Pastoral Assistant Headteacher and DDSL

Catholic Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

St Catherine's is seeking an inspirational Assistant Headteacher from January 2027 to lead pastoral excellence and drive outstanding progress across all key stages. Reporting to the Deputy Headteacher, you will oversee Heads of Year within one key stage and collaborate with staff to raise aspirations within a strong Catholic ethos.

The role emphasises line management, data-driven improvement, parental engagement, CEIAG, and shaping school improvement through ethical leadership in a

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership in pastoral provision and student welfare.
• Experience leading Heads of Year and improving progression.
• Commitment to Catholic ethos and school improvement.

Responsibilities

• Line management and leadership development for Heads of Year within one key stage.
• Monitor student progress, attendance, behaviour and pastoral initiatives.
• Engage parents and carers to support student development.
• Oversee pastoral data, reporting and intervention strategies.
• Contribute to collective worship, form times and school ethos.
• Collaborate on school improvement plans with senior leadership.
• Coordinate transition, liaison with primary schools and external agencies.
• Support pastoral teams and maintain effective internal systems.
• Lead on attendance and punctuality improvements; assist DSL as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Pastoral care

Strategic planning

Line management

Team collaboration

Communication with parents

Catholic ethos

Education

QTS / PGCE

SLT / senior leadership experience

Tools

Behaviour management system

Data tracking tools

Job description

We are seeking to appoint an inspirational Assistant Headteacher from January 2027. We want you to inspire students and raise their aspirations across all aspects of their schooling. St Catherine's is a highly successful, oversubscribed girls' school with high quality accommodation and resources. Our recent Ofsted report graded us Strong in all areas.

To be a successful Assistant Headteacher at St Catherine's, you will:

• teach to GCSE Grade 9 and A Level A* standard and have the ability to support and challenge colleagues in your areas of responsibility to do the same
• have an acute awareness of the importance of knowing each student well and plotting their individual paths both academically and pastorally
• have the ability to ensure students make outstanding progress across all key stages and subjects
• be committed to enhancing the ethos and culture of the school through determined and ethical leadership so that it becomes highly professional, transparent, efficient, secure and a fun place to work and study
• thrive on working in teams but be able to work independently
• constantly challenge yourself to become a better practitioner and leader
• demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the development of the Catholic life of the school

Role Overview:

The Pastoral Assistant Headteacher plays a vital role in ensuring the overall wellbeing and academic progress of students within the school, with a focus on one key stage. Reporting directly to the Deputy Headteacher, the incumbent will lead and manage the Heads of Year for one key stage, fostering a positive and supportive environment conducive to student development and achievement. The successful candidate will oversee various pastoral initiatives, collaborate with stakeholders, and contribute to the school’s improvement plan.

Key Responsibilities:

Line Management and Leadership Development:

• Supervise and support Heads of Year in one key stage to ensure a diverse, engaging, and effective pastoral approach within their respective cohorts.
• Facilitate the professional growth of Heads of Year, empowering them to enhance their leadership skills and contribute to outstanding pastoral provision across the school.

Student Progress and Wellbeing:

• Collaborate with Heads of Year to monitor and track the academic progress, attendance, and behaviour of students within a key stage.
• Implement strategies to support students’ personal development, wellbeing, and academic achievement including leading on CEIAG for a key stage.

Parental Engagement:

• Act as a positive and welcoming presence during parent-facing events, fostering strong relationships with parents and ensuring they feel valued and informed about their child’s progress.

Data Management and Reporting:

• Oversee the management of pastoral data and tracking within the Behaviour System, utilising insights to inform decision making and intervention strategies.

Collective Worship and Form Times:

• Contribute to the planning and delivery of collective worship and form times, addressing relevant pastoral issues, and promoting a positive school ethos.

School Improvement:

• Collaborate with senior leadership to contribute to the school improvement plan, aligning pastoral initiatives with broader strategic objectives.

Coordination and Liaison:

• Coordinate pastoral plans and initiatives, ensuring alignment with the school’s vision and objectives.
• Establish effective liaison with primary schools to organise transition programmes to support students.
• Liaise with local schools and the LA regarding inclusion

Internal Systems and Processes:

• Support internal awards and sanctions systems, promoting a culture of recognition and accountability among students.
• Support pastoral systems through effective leadership and management of pastoral teams, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.

Attendance and Punctuality:

• Take proactive leadership in managing student attendance and punctuality, implementing strategies to address issues and improve overall attendance rates.

DDSL

• Support the DSL with all aspects of the role including attending meetings, supporting students and parents/carers, and engaging with external agencies