Deputy Head Pastoral and DSL Primary School

• Contract: Permanent allyear round
• Hours: Full time
• Salary: 68994 (LGSAL Allowance 2750) a great culture and benefits
• Start date: 01 September 2026

We are seeking an inspirational and values-led Deputy Head (Pastoral) & Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to join the Primary School Senior Leadership Team at The Grammar School at Leeds.

This is a pivotal leadership role providing strategic and operational oversight of the pastoral life of the Primary School. Working in close partnership with the Vice Principal & Head of Primary you will lead on safeguarding and child protection behaviour attendance mental health and wellbeing counselling provision and the development of resilient confident and happy children.

You will play a central role in shaping a nurturing inclusive culture where pupils feel safe supported and able to thrive. As part of the wider GSAL leadership team you will also contribute to whole-school strategy and deputise for the Vice Principal & Head of Primary when required.

The Role

AsDeputy Head (Pastoral) & DSL you will have lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection across the Primary School acting asDesignated Safeguarding Leadand contributing to whole-school safeguarding practice under the leadership of the Senior School DSL.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading safeguarding childprotectionand online safety across the Primary School in line withKeeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
• Developing and implementing high-quality pastoral strategies to supportbehaviour attendancewellbeingand mental health
• Coordinating counselling and medical provision working closely with parents school nursescounsellorsand external agencies
• Leading the pastoral curriculum including oversight of PHSE and wellbeing provision
• Supporting and developing staff through coaching performance management supervision and INSET
• Working closely with Assistant Heads Year Group Leaders and the wider Primary Leadership Team to plan and deliver outstanding pastoral care
• Deputisingfor the Vice Principal & Head of Primary asrequired including leading meetings and engaging with parents
• Contributing to whole-school leadership including health and safety safeguardinggovernanceand EDI initiatives

This role combinesstrategic leadership with visible relational presence and requires an excellent classroom practitioner who leads by example.

About GSAL

The Grammar School at Leedswas awarded North Independent School of the Year 2024 and Independent School of the Decade 2021.

GSAL provides a high-quality independent education for around 2100 pupils aged 218. Our ethos ofBe inspiredunderpins everything we do nurturing confidentcuriousand compassionate young people who are ready to meet future challenges.

GSAL Primary is a thriving forward-thinking and inclusive environment where pastoral care sits at the heart of everything we do. We believe that pupils learn best when they feel safevaluedand known and our pastoral systems are designed to support the whole child.

The Grammar School at Leedsprimary schoolwelcomes children from2-11 and is based in its own building on the main school site. We havepurpose builtfacilities including performance spaces music rooms art foodtechnologyand science rooms surrounded by playgrounds and extensive playing fields. We deliver outstanding pastoral and learning opportunities to enable every child to be kind bebraveand grow a little every day which are our core primary values.

In the primary phase the national curriculum is not rigidlyfollowed butis incorporated into the schools scheme of work. Children are offered a wide range of extracurricular activities including musicsportand drama.

In return we offer the chance to work with committed enthusiastic children in facilities unrivalled in the north of England and as part of a high achieving and professional team.

You will join a committed and collaborative leadership team who work closely together to ensure consistentlyhigh standardsof teaching learning and care across the Primary phase. There is a strong culture of professional trustreflectionand continuous improvement with opportunities to influence both Primary and whole-school strategy.

Our values in Primary School are at the heart of everything we do. We teach our pupils to striveto care to be brave(we call it stretching your elastic band!) and we encourage themtogrow a little every day.-Gabrielle Solti Vice-Principal and Head of Primary

Benefits

Wevalue our colleagues and offer an attractive benefits package including:

• Enhanced school holidays(approximately 16 weeks)
• Significant discount on school fees
• Subsidisedchildcareduring INSET days (ages 311)
• Contribution to private medical insurancefor you and your family(optionaltaxable benefit)
• Aviva DC pension schemewith21% employer contribution 0% employee contribution and4x salary life insurance
• Training and CPD including INSET days
• 2.40 three-course colleague lunchesplus free teacoffeeand hot chocolate
• 24/7 online GP accessfor you and your familyvia Health Hero
• Employee AssistanceProgrammeincluding free counsellingthroughVivup
• Onsite gym swimmingpooland fitness classes including pilates
• Beautiful walking routesacross our130 acresite
• Salary sacrifice schemes including Cycle to Work
• Subsidisedon site flu vaccines
• Generous leave of absence and family-friendly policies
• Opportunities to contribute to the wider life of the school

How to apply

If you are passionate about leading pastoral care safeguarding and wellbeing and are excited by the opportunity to shape the experience of children in a vibrant Primary School we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please completetheonline application formvia our website.

Further information about the schoolroleand responsibilities can be found in therecruitment packattached in the documents section of the advert. Please note that we are unable to offer pre-application visits due to the high volume of interest; however a virtual tour is available on our website.

If you have any furtherquestions please contact the HR team on:

Closing date: Wednesday 28 January 12pm

Interview date:Long list3 and 4 February. Information visit for final round Fri 6 round 11 February.

.