Deputy Head's

We are seeking, for September 2026, an experienced, inspirational and impactful school leader as maternity cover for this exciting role.

Overview

The Deputy Head Pastoral will support the Head’s professional leadership across the whole school (2‑11) as a key member of the School Leadership Team. The role involves strategic and operational responsibilities, including pastoral care, safeguarding, staff development, induction, and operational management. The Deputy will deputise for the Head when unavailable and may be required to work outside normal hours to support performance or emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Pupil Safeguarding and Welfare
  • Act as the School Designated Safeguarding Lead Officer (DSL) and promote the welfare of every child.
  • Liaise with the Deputy DSL on all safeguarding matters and conduct the annual safeguarding review with the Director responsible for Safeguarding.
  • Prepare and present safeguarding reports for Governance meetings.
  • Contribute to inter‑agency work with other professionals as required.
  • Ensure all staff receive induction in safeguarding and are aware of behaviour and anti‑bullying procedures.
  • Oversee pastoral care and discipline for all pupils in the Upper School and manage online recording systems.
  • Keep careful records and report weekly to the Head on pastoral/behaviour matters.
  • Take assemblies, liaise with the Head and oversee the assembly rota.
  • Carry out pastoral duties and act as an Upper School teacher.
  • Celebrate the achievements of individuals and teams.
  • Ensure new pupils are successfully inducted into the school.
  • Supervise and support school prefects and Head Girl/Boy team, organising regular discussion meetings.
  • Oversee the school house system and review it for the future.
• Staff (Induction, Mentoring and Wellbeing)
  • Participate in staff appointment processes.
  • Assist the Head and SLT with Appraisal and Performance Management, keeping careful records.
  • Ensure staff uphold school policies and procedures at all times.
  • Support the Head in organising INSET days and individual staff professional training in liaison with Senior Leadership Team colleagues.
  • Facilitate communication amongst staff and between staff and the Head.
  • Liaise with the Deputy Head Academic concerning the deployment of teaching assistants.
  • Mentor ECT teachers as part of the ISTIP induction process.
• Academic (Teaching and Learning)
  • Act as an inspirational Upper School Teacher, confident in the use of IT. Ability to teach English/Drama desirable, albeit not essential.
  • Arrange flexible teaching cover across a range of subjects and year groups.
  • Take a lead role in raising teaching and learning quality across the school, including lesson observations.
  • Maintain close liaison with the Deputy Head Academic to monitor pupils’ pastoral wellbeing and academic development.
  • Advise the Head and prepare reports and references for pupils applying to their next school.
  • Serve as the Educational Visits Coordinator (EVC), overseeing the programme and compliance of trips.
• Strategic Development
  • Ensure full compliance with all regulatory requirements and guidance, maintaining knowledge of ISSRs and other regulations.
  • Keep the school prepared for ISI inspections at all times.
  • Manage induction training of new staff and allocation of mentors.
  • Oversee school functions and liaise with the Business Manager and Catering Manager.
  • Assist the Head in the orderly conduct of school routines, providing staff cover and reorganising children and rooms as required.
  • Organise Upper School parent evening appointments and oversee smooth running of parent evenings.
  • Assist the Admissions and Marketing Team with parental tours, Open Days and other school events.
  • Assist the Head and Marketing Team with press releases, website updates and prospectus information review.
  • Prepare staff supervision rotas for lunch, breaks and after school.
  • Oversee the Upper School SMSA team and maintain efficient staff room administration.
  • Support the Head in fostering good relations with parents and the community.
  • Maintain strong community links, especially with local charities, meeting termly with the Charity Coordinator to agree event focus.

Person Specification

• Good Honours graduate with QTS or equivalent.
• Successful teaching experience across Key Stages 1 and 2, with a record of high pupil achievement.
• Experience of strategic planning or curriculum evaluation.
• Evidence of planning and prioritising effectively.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development and awareness of current trends in preparatory education.
• Proven ability to research, implement and benefit from continuous development, with established links in the wider educational community.
• Knowledge of best practice in safeguarding.
• Knowledge of independent schools and requirements for transferring to secondary schools.
• Excellent computer literacy; confident user of IT and the Microsoft 365 suite.
• Leads by example, commands respect of pupils, staff and parents.
• Strong listening and communication (written and oral) skills.
• Works well with others, supportive of colleagues.
• Personal dynamism, energy and enthusiasm with a positive outlook.
• Integrity, fairness and strong personal accountability.
• Good judgement and a calm approach.
• Attention to detail, efficient and meets deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Comfortable and confident public speaker.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, based on experience (circa £55‑65k).
• Approximately 17 weeks holiday per year.
• Extensive professional development training opportunities.
• Free lunch and refreshments during term time.
• Wellbeing initiatives and programmes (yoga, mindfulness sessions, health checks).
• Cycle‑to‑Work Scheme.
• Enhanced DBS check for safeguarding; online searches may be conducted on shortlisted candidates as part of pre‑recruitment checks.