Head of Pastoral

We are a growing and ambitious group of independent schools committed to transforming outcomes for children and young people through exceptional education, therapeutic support and relational practice.

Our schools provide highly supportive, inclusive and aspirational learning environments for pupils with a range of additional needs, including SEMH, SEND and complex vulnerabilities.

As the group continues to expand, we are committed to establishing sector-leading standards in safeguarding, behaviour, attendance and pastoral care across all settings. We are seeking an exceptional, experienced and values-driven leader to join the organisation as Head of Pastoral, providing strategic leadership and operational oversight for all pastoral systems and teams across the group. This role presents an exciting opportunity to shape and lead pastoral provision across a growing organisation dedicated to improving life chances for children and young people.

Role Overview

The Head of Pastoral is a senior operational leadership position within the Group, responsible for the strategic leadership, development and operational oversight of all pastoral systems and teams across the group’s independent schools.

Reporting directly to the Director of Education, the postholder will lead on the implementation, monitoring and continuous improvement of group-wide systems relating to:

• Safeguarding and child protection

• Attendance and pupil engagement

• Behaviour and inclusion

• Pastoral care and student wellbeing

• Compliance and statutory practice

The role requires an experienced and highly effective leader capable of operating strategically across multiple school settings while maintaining strong operational oversight of pastoral practice, safeguarding culture and student support systems.

The successful candidate will work closely with Executive Headteachers, Headteachers and Senior Leadership Teams to ensure consistent standards, robust safeguarding practice and high-quality pastoral provision across the organisation as the group continues to grow.

Core Purpose of the Role

To strategically lead and operationally oversee all aspects of pastoral provision across the Group, ensuring outstanding safeguarding culture, effective behaviour systems, high attendance expectations and exceptional standards of care and support for pupils. The role will drive consistency, accountability, compliance and continuous improvement across all pastoral functions within the organisation.

REQUIRED

Significant leadership experience within education, safeguarding or pastoral leadership

Experience leading safeguarding across large sites or multiple settings

Extensive knowledge of KCSIE and safeguarding legislation

Proven experience developing attendance and behaviour strategies

Experience managing pastoral or multi-disciplinary teams

Strong understanding of SEMH, SEND and trauma-informed practice

Experience of school improvement and quality assurance processes

Ability to analyse data and use it strategically to drive improvement

Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills

Experience working with external agencies and safeguarding partners

Ability to manage high-risk and complex safeguarding matters