Deputy Head Pastoral

GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust); Northwood; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career development

Pension scheme

Health support

GDST fee discount

Free lunches

Job summary

Northwood College for Girls seeks a Deputy Head (Pastoral) from April 2027. The role leads the school's pastoral strategy and safeguards wellbeing and personal development for every pupil, reporting to the Head and sitting on the Senior Leadership Team.

The successful candidate will be an empathetic, strategic educational leader with strong interpersonal and organisational skills, experience in middle or senior leadership, and a commitment to the GDST ethos of inclusion and excellence.

Qualifications

• Proven middle or senior leadership experience in schools.
• Designated Safeguarding Lead experience or equivalent.
• Commitment to the GDST ethos and inclusive culture.
• Ability to lead pastoral strategy and pupil wellbeing.

Responsibilities

• Lead the school’s pastoral strategy across all year groups.
• Oversee wellbeing, personal development and safeguarding for all pupils.
• Collaborate with the Head, staff and parents to shape culture.
• Drive strategic initiatives and contribute to School Leadership Team.

Skills

Leadership

Pastoral care

Strategic thinking

Interpersonal skills

Safeguarding lead

Education

Master's in Education

Job description

Employer Northwood College for Girls - GDST Location Northwood, Greater London Contract Type Permanent Hours Full Time Salary SLT2 plus benefits

Posted 12th October 2026 Start Date 12th April 2027 Expires 4th November 2026 09:00 AM Contract Type Permanent Start Date 12th April 2027 Job ID 1579262

Start Date 12th April 2027

• Contract Type :Permanent
• Job ID: 1579262

Required from: April 2027

Contract term: Full-time. Permanent

Hours: Full-time

Salary: SLT2 plus benefits

We are excited to invite applications for the role of Deputy Head (Pastoral) from April 2027.

Northwood College has an excellent reputation as a vibrant independent day school. Over 720 girls aged 3 to 18 thrive in our ambitious educational culture, which is underpinned by a kind and generous-spirited community and a breadth of co-curricular opportunities that inspire confidence and creativity.

The Deputy Head (Pastoral) will occupy a central position within the life of Northwood College, leading the school’s pastoral strategy and taking responsibility for the wellbeing, personal development, and flourishing of every pupil.

Reporting directly to the Head, the Deputy Head (Pastoral) is a key member of the Senior Leadership Team and as such will play an important role in shaping the strategic direction of the school, as well as the daily life of the community. The successful candidate will be an inspiring and empathetic leader, capable of nurturing teams, empowering staff, working collaboratively with parents and fostering a pastoral culture that enables every girl to thrive.

We are seeking a reflective, forward-looking educationalist with exceptional interpersonal and organisational skills, and a proven ability to think strategically and act with integrity. The ideal candidate will combine warmth, authority, and vision, and will be deeply committed to the ethos and values of Northwood College and the Girls’ Day School Trust. They will have a track record of excellent middle or senior leadership experience in schools and the experience to undertake the role of the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead and further develop pastoral care at a school renowned for its excellent pastoral guidance, strong sense of community, and dedication to helping every pupil “learn without limits.”

Northwood College is committed to diversity and inclusion and warmly welcomes applications from a wide range of contexts and backgrounds. We welcome pre-application contact if you would like to discuss the school and role further.

About The School

Northwood College for Girls is an independent, academically selective day school for approximately 720 girls aged 3-18. At NWC, we value kindness as a strength and teach our students that in life, you rise by lifting others. Our ambitious and forward-thinking curriculum ignites intellectual curiosity and fosters emotional intelligence, building resilience through challenge. An NWC education enables every girl to lead a purposeful life and feel successful in their learning.

Both pupils and staff are encouraged to find and develop their passions and talents, through clubs, societies and an extensive programme of professional learning. All members of the NWC community are expected to act with compassion and integrity, with respect for others and the environment and an awareness of global responsibility.

Everyone is equally valued in our NWC family and our dynamic young women are proud of their school. Looking after one another and rejoicing in one another’s successes comes second nature to a NWC girl as does her ‘can-do’ attitude and drive.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries and pay progression
• Access to extensive professional development opportunities
• Training grants for qualifications
• Generous pension scheme
• Free life assurance benefit
• Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme
• A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
• Interest-free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
• A Cycle to Work scheme
• Competitive terms and conditions of employment
• Access to the school gym and swimming pool
• Free school lunches
• Retail and lifestyle discounts via Pluxee
• Financial guidance and support

Applications must be received by 9am on Wednesday 4 November 2026.

Longlist interviews will take place Friday 13 November and shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview in person between 18-20 November 2026.

Early applications are encouraged and references for shortlisted candidates will be taken up before interview.

The GDST is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included.

Attachments

NWC Candidate Brief - Deputy Head Pastoral