Deputy Head Pastoral

EduTalent Group is recruiting a senior Deputy Head Pastoral to lead the pastoral and boarding provision at an international school in Guangzhou. This role offers a strategic leadership opportunity to shape wellbeing programmes ensure safeguarding excellence and support whole-school development.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead Head of Houses to deliver boarding and pastoral provision
  
• Guide the Assistant Head of Pastoral Care and Boarding in developing wellbeing initiatives
  
• Develop and implement pastoral policies aligned with UK CIS and international standards
  
• Ensure smooth pastoral transitions across all school divisions
  
• Convene the Pastoral Support Committee to address complex pupil welfare cases
  
• Report to Governors on pastoral development and safeguarding
  
• Serve as the schools Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
  
• Deliver whole-staff safeguarding training and maintain high standards of practice
  
• Uphold school-wide behaviour and appearance policies
  
• Investigate serious disciplinary matters and coordinate off-campus discipline where necessary
  
• Oversee pastoral budgets critical incident response systems pupil leadership programmes and accreditation preparations
  
• Support teaching staff selection and pupil admissions decisions
  
• Chair senior residential staff governance meetings and champion staff welfare initiatives
  
• Assume full school-wide leadership responsibilities in the Heads absence
  

Requirements

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree or above from a reputable university
  
• UK PGCE or equivalent teaching qualification giving QTS
  
• Clean police record and suitability to work with children verified through appropriate checks
  

Experience & Skills

• Minimum three years continuous senior leadership experience in at least one school
  
• Experience in middle or senior leadership in a UK Australian NZ Canadian or strong international school
  
• Proven whole-school leadership achievements
  
• Experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead
  
• Experience in boarding leadership and pastoral crisis management
  
• Systems leadership experience tempered with a people-focused approach
  
• Experience using CPOMS MyConcern or similar safeguarding platforms
  
• Experience teaching or leading PSHE
  
• Knowledge of international school staff wellbeing and development needs
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills adaptable to context
  
• ICT competence and interest in new technologies
  
• Creative with an interest in co-curricular development
  
• Resilience sense of humour and ability to work under pressure
  

Benefits

• Competitive expatriate package including salary accommodation and allowances
  
• Relocation support for you and your family
  
• Health insurance and wellbeing support
  
• Professional development and leadership progression opportunities
  
• Opportunity to lead pastoral strategy in a high-performing international school
  
• Supportive and dynamic school community