Our mission is to develop happy, confident and successful pupils who are well-prepared for their future: Westbrook Hay is a thriving co-educational independent day school. Pupils enjoy a broad curriculum, achieve excellent results and have the all-important confidence to succeed. The school roll is currently at a record high of around 380 pupils and in September 2023 announced that it is growing its senior section of the school from Year 7 to Year 11 and will begin offering GCSEs.
Our ethos is to be a welcoming, inclusive family community that provides the best for, and expects the best from us all: The school is well known locally for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. This is something we cherish and, even though we are potentially going to grow slightly in size, we do not want to lose this ethos. We believe our ethos separates us from larger competitor schools in our locality. This ethos is generated by the staff and their relationships with the pupils and parents. It has been regularly described as ‘friendly and professional’.
We are seeking a new Deputy Head (Pastoral) who can assist us with achieving our mission, thrive under this ethos and help lead the school through the next exciting phase of development.
Deputy Head (Pastoral) Vacancy
We are seeking a candidate who has the experience and confidence to lead on all pastoral matters in a co-educational all-through school to 16. In the successful candidate’s first year the school will continue to end at Year 8 but in subsequent years we will have a Year 9, then a Year 10 and in September 2027 we will welcome our first Year 11 cohort. We are looking for someone who can plan for and grow with this exciting expansion.
Executive Group: The new Deputy Head (Pastoral) will be welcomed into a recently restructured leadership team, led by Mark Brain, who has been the Head since September 2019. The Executive Group is energetic, highly motivated and incredibly hardworking. The successful candidate will be expected to show the same qualities. The Executive Group consists of the Head, Senior Deputy Head, Deputy Head (Academic), new Deputy Head (Pastoral), Head of Pre-Prep, Head of Prep, Bursar and Director of Marketing & Admissions. There are plans to add a Head of Senior in the future.
Pastoral Leadership Team: The Deputy Head (Pastoral) leads the Pastoral Leadership Team (PLT) which consists of key pastoral staff in the school. The construction of this team will be discussed further with the successful candidate, the Head and Senior Deputy Head. However, key pastoral staff in the school are the Head of Pre-Prep, Head of Prep, Heads of Year, Pre-Prep Pastoral Lead and Pastoral Intervention Practitioner.
Teaching: This role will carry a greatly reduced teaching responsibility that will be based on timetable demands and the strengths of the successful candidate. There is no specific subject specialism required from the applicants, finding the right pastoral leader is the priority, but having experience or being willing to teach up to Year 11 is essential.
Salary and Benefits
This is a senior leadership position, the salary will be competitive and dependent on experience. On site accommodation in a detached two-bedroom cottage may be available for the right candidate. This property is currently nearing completion of its renovation and has a private garden. Residents benefit from use of the school’s heated outdoor swimming pool and sports facilities. What can we offer you?
- A fantastic team of staff to work with and be a part of
- A post currently pensionable under the Teachers’ Pension Scheme
- A school that is rated ‘Excellent’ by ISI with waiting lists in operation in a number of year groups
- Commitment to continuing professional development
- Free cooked lunches and refreshments throughout the day
- Membership of the Employee Assistance Programme
- Opportunities to attend events organised by the Staff Social Committee
- Receipt of a 'Golden Ticket' for assisting with an overnight event, which enables staff to apply for a half day either in the morning or afternoon
- Small class sizes, a beautiful rural location and excellent facilities
- 50% fee remission is offered for children of school staff, subject to availability of places
Safeguarding
The safety and well-being of the children in School is paramount at all times. Staff are responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children for whom they are responsible, or with whom they come into contact. Staff will adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Child Protection Policy at all times. If in the course of carrying out their duties, a member of staff becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School, it is their responsibility to report any concerns to the school’s Designated Senior Lead for Child Protection or the Head.
Online Searches
As part of the shortlisting process, the School will carry out an online search on shortlisted candidates as part of its due diligence. This may help to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and are publicly available online, that the School may want to explore with an applicant at interview. This forms part of the School’s wider safeguarding due diligence which aims to prevent and/or deter individuals who may be unsuitable to work with children from working in a school environment.
Equality and Diversity
Westbrook Hay is committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees and pupils. This means that employees are treated fairly, irrespective of sexual orientation, ethnic origin, religion, disability, age, gender, marital status or other reason. Staff are expected to always comply with the provisions set out in law and school policies on equality and diversity.
Application and Recruitment Process
The deadline for the receipt of applications is 18:00 on Friday 23rd February. To apply for this position, please complete an application via the TES website. Further information or any enquiries can be requested from our Bursar and Clerk to Governors, Miss Kelly Freeman (kelly_freeman@westbrookhay.co.uk).
The interview process will be in two stages. It is anticipated that longlist interviews will be held during the week beginning Monday 26th February. Although the programme is yet to be confirmed it will include an interview, the teaching of a lesson, and other tasks. Candidates will be offered a tour of the school and lunch, if the timing is appropriate.
We aim to invite successful candidates back for shortlist interviews on the week beginning Monday 4th March. Overnight accommodation is available on request. This appointment is for September 2024.