About St James’ School

St James’ is a small, friendly, co-educational school with an outstanding reputation for first-class pastoral care and exceptional academic standards for pupils aged 11–18.

Our warm, inclusive atmosphere — combined with strong pastoral structures, small class sizes, and a deep commitment to pupil wellbeing — ensures every young person is known, valued, and empowered to achieve their full potential. We are equally committed to supporting the professional growth, wellbeing, and aspirations of our staff.

About the Role

Contract type: Full Time

Salary: Competitive and based on experience

Start date: Immediate Start Available

As Assistant Head – Pastoral Care & Admin, you will play a pivotal strategic role within the Senior Leadership Team, shaping a school culture where pupils feel safe, supported, and empowered to flourish.

You will lead on behaviour culture, safeguarding, wellbeing strategy, SEND oversight, attendance, and key administrative systems that underpin effective pastoral practice. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on operational oversight, ensuring systems are robust, consistent, and values driven.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading and developing a whole-school pastoral strategy that promotes wellbeing, resilience, and positive relationships.
• Acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead (or Deputy DSL), ensuring rigorous safeguarding and child protection practice.
• Overseeing behaviour and attendance systems, using data to implement targeted interventions and improve engagement.
• Providing strategic oversight of SEND provision in partnership with the SENCo to ensure inclusive, high-quality support.
• Ensuring robust systems for IEPs, safeguarding records, pastoral plans, and multi-agency liaison.
• Coaching and developing Heads of Year, tutors, and pastoral staff to maintain consistently high standards of care.
• Overseeing key administrative systems linked to safeguarding, admissions, and operational professionalism.
• Building strong relationships with parents, governors, and external professionals.
• Contributing to whole-school strategic planning as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

About You: We are seeking an exceptional school leader who brings both expertise and heart to the role:

• Proven experience in pastoral leadership, behaviour management, and safeguarding at a senior level.
• A strong understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and inclusive school provision.
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and substantial teaching experience.
• The ability to analyse data, strengthen systems, and drive measurable improvement.
• Excellent organisational, interpersonal, and decision-making skills.
• Emotional intelligence, resilience, and professional judgement under pressure.
• A deep commitment to pupil wellbeing and to fostering a culture of high expectations and care.
• A collaborative leadership style that inspires confidence and consistency across staff teams.

Why Choose Us?

At St James’ School, we are dedicated to creating an environment where both students and staff thrive. Joining our team means becoming part of a school that values trust, kindness, teamwork, and the individual strengths of every member of our community.

Here’s what you can expect:

• The opportunity to make a profound, lasting impact on young people’s lives during their most formative years.
• A supportive, collaborative Senior Leadership Team that values your ideas and expertise.
• Small class sizes and a nurturing environment that allow for meaningful pastoral relationships.
• Access to excellent facilities and resources across the pastoral and SEND provision.
• Strong commitment to staff wellbeing and professional development.
• Company Sick Pay
• Company Pension
• Wellness programme
• Refer-a-friend scheme
• Life assurance package (3× annual salary)
• Free lunch
• Free onsite parking

If you’re passionate about leading pastoral excellence, championing inclusion, and nurturing a school where every pupil is valued — we would love to hear from you.

Embark on a rewarding career – where every equation adds up to success!

St. James’ School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants for ALL jobs will undergo appropriate child-protection screening including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to enhanced level, with costs covered by the company. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.