Deputy Head Pastoral and DSL Primary School

The Grammar School at Leeds; Leeds; On-site; GBP 66,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in the UK seeks an inspirational Deputy Head (Pastoral) & DSL to oversee safeguarding and pastoral care in the Primary School. This pivotal role includes developing strategies for mental health and wellbeing, leading the pastoral curriculum, and supporting staff development. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership skills and a commitment to creating a nurturing environment for all pupils. Competitive salary and benefits offered in a supportive school community.

Benefits

Enhanced school holidays

Subsidised childcare

Private medical insurance contribution

Generous pension scheme

Free onsite meals

Access to gym and fitness classes

Beautiful campus with walking routes

Qualifications

• Lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection in the Primary School.
• Develop pastoral strategies for behaviour, attendance, wellbeing, and mental health.
• Experience with counselling and support for staff and pupils.

Responsibilities

• Lead safeguarding and online safety across the Primary School.
• Implement high-quality pastoral strategies.
• Coordinate counselling and medical provision.

Skills

Safeguarding

Leadership

Child Protection

Wellbeing Support

Education

Qualified Teacher Status

Job description

• Salary: £68,994 (L13 £66,244 + GSAL Allowance £2,750) + a great culture and benefits

We are seeking an inspirational and values-led Deputy Head (Pastoral) & Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to join the Primary School Senior Leadership Team at The Grammar School at Leeds.

This is a pivotal leadership role, providing strategic and operational oversight of the pastoral life of the Primary School. Working in close partnership with the Vice Principal & Head of Primary, you will lead on safeguarding and child protection, behaviour, attendance, mental health and wellbeing, counselling provision, and the development of resilient, confident and happy children.

You will play a central role in shaping a nurturing, inclusive culture where pupils feel safe, supported and able to thrive. As part of the wider GSAL leadership team, you will also contribute to whole-school strategy and deputise for the Vice Principal & Head of Primary when required.

The Role

As Deputy Head (Pastoral) & DSL, you will have lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection across the Primary School, acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead and contributing to whole-school safeguarding practice under the leadership of the Senior School DSL.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading safeguarding, child protection and online safety across the Primary School in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
• Developing and implementing high-quality pastoral strategies to support behaviour, attendance, wellbeing and mental health
• Coordinating counselling and medical provision, working closely with parents, school nurses, counsellors and external agencies
• Leading the pastoral curriculum, including oversight of PHSE and wellbeing provision
• Supporting and developing staff through coaching, performance management, supervision and INSET
• Working closely with Assistant Heads, Year Group Leaders and the wider Primary Leadership Team to plan and deliver outstanding pastoral care
• Deputising for the Vice Principal & Head of Primary as required, including leading meetings and engaging with parents
• Contributing to whole-school leadership, including health and safety, safeguarding governance and EDI initiatives

This role combines strategic leadership with visible, relational presence, and requires an excellent classroom practitioner who leads by example.

About GSAL

The Grammar School at Leeds was awarded North Independent School of the Year 2024 and Independent School of the Decade 2021.

GSAL provides a high-quality independent education for around 2,100 pupils aged 2–18. Our ethos of “Be inspired” underpins everything we do, nurturing confident, curious and compassionate young people who are ready to meet future challenges.

GSAL Primary is a thriving, forward-thinking and inclusive environment where pastoral care sits at the heart of everything we do. We believe that pupils learn best when they feel safe, valued and known, and our pastoral systems are designed to support the whole child.

The Grammar School at Leeds primary school welcomes children from 2-11 and is based in its own building on the main school site. We have purpose built facilities, including performance spaces, music rooms, art, food technology and science rooms surrounded by playgrounds and extensive playing fields. We deliver outstanding pastoral and learning opportunities to enable every child to be kind, be brave and grow a little every day, which are our core primary values.

In the primary phase, the national curriculum is not rigidly followed, but is incorporated into the school’s scheme of work. Children are offered a wide range of extracurricular activities including music, sport and drama.

In return we offer the chance to work with committed, enthusiastic children in facilities unrivalled in the north of England, and as part of a high achieving and professional team.

You will join a committed and collaborative leadership team who work closely together to ensure consistently high standards of teaching, learning and care across the Primary phase. There is a strong culture of professional trust, reflection and continuous improvement, with opportunities to influence both Primary and whole-school strategy.

“Our values in Primary School are at the heart of everything we do. We teach our pupils to strive to care, to be brave (we call it stretching your elastic band!) and we encourage them to grow a little every day.” - Gabrielle Solti, Vice-Principal and Head of Primary

Benefits

We value our colleagues and offer an attractive benefits package, including:

• Enhanced school holidays (approximately 16 weeks)
• Subsidised childcare during INSET days (ages 3–11)
• Contribution to private medical insurance for you and your family (optional taxable benefit)
• Aviva DC pension scheme with 21% employer contribution, 0% employee contribution and 4x salary life insurance
• Training and CPD, including INSET days
• £2.40 three-course colleague lunches plus free tea, coffee and hot chocolate
• 24/7 online GP access for you and your family via Health HeroEmployee Assistance Programme including free counselling through Vivup
• Onsite gym, swimming pool and fitness classes including pilates
• Beautiful walking routes across our 130 acre site
• Salary sacrifice schemes, including Cycle to Work
• Subsidised on site flu vaccines
• Generous leave of absence and family-friendly policies
• Opportunities to contribute to the wider life of the school

How to apply

If you are passionate about leading pastoral care, safeguarding and wellbeing, and are excited by the opportunity to shape the experience of children in a vibrant Primary School, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please complete the online application form via our website.

Further information about the school, role and responsibilities can be found in the recruitment pack attached in the documents section of the advert. Please note that we are unable to offer pre-application visits due to the high volume of interest; however, a virtual tour is available on our website.

If you have any further questions, please contact the HR team on:

Closing date: Wednesday 28 January 12pm

Interview date: Long list 3 and 4 February. Information visit for final round Fri 6 February. Final round 11 February.