Assistant Headteacher: Pastoral Care

BARTON MANOR SCHOOL; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution in Canterbury is seeking an Assistant Headteacher for Pastoral Care starting 1 September 2026. This role focuses on ensuring student achievement, attendance, and behavior at Key Stage 3, while promoting the school's vision and leading whole-school initiatives. Ideal candidates will have experience in educational leadership and a commitment to fostering a supportive environment for students. Applications are invited online only; CVs are not accepted.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Commitment to diversity and equality

Qualifications

• Experience in Pastoral Care at Key Stage 3 required.
• Strong leadership skills to prepare for a Deputy Headship role.
• Ability to promote school vision and improve student outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Pastoral Care, Achievement, Attendance and Behaviour at KS3.
• Lead whole-school initiatives for Gifted & Talented and Charity.
• Collaborate on major strategic decisions with leadership.

Skills

Pastoral Care

Leadership

Strategic Decision Making

Education

Qualified Teacher Status

Job description

THE TRUST

Barton Court Academy Trust (BCAT) is a multi‑academy Trust which was established in 2017. It currently consists of three secondary schools: Barton Court Grammar School, an 11‑18 mixed selective school in the heart of Canterbury, rated “Good” with many outstanding features by Ofsted in February 2020 and November 2024; The Charles Dickens School, an 11‑16 mixed non‑selective school in Broadstairs, rated “Good” by Ofsted in March 2023; and Barton Manor Free School, an 11‑18 mixed non‑selective school in Canterbury, opened to Year 7 in September 2022 and now offers Y7‑Y11 from September 2026, rated “Good” with many outstanding features by Ofsted in May 2025.

OUR SCHOOL

Barton Manor School is a non‑selective 11‑18 school located in Canterbury, a 5‑minute walk from Barton Court Grammar School. The School is in its fourth year of opening, with students in Y7‑Y10 only, and when full it will have a shared Sixth Form provision with Barton Court Grammar School providing a wide range of vocational and academic courses. We have a vision and a determination to provide our community with an excellent school and we are making great strides towards this. Our Ofsted inspection in May 2025 graded the school “Good” for quality of Education and Behaviour & Attitudes and “Outstanding” for Personal Development and Leadership & Management.

The School has excellent facilities. All rooms are equipped with state‑of‑the‑art electronic interactive whiteboards. There are specialist facilities for sport, hospitality, engineering, dance, drama, music and art. We offer and value a broad curriculum aimed at promoting talent beyond traditional academic subjects. Our significant investment in professional development drives colleagues’ continuous improvement. This is a place where everyone improves regardless of their career stage.

THE POST

Required for 1 September 2026, the Trustees are seeking to appoint an Assistant Headteacher: Pastoral Care (Key Stage 3) for our Free School, Barton Manor which opened in September 2022.

Responsibilities:

• Pastoral Care, Achievement, Attendance and Behaviour at KS3
• Whole‑School G&T and Whole‑School Charity
• Active and influential across the whole leadership spectrum, providing preparation for those considering Deputy Headship
• Promote the Trust and School’s vision and values, and excellence in all aspects of school life
• Central to all major strategic decisions and leading some of these with the Headteacher, Executive Headteacher, Governors, staff and students

DEADLINE

Friday 30 January 2026 at 9am. Early applications are encouraged and we retain the right to fill the vacancy before the deadline date.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications for this post should be made online only using the School’s application form. CVs will not be accepted. Visit the website and click on Recruitment for more information. Please email your application to [e-mail].

If you wish to discuss the post or to arrange a visit, please contact the HR Department on [e-mail].

Barton Manor School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure application via the Disclosure & Barring Service and a check against the ISA Barred List for Children.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early and proceed to interview upon receipt of a number of suitably qualified applications. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.

In line with the latest KCSIE guidance, as part of the shortlisting process, the Trust reserves the right to conduct an online search on shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence and any relevant information found concerning a candidate’s suitability to work with children will be discussed at interview stage.

Our safeguarding practices prevent us from accepting CVs.

DIVERSITY

Barton Court Academy Trust embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part‑time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

Further details and information about the Trust can be found on our website page. A commitment to staff welfare and promoting BCAT core values is at the heart of this role.