At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the pastoral care for girls aged 11-18 in a vibrant boarding environment.
- Company: St Mary’s Calne, a nurturing school community focused on student wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, family accommodation, pet-friendly environment, and a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying a rewarding leadership role.
- Qualifications: Experience in boarding leadership and a passion for student welfare.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team committed to providing an exceptional educational experience.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
St Mary’s Calne seeks an experienced boarding leader to oversee girls’ boarding and pastoral care for pupils aged 11–18, and younger boarders from St Margaret’s Prep (Years 5–6). Starting in September 2026, this senior leadership role includes responsibility as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). The successful candidate will provide inspirational leadership and ensure we deliver outstanding pastoral provision.
The post-holder has ultimate line management of all house staff, nursing staff, and the personal development, counselling and wellbeing teams. The Deputy Head Boarding and Pastoral Care oversees the smooth running of our 6 boarding houses and the health centre. St Mary’s runs a horizontal boarding structure where each boarding house is home to one year group with the exception of our Lower School house which welcomes boarders from years 7 and 8, alongside a small number of prep pupils from years 5 and 6.
This is a varied and rewarding role encompassing safeguarding, welfare, strategic planning, leadership, compliance and teaching. It also offers the opportunity to join a passionate team of professionals working to deliver an enjoyable and successful educational experience for each individual pupil.
This is a residential post and offers family accommodation for the better performance of duties. We are a pet‑friendly site and additional animal‑members of the family are welcome with prior agreement.
The applicant pack contains full details of the post and we look forward to hearing from candidates who feel they would be an excellent fit and would like to join our school community.
Apply using the school’s application form or visit us online to learn more about working with us.
Deputy Head, Pastoral & Boarding (DSL) in Calne employer: The Boarding Schools' Association
Contact Detail:
The Boarding Schools' Association Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head, Pastoral & Boarding (DSL) in Calne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have experience in pastoral care or boarding. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching St Mary’s Calne thoroughly. Understand their values, culture, and what makes their boarding experience unique. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams or improved pastoral care in previous roles. We want to see your passion for creating a supportive environment for students.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our school community and what we stand for.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head, Pastoral & Boarding (DSL) in Calne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Deputy Head, Pastoral & Boarding. We want to see how you can inspire and lead in a boarding environment!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your written application, emphasise your leadership experience, especially in pastoral care and safeguarding. We’re looking for someone who can manage teams effectively and create a supportive atmosphere for our pupils.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your ideas, as we appreciate clarity in communication. Remember, we want to understand your passion for this role quickly!
Use Our Application Form: Don’t forget to apply using the school’s application form! It’s designed to help us get to know you better. You can also check out our website for more info about working with us and what we value in our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Boarding Schools' Association
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of pastoral care and boarding leadership. Familiarise yourself with St Mary’s Calne’s approach to safeguarding and how it aligns with your own values and experiences.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership skills, especially in managing teams and fostering a supportive environment. Think about how you can inspire and motivate house staff and wellbeing teams to deliver outstanding care.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life situations related to safeguarding and pastoral care. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in these scenarios to demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the school’s culture, the challenges they face in boarding, and their vision for the future. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.