At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead pastoral care and safeguarding for a thriving school community.
- Company: Oswestry School, a historic and supportive independent school.
- Benefits: Generous fee discounts for staff children and medical support package.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team committed to nurturing young people.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a beautiful environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in middle leadership and a passion for pastoral care.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 65000 £ per year.
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 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.
The successful applicant will be responsible for the pastoral flourishing of the school and ensuring that each and every pupil is fully supported, nurtured and developed. As Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) they will be responsible for safeguarding within the school, and will lead our safeguarding team of Deputy DSLs and the wider pastoral and boarding team. The Deputy Head Pastoral will be a member of the School Leadership Team and will report directly to the Headmaster. The appointee will be expected to have a keen appreciation for the ethos and values of the School, and a commitment to the shared goals and purpose of the three key strands of academic, pastoral and co-curricular.
Generous fee discounts for staff children, as well as a medical support package and use of facilities, help emphasise that Oswestry School is a community which cares for its employees.
Closing Date for applications: 9pm on Tuesday 9th June 2026
Provisional First Round Interview Date: Monday 15th June 2026
Provisional Final Round Interview Date: Tuesday 23rd June 2026
The school reserves the right to offer the post at any stage in the appointment process or not to offer the post. Candidates must have the existing right to work in the UK. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Oswestry School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Deputy Head Pastoral in Oswestry employer: TISCA
Oswestry School is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff within a supportive community. Located in the picturesque town of Oswestry, the school offers generous benefits such as fee discounts for staff children and a comprehensive medical support package, fostering a rewarding work culture where both personal and professional growth are encouraged. With a strong commitment to pastoral care and safeguarding, Oswestry School provides a meaningful environment for educators dedicated to nurturing young minds.
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 contacts in education, especially those who might know someone at Oswestry School. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could really help your application stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the school's ethos and values. Show us how your passion for pastoral care aligns with what Oswestry stands for. We want to see that you’re not just a fit on paper but also in spirit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend or mentor to do mock interviews with you. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently, making sure you shine when it’s your turn to impress the panel.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our 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. We want to see how you can contribute to our strong ethos and community spirit at Oswestry School.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application specifically to the Deputy Head Pastoral role. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with our values and goals. We love seeing candidates who understand what makes us unique!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and focus on what really matters – your skills and experiences that make you a great fit for us.
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 TISCA
✨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’re looking 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 pastoral care initiatives and how you can contribute to them. Engaging with the interviewers not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.
