Head of Safeguarding (Designated Safeguarding Lead) in Cambridge

St Mary\’s School, Cambridge is seeking an experienced safeguarding professional to join the Senior Leadership Team as Head of Safeguarding (Designated Safeguarding Lead). Reporting to the Head, you will lead safeguarding and child protection across the whole school, including the Junior School, Senior School, Sixth Form and Boarding. This is a non‑teaching, strategic role with responsibility for complex case management, online safety, staff training, and compliance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding. You will lead the Deputy DSL team, work closely with senior pastoral leaders, liaise with external agencies, and promote a strong, embedded safeguarding culture. The successful candidate will have:

• Significant safeguarding and child protection experience, ideally within education
• Strong knowledge of KCSIE and statutory guidance
• The confidence to lead, advise and influence across the school community

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact on pupil safety and wellbeing within a leading independent school. For more information and to apply, please visit our vacancies page via the \’Apply\’ button. Closing date: 9.00am Monday, 26 January 2026. Interviews: Thursday, 29 January 2026. We will review applications on receipt. Suitable candidates may be interviewed before the closing date, and we reserve the right to withdraw the position if an early appointment is made. The school is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants are subject to an enhanced DBS check.