Head of Student Services Victoria School, Poole 36,662 37,183 per annum (dependent on experience)

Head of Student Services (Upper or Lower School) & Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Location: Shaftesbury Victoria School
Salary: 36662 - 37183 per annum (dependent on experience)
Contract: Permanent Term-Time Only
Start Date: September 2026

Make a Lasting Difference Every Day

At Shaftesbury Victoria School we believe every student deserves to feel valued supported and empowered to reach their full potential. We are looking for an experienced compassionate and inspirational leader to join our team as Head of Student Services.

This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the educational and personal journeys of children and young people with a range of complex needs including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD) and other neurodiverse profiles.

Working within either the Upper or Lower School you will lead on pastoral support champion inclusion and ensure that every students voice is heard. As a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) you will also play a vital role in promoting student safety wellbeing and positive outcomes.

About the Role

As Head of Student Services you will provide strategic leadership across pastoral care safeguarding family engagement and student advocacy. You will work closely with families colleagues and external agencies to create a culture where every learner feels a true sense of belonging.

The role includes oversight of counselling ELSA provision and wider wellbeing services ensuring that the support available to students and their families is responsive effective and impactful.

Were seeking someone who brings strong leadership skills emotional intelligence resilience and a genuine passion for supporting children and young people with complex needs.

What Youll Be Responsible For

• Leading and managing a dedicated Student Services team.
• Acting as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) for a designated student cohort.
• Ensuring high standards of safeguarding attendance health welfare and compliance.
• Building strong positive partnerships with families and carers.
• Championing student voice self-advocacy inclusion and positive behaviour support.
• Working collaboratively with parents local authorities and external agencies.
• Driving inclusive practice across the school and supporting equitable access to learning.
• Contributing strategically to school improvement and student outcomes.
• Delivering safeguarding training and promoting best practice across the school.
• Using data and insight to inform decision-making and improve support services.
• Supporting Victoria Schools commitment to fostering a culture of Inclusion and Belonging.

About You

You will have:

• Significant experience in a pastoral SEND safeguarding or multi-agency role.
• A strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved in supporting children and young people with physical disabilities and complex needs.
• Excellent leadership communication and relationship-building skills.
• A proactive solution-focused approach and the ability to work collaboratively across teams.
• An unwavering commitment to safeguarding and promoting student wellbeing.

Experience working with students with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) is desirable.

Why Join Victoria School

Victoria School is a welcoming forward-thinking community where collaboration innovation and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do.

When you join us youll benefit from:

The opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of children and young people with complex needs.

A supportive and highly skilled team dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for every student.

A culture that values equity advocacy and belonging.

Ongoing professional development training and opportunities to grow your career.

The chance to contribute to a school where every student is encouraged to thrive succeed and be heard.

Join us and help create an environment where every student belongs every voice matters and every achievement is celebrated.

For further details including a job description person specification and application form please email:

Applications close: 31.07.26 (we reserve the right to close the advert before this date should suitable applications be received).

Visits to the school are welcomed and encouraged. Please call or email

Shaftesbury Victoria School part of the disability charity Shaftesbury is located in Poole Dorset. The school provides education for children in the primary and secondary age range.

Our students have a range of complex physical and learning needs including ASC.

Safeguarding Statement

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and all relevant safeguarding checks.

Equality and Diversity

Shaftesbury is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of gender race disability age sexual orientation gender reassignment religion or belief marital status or pregnancy and maternity.

Shaftesbury aims to create and sustain an inclusive work environment which provides equality of opportunity for everyone and reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. The post holder is required to uphold the Equality and Diversity policy and comply with the code of conduct which sets out our standards of behaviour towards those who use our services or work within them.