Assistant Head (Safeguarding)

The Perse School, Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Perse School, Cambridge, seeks an exceptional Assistant Head (Safeguarding) to lead safeguarding strategy across three Cambridge schools and serve as Designated Safeguarding Lead for the Upper School. You will guide policy, respond to complex child protection matters and collaborate with pupils, families, staff, governors and external agencies.

We welcome candidates with experience in education or safeguarding from related sectors, and a commitment to safeguarding best practices, equality

Qualifications

• Proven experience in safeguarding and child protection leadership.
• Ability to lead strategy, provide training, and work with external agencies.
• Experience in education or safeguarding in related sectors is welcomed.
• Excellent judgement and compassion for pupils' safety.

Responsibilities

• Lead safeguarding strategy and practice across three Cambridge schools.
• Oversee complex child protection matters and advise colleagues.
• Provide guidance, training, and liaison with families, staff, governors and external agencies.
• Coordinate safeguarding recruitment and compliance processes.

Skills

Safeguarding expertise

Leadership

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Staff training

Education

Experience in safeguarding in education or related sectors

Job description

Safeguarding sits at the heart of life at The Perse School. We are seeking an exceptional leader to join our senior team as Assistant Head (Safeguarding), taking strategic responsibility for safeguarding and child protection across our 3 Cambridge schools and serving as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the Upper School.

This is a significant leadership opportunity for an experienced safeguarding professional who can combine expertise, sound judgement and compassion to ensure every pupil feels safe, supported and able to flourish. The successful candidate will lead safeguarding strategy and practice, oversee complex child protection matters, provide guidance and training to colleagues, and work closely with pupils, families, staff, governors and external agencies.

We welcome applications from experienced teachers, educational leaders and safeguarding professionals from related sectors. While experience in education is highly desirable, we are equally interested in candidates who have developed substantial safeguarding expertise through social care, local authority safeguarding services, the LADO function or other child protection settings.

The Perse enjoys a prestigious reputation and values a mixed approach to teaching and learning. We aim to respect tradition and innovation, industry and fun, and academic and personal growth. All teachers and pupils are required to demonstrate all-round excellence and contribute to the academic, pastoral and extra-curricular life of the school.

At The Perse School, we value the well‑being of all staff and offer a supportive environment that balances professional ambitions with personal growth, opportunity and work‑life balance.

Closing date: Friday 18th September at 9.00am. Interviews will be a two stage process; preliminary online on Wednesday 23rd September followed by in person for successful candidates in the week commencing 28th September.

The School actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

Safer Recruitment

The Perse School recognises that an important element in safeguarding our pupils is a robust recruitment process that incorporates measures to deter, reject or identify people who might abuse children, or who are otherwise unsuited to work with them. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including: references from previous employers, a Disclosure and Barring Service check at the enhanced level, as well as eligibility to work in the UK (in compliance with UK immigration regulations).All work carried out at the School on a regular basis amounts to regulated activity. This role is also exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone's responsibility. The School is committed to acting in the best interests of the child so as to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. The School requires everyone who comes into contact with children and their families to share this commitment. Interviews will be conducted in person, and they will explore candidates’ suitability to work with children.