Deputy Head (Pastoral)

Wellington College; Buckler's Park; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Wellington College in Berkshire seeks a Deputy Head (Pastoral) to lead the college's pastoral provision across its seven-day boarding community, ensuring pupil wellbeing, safeguarding and a supportive environment for staff and families.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the appointee will work with Housemasters, health centre staff, tutors and Heads of Year to strengthen relationships, implement policies, develop staff, and uphold the College's values of kindness, integrity, respect,

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in an educational setting.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and regulatory compliance.
• Experience in boarding school life or similar residential community.

Responsibilities

• Lead pastoral care across the seven‑day boarding community with a compassionate, inclusive approach.
• Collaborate with Housemasters, House Matrons, Health Centre, counsellors, tutors and Heads of Year.
• Develop and implement safeguarding policies, wellbeing strategies and staff development.
• Provide strategic direction to ensure pupils, staff and families are supported and engaged.

Job description

Wellington College is a world-leading independent boarding and day school. We are a dynamic, values-led community where ambition and collaboration drive excellence across academic life, sport, and the wider school community.

Located in Crowthorne, Berkshire, our 400 acre estate provides a distinctive and inspiring place to work.

You will play an important role in our school community, working alongside dedicated colleagues to ensure the smooth and effective running of Wellington. Your contribution will directly support pupils, staff, and visitors every day, and you will have access to development opportunities that help you grow in your career.

The Deputy Head (Pastoral) will play a central role in shaping a caring, ambitious and inclusive experience for pupils across Wellington College. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the postholder will provide clear strategic direction for pastoral care and well-being, ensuring that pupils are known, supported and encouraged to flourish throughout their time at the College.

This is an influential opportunity to lead a broad and interconnected pastoral community. Working closely with Housemasters, House Matrons, the Health Centre, counselling colleagues, tutors and Heads of Year, the Deputy Head (Pastoral) will strengthen the relationships, systems and shared practice that underpin a thriving boarding environment. A visible, approachable presence within College life will be important, alongside the ability to build confidence and meaningful partnerships with pupils, families, colleagues and the wider Wellington community.

The successful candidate will bring substantial leadership experience from an educational setting and a well-developed understanding of the opportunities and responsibilities of boarding school life. They will combine sound judgement, sensitivity and discretion with the confidence to lead complex pastoral and safeguarding matters. They will be committed to maintaining excellent standards of safeguarding, child protection and regulatory practice, while helping colleagues to feel well informed, well supported and able to carry out their responsibilities with assurance.

The role calls for an accomplished people leader who can inspire and develop teams, guide improvement and balance strategic priorities with the day-to-day needs of a seven-day boarding community. They will contribute thoughtfully to whole-College planning, lead the ongoing development of pastoral provision and ensure that the College remains responsive to the changing needs of its diverse pupil body.

We are seeking a compassionate and credible educational leader with a compelling vision for pupil well-being. The successful candidate will model Wellington's values of Kindness, Integrity, Respect, Responsibility and Courage, bringing energy, curiosity and a deep commitment to helping young people feel safe, valued and ready to make the most of every opportunity.

You will join a collaborative school community where your contribution is recognised and valued. Wellington offers training and development opportunities to support your growth, and you'll work with colleagues who are dedicated to delivering high quality service across the College.

Wellington College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. The role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. You must have the right to work in the UK.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We promote an inclusive and supportive environment and are an equal opportunities employer.

Teaching Vacancies | Wellington College

Closing date: 23rd November