Deputy principal - pastoral lead

Stratford High School; Taranaki; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive educational institution in Taranaki seeks a deputy principal to lead pastoral care and wellbeing initiatives. The successful candidate will be passionate, resilient, and committed to enhancing student engagement and wellbeing. Responsibilities include leading behaviour improvement programs and supporting at-risk students. Join a collaborative team focused on creating a vibrant learning environment.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of leadership in an educational setting.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage students and staff.
• Commitment to student wellbeing and engagement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee pastoral care and wellbeing systems.
• Lead Positive Behaviour for Learning initiatives.
• Manage pastoral data for early intervention.
• Engage with external agencies.
• Coordinate wellbeing services.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Emotional intelligence

Relational skills

Resilience

Job description

Secondary (Years 7–15) / wharekura, Deputy principal

English, Health and physical education, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Technology, Te reo Māori, The arts
5MU + 1SMA

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for student wellbeing and engagement?

Stratford High School is seeking a visionary, empathetic, and energetic leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as deputy principal – pastoral lead. If you bring calm, humour, and a proven track record of leadership, we want to hear from you.

We are a future-focused, co-educational school of 650 students in the heart of Taranaki. Our curriculum is dynamic and learner-centred, with modular learning in Y9–10, strong NCEA results, and authentic experiences like our Build a House programme and school farm.

Our HEART values – Honesty, Excellence, Aroha, Respect, Tolerance – shape our culture and relationships.

About the role

This key leadership position oversees pastoral care, wellbeing, and behavioural systems. Responsibilities include:

• Leading Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L)
• Embedding restorative and relational practices
• Improving attendance, behaviour, and engagement
• Managing pastoral data for early intervention
• Supporting transitions and at-risk students
• Coordinating wellbeing services (guidance, health, learning support)
• Leading the Puawai programme
• Engaging with external agencies (e.g. Tutaki, Oranga Tamariki).

You’ll contribute to whole-school strategy and be a visible, hands-on leader with strong communication and emotional intelligence.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Passionate, resilient, and energetic
• A confident communicator with a great sense of humour
• Relational and student-focused
• Organised, solutions-focused, and detail-oriented
• Committed to learner agency and wellbeing
• Ready to lead through vision and values.

Join us in shaping a pastoral approach that prepares students not just for school, but for life.

How to apply

Please send your CV, and direct enquiries to:

Physical address:
Swansea Road, Stratford

Postal Address:
PO Box 204, Stratford, 4352