Head of Student Welfare

LLOYD'S REGISTER INTERNATIONAL; Bloxham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Bloxham School in Oxfordshire is seeking an exceptional Head of Student Welfare to lead the school's pastoral provision and ensure every pupil is known, valued and able to flourish. This newly created role sits at the heart of wellbeing, safeguarding and personal development across a busy boarding environment.

You will work closely with boarding staff, lead inter-house initiatives and help develop a culture where pupil welfare remains central to school life.

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• Significant experience of pastoral leadership within a boarding school environment.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding practice and DSL-level responsibilities.
• Experience of supporting pupil welfare, wellbeing and personal development.
• Experience of leading or contributing to whole-school initiatives.
• Experience of PSHE delivery or leadership.
• Experience supporting boarding and/or international pupils.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to manage sensitive and complex pastoral matters with sound judgement and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Leading the development of the School's student welfare and wellbeing provision.
• Serving as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and supporting the School's safeguarding strategy and culture.
• Preparing to assume the role of Designated Safeguarding Lead in the future.
• Supporting and developing provision for full boarders and international pupils.
• Working closely with boarding staff to ensure pupils are fully supported throughout their time at Bloxham.
• Overseeing student leadership programmes, including Prefects and pupil voice initiatives.
• Working alongside the Head of PSHE to ensure the delivery of an effective personal development programme.
• Supporting the School's medical, counselling and wellbeing services.
• Leading and developing inter-house competitions and activities that build school spirit, participation and belonging.
• Supporting Housemasters and Housemistresses in matters relating to pupil welfare and pastoral care.
• Line managing the Head Matron and promoting consistency of practice across the pastoral team.
• Deputising for the Deputy Head - Pastoral as required.
• Contributing as a member of the wider Leadership Team.
• Teaching within an academic department and contributing fully to departmental and school life.
• Serving as a Tutor.

Skills

Pastoral leadership

Safeguarding expertise

Communication & interpersonal skills

PSHE delivery experience

Education

Degree level qualification or equivalent experience

Job description

Bloxham School is seeking to appoint an exceptional, caring and inspirational pastoral leader to the newly created role of Head of Student Welfare. This is a significant whole-school leadership opportunity for an experienced professional who is passionate about supporting young people and ensuring that every pupil is known, valued and able to flourish.

Salary

• Bloxham salary scale

Working Arrangements

• Full Time
• Term Time
• Bloxham School is a thriving school with a warm and friendly staff community.
• Our school day starts at 8.30am and finishes at 6pm Monday to Friday.
• Academic lessons end at 3.30pm after which our staff contribute to broader curricular activities, academic drop-ins and pastoral meetings.
• Saturday lessons are from 8.30am -12.00pm.

Start Date

• As soon as possible

About the Role

This newly created position sits at the heart of Bloxham School's pastoral provision and reflects the School's ongoing commitment to exceptional pupil care and wellbeing. The Head of Student Welfare will lead and shape the School's approach to student welfare, ensuring that provision remains responsive to pupils' needs and reflects current best practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading the development of the School's student welfare and wellbeing provision.
• Serving as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and supporting the School's safeguarding strategy and culture.
• Preparing to assume the role of Designated Safeguarding Lead in the future.
• Supporting and developing provision for full boarders and international pupils.
• Working closely with boarding staff to ensure pupils are fully supported throughout their time at Bloxham.
• Overseeing student leadership programmes, including Prefects and pupil voice initiatives.
• Working alongside the Head of PSHE to ensure the delivery of an effective personal development programme.
• Supporting the School's medical, counselling and wellbeing services.
• Leading and developing inter-house competitions and activities that build school spirit, participation and belonging.
• Supporting Housemasters and Housemistresses in matters relating to pupil welfare and pastoral care.
• Line managing the Head Matron and promoting consistency of practice across the pastoral team.
• Deputising for the Deputy Head - Pastoral as required.
• Contributing as a member of the wider Leadership Team.
• Teaching within an academic department and contributing fully to departmental and school life.
• Serving as a Tutor.

Pastoral care lies at the heart of life at Bloxham School. Through strong relationships, high expectations and a genuine commitment to individual wellbeing, we strive to ensure that every pupil is able to thrive academically, socially and personally. The Head of Student Welfare will play a central role in helping us achieve this ambition.

About You

We are seeking an experienced, compassionate and highly effective pastoral leader who is committed to helping young people flourish within a busy and successful boarding school environment.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Degree level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• Significant experience of pastoral leadership within a boarding school environment.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding practice and DSL-level responsibilities.
• Experience of supporting pupil welfare, wellbeing and personal development.
• Experience of leading or contributing to whole-school initiatives.
• Experience of PSHE delivery or leadership.
• Experience supporting boarding and/or international pupils.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to manage sensitive and complex pastoral matters with sound judgement and professionalism.

Why Join Bloxham School?

• Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of pastoral care and student wellbeing at Bloxham School.
• Join a highly respected pastoral leadership team.
• Contribute to a culture that places student welfare at the centre of school life.
• Work within a thriving independent boarding school community.
• Benefit from excellent professional development opportunities, including progression towards the Designated Safeguarding Lead role.
• Enjoy a varied and rewarding leadership position with significant scope for impact and development.
• Be part of a School that values service, community, belonging and personal growth.

• For an introduction to Bloxham School and the benefits offered to staff please view our 'Working at Bloxham School' booklet.

Safeguarding

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

Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The School may carry out online searches on shortlisted applicants and all applicants will be required to provide details of their online profile, including social media account names/handles, as part of their application.

The safeguarding responsibilities of the post include:

The post holder's responsibility will include promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom s/he is responsible, or with whom s/ he comes into contact. The post holder will be required to adhere to and ensure compliance with the School's Child Protection Policy at all times. If, in the course of carrying out the duties of the post, the post holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School, s/he must report any concerns to the School's Designated Safeguarding Lead.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The School is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions on a self-declaration form in advance of attending an interview (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

Application Deadline

9am, Friday 18 September 2026