Assistant Head Pastoral

The College seeks the appointment of an energetic, creative and inspiring Assistant Head Pastoral. They will have a clear vision for what exceptional academic leadership and pastoral care looks like and will be able to import these ideas into the College with diplomacy and vitality, in equal measure. The Assistant Head Pastoral will be able to incite enthusiasm in others with intellectual curiosity and the pursuit of excellence across the year groups they are leading. They will be excited by working in a fast-paced, ambitious and aspirational environment whilst also having the self-belief to work autonomously and the ability to inspire others to follow and support their vision.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record in raising attainment and will have the skills and attributes necessary to motivate students to realise their full potential and pursue academic excellence.

They will have the ability to think strategically and proactively and to work with effective structures and systems to ensure that every young person is achieving to the highest of their ability. They will work with other departments across the College, including the co-curricular, marketing and admissions departments and will also be required to line manage Heads of Department, holding them to account and supporting them with their strategic objectives.

Additionally, the Assistant Head Pastoral will have experience in pastoral or academic middle leadership, and will be committed to providing excellent pastoral care, including showing confidence in liaising with external support agencies where necessary, and overseeing the work of tutors and Heads of Year.

The Assistant Head Pastoral is expected to be an active participant in the Senior School Leadership Team (SSLT) and Senior School Pastoral Leadership Team (SSPLT), creating new and interesting ideas, able to debate intelligently, with good humour and with the ability to see solutions quickly and differently.

Employment Status: Full Time, Permanent

Application closing date: 0800 4 March 2024

Longlist interviews on Teams: 5 March 2024

Shortlist/final interviews on-site: 8 March 2024

Early applications are advised as the College reserves the right to appoint at any stage during the application process.

Completed application forms and cover letters must be emailed to hr@stdunstans.org.uk.

For further details, please visit Vacancies at St Dunstan's College in Catford, South London (stdunstans.org.uk)

St Dunstan’s College reflects the diverse location in which it is situated. In a recent review of our racial diversity by ‘Flair Impact’, we were found to be the most racially diverse school out of their client base of over 30 British independent schools. We see diversity to be of intrinsic and essential value to the contemporary, ambitious and forward-thinking education we offer at St Dunstan’s. We encourage applications from people who share this view, and from professionals of all backgrounds, communities and industries. We are a school that places individuality and identity at the heart of what we do.

The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post. As this role involves 'regulated activity' with children the successful applicant will be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure application. Employment will be conditional upon the College being satisfied with the result of the Enhanced DBS check and the outcome of all other checks. 

The College will also carry out a check of the Children's Barred List on the successful applicant. Applicants should be aware that it is unlawful for the College to employ anyone to work with children if they are barred from doing so, and it is a criminal offence for a person to apply to work with children if they are barred from doing so.

This role is also exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the College is therefore permitted to ask shortlisted applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

St Dunstan’s Trustee Limited (registered number 14407568) on behalf of St Dunstan’s Educational Foundation (registered number 312747).