Deputy Head Boarding and Pastoral Care

Wiltshire; Calne; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK boarding school in Calne is seeking an experienced Deputy Head for Boarding and Pastoral Care. This senior leadership role involves overseeing boarding houses, ensuring outstanding pastoral provision for pupils aged 11–18, and acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead. The role includes management of house staff and wellbeing teams, as well as strategic planning and compliance responsibilities. This is a residential position offering family accommodation and involves being part of a passionate community dedicated to student welfare.

Benefits

Family accommodation

Pet-friendly site

Qualifications

• Experience in boarding leadership and pastoral care for pupils aged 11–18.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and welfare practices.
• Ability to provide inspirational leadership and strategic planning.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the smooth running of 6 boarding houses and the health centre.
• Ensure outstanding pastoral provision and support for pupils.
• Lead line management of house staff and wellbeing teams.

Job description

Deputy Head – Boarding and Pastoral Care

Job Description

Hours of work: Full time

Contract type: Permanent

A bit about us:

St Mary’s Calne is a leading UK boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18 in Wiltshire, shaped by the values of our full boarding ethos. We cultivate a vibrant and supportive community where every pupil is known, valued, and inspired to flourish. Our aim is to develop in each pupil confidence, independence, and the sense of purpose they need to succeed, supported always by a kind and caring community.

We are deeply committed to academic excellence, achieving outstanding results through exceptional teaching and a culture of curiosity, ambition, and intellectual growth. Our exceptional facilities provide a vibrant foundation where each pupil is inspired to learn inside and outside the classroom.

We support the evolving aspirations of every pupil and equip each of them with the knowledge, skills, and self-belief to shape their own future and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Calne culture - Our expectations guide every pupil to grow with integrity and confidence:

• Be bold - Step forward with confidence and pursue your goals with determination. Stand up for what is right, even when it is not easy.
• Be kind - Treat others with respect and compassion. Help build a community where everyone feels valued for who they are.
• Be you - Celebrate your individuality and be true to yourself whilst upholding the values of our community.

School values:

• Curiosity - Passion/enthusiasm for learning and discovery
• Compassion - Commitment to kindness, empathy, and understanding
• Courage - The strength to face challenges and stay true to one’s values

All about the role:

St Mary’s Calne seeks an experienced boarding leader to oversee girls’ boarding and pastoral care for pupils aged 11–18, and younger boarders from St Margaret’s Prep (Years 5–6).

Starting in September 2026, this senior leadership role includes responsibility as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). The successful candidate will provide inspirational leadership and ensure we deliver outstanding pastoral provision.

The post-holder has ultimate line management of all house staff, nursing staff, and the personal development, counselling and wellbeing teams.

The Deputy Head Boarding and Pastoral Care oversees the smooth running of our 6 boarding houses and the health centre. St Mary's runs a horizonal boarding structure where each boarding house is home to one year group with the exception of our Lower School house which welcomes boarders from years 7 and 8, alongside a small number of prep pupils from years 5 and 6.

This is a varied and rewarding role encompassing safeguarding, welfare, strategic planning, leadership, compliance and teaching. It also offers the opportunity to join a passionate team of professionals working to deliver an enjoyable and successful educational experience for each individual pupil.

This is a residential post and offers family accommodation for the better performance of duties. We are a pet-friendly site and additional animal-members of the family are welcome with prior agreement.

The applicant pack contains full details of the post and we look forward to hearing from candidates who feel they would be an excellent fit and would like to join our school community.

To apply online, please download the application form and click the ‘apply now’ button below to upload your completed application form and covering letter online.
Please note: CV's will not be considered.

Closing date (and time): Friday 23 January 2026 at 9am

Interview date: Tuesday 27 January 2026 (first-round online), Tuesday 3 February 2026 (second-round on site)

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

All applicants will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check before appointment is confirmed.

Job Info

• Job Identification 6450
• Posting Date 01/16/2026, 05:00 AM
• Working Pattern Permanent Full time
• Job Areas School & Partner Organisations