predicted salary is between 47185 - 131056 £ per year.
Founded in 1875, Haberdashers’ Girls’ School is a leading independent day school for highly ambitious and curious girls aged 4-18. Awarded the overall top accolade of Independent School of the Year 2025, RS Academics is delighted now to assist in appointing a new Deputy Head Pastoral.
Habs Girls comprises of: Habs Girls Junior School (Girls 4-11), the Senior School (Girls 11-16), the Sixth Form (Girls 16-18, in co‑educational classes with Habs Boys), operating as a through‑school. Habs Girls educates around 1,250 girls (including 320 in the Junior School and 220 in the Sixth Form). Admission to the School is by selective assessment, and students enter at 4+, 7+, 11+ and 16+. The School occupies 100 acres of beautiful countryside (shared with Habs Boys) in Elstree, 13 miles from central London.
This is an exciting time in the history of Habs. The post of Deputy Head Pastoral offers the successful candidate an exceptional opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the future direction of the School. The post will suit an exceptional individual with a strong track record of leadership and management within schools, and demonstrable ambition for headship.
You will play a central role in shaping, leading, and developing the pastoral life of Habs Girls, as well as acting as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the whole school. You will demonstrate a deep and sustained commitment to pastoral care, alongside a strong ambition to deliver outstanding provision, with the clear aim of establishing best‑in‑country pastoral support.
The closing date for applications is Friday 8th May 2026 at 10.00am. Applications should be made electronically to RSAcademics. To submit your application, please click on “Apply Now” and upload your documents according to the instructions provided. You should submit the following (both in PDF format):
- A completed Application Form.
- A covering letter addressed to Dr Bagworth-Mann, Headmistress. The letter should be a maximum of two pages and should explain your reasons for applying and outline your suitability for the role.
If you have any questions about uploading your application documents, please contact Laura Cave, Project Coordinator, at applications@rsacademics.com. Laura can also be reached by calling our Head Office on +44 (0) 204 6269 791.
N.B. Safer recruitment checks will be made at all stages in the recruitment process. Haberdashers’ Girls’ School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure.
RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools. The deadline for receipt of the application is 10.00am on Friday 8 May 2026. Preliminary Interviews will take place via MS Teams with RSAcademics on Friday 8 and Monday 11 May 2026.
Deputy Head Pastoral – Haberdashers’ Girls’ School in Elstree employer: RSAcademics Ltd
Contact Detail:
RSAcademics Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head Pastoral – Haberdashers’ Girls’ School in Elstree
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, especially those who have experience with pastoral roles. They might have insider info on the Deputy Head Pastoral position at Habs Girls or even know someone involved in the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school's values and recent achievements. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about contributing to the school’s mission of providing outstanding pastoral care.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to leadership and safeguarding. We want to see how you handle real-life scenarios and your vision for enhancing pastoral support at Habs Girls.
✨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 you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace the digital age in education.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head Pastoral – Haberdashers’ Girls’ School in Elstree
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know the School: Before you start writing, take a moment to really understand what Haberdashers’ Girls’ School is all about. Dive into their values, mission, and what makes them tick. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit right in!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal and address it to Dr Bagworth-Mann. Share your passion for pastoral care and why you’re excited about this role. Keep it concise but impactful – remember, two pages max!
Showcase Your Experience: When filling out the application form, highlight your leadership and management experience in schools. Use specific examples that demonstrate your commitment to pastoral care and your ambition for headship. We want to see how you can make a difference!
Follow the Application Instructions: Make sure you upload your documents in PDF format as instructed. Double-check everything before hitting submit! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Laura Cave. We’re here to help you through the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at RSAcademics Ltd
✨Know Your Pastoral Care Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of pastoral care principles and practices. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of the students at Haberdashers’ Girls’ School, and be ready to discuss how you can enhance their pastoral experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare examples from your previous roles that highlight your leadership and management skills. Think about times when you've successfully led a team or implemented new initiatives in a school setting, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Safeguarding
As the Designated Safeguarding Lead, it's crucial to convey your dedication to child protection. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of safeguarding policies and share any relevant experiences that showcase your commitment to student welfare.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with insightful questions about the school's vision for pastoral care and how you can contribute. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.