Job Description

DEPUTY HEAD WITH RESPONSIBILITY AS PASTORAL LEAD

Mildenhall, Suffolk

Support, nurture, inspire, empower

We're seeking a compassionate, dynamic and forward-thinking Deputy Head with responsibility as Pastoral Lead, to help shape the future of our school and the young people within it. You'll play a key role in creating a safe, nurturing and aspirational environment where pupils can flourish academically, socially and emotionally.

On Track Education

On Track Education provides specialist education for young people with diverse and complex needs. Established in 2004 by a dedicated team of Special Educational Needs (SEN) teachers, we now operate nine independent schools across England. At the heart of our philosophy is a commitment to providing a nurturing, personalised, and needs-led educational experience, aiming to restore young people's self-confidence and self-motivation through flexible programmes that combine academic, vocational, and outdoor learning opportunities.

On Track Mildenhall

On Track Education Mildenhall is a well-established independent special school for pupils aged 11-16 with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties. Rated Good in all areas by Ofsted in March 2023, the school has been supporting young people for over 20 years. We offer a highly personalised curriculum designed to inspire and engage, enabling pupils to achieve a wide range of accreditations, including GCSEs, BTECs, and Level 1/Level 2 qualifications.

With a strong emphasis on social and emotional development, we prioritise building trusting, respectful relationships between staff and pupils as the foundation for success. Our motivational and progressive curriculum is underpinned by the therapeutic principles of THRIVE, promoting emotional wellbeing alongside academic achievement.

Key purpose

As a key member of the senior leadership team, the Deputy Head (Pastoral Lead) will play a central role in shaping the school's vision, ethos, and day-to-day success. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on pastoral care, ensuring that every pupil is supported to thrive both emotionally and academically.

Job responsibilities

Take joint responsibility for leading the school in the absence of the Head Teacher, ensuring smooth and effective management. Work closely with the Head Teacher to ensure full compliance with Independent School Standards and strive for continuous improvement towards an Outstanding rating. Champion a whole-school approach to safeguarding, ensuring the safety and well-being of every pupil. Inspire confidence across the school community, acting as a positive role model for pupils and staff. Provide unconditional care, nurture and support for every pupil. Take overall responsibility for pupil behaviour and wellbeing, working in collaboration with the Head Teacher and the SLT. Train and qualify as a Thrive Practitioner, embedding the THRIVE programme across all areas of school life to support emotional and social development. Identify barriers to learning and collaborate with teaching staff and external agencies to deliver appropriate support for individual pupils or groups of pupils. Ensure pupils receive appropriate emotional support, enabling them to make sustained progress and reach their potential. Support staff in managing incidents of challenging behaviour, providing guidance, debriefing and follow-up actions as required. Oversee and contribute to administrative duties linked to pastoral care, pupil welfare, and behavioural management. Uphold and actively implement all school policies, ensuring consistency and integrity in practice.

Safeguarding

On Track places safeguarding at the heart of all that it does, and to facilitate this, all staff are expected to:

Always adhere to the Staff Code of Conduct.

Read, understand and implement all policies related to safeguarding and child protection.

Maintain a proactive awareness of safeguarding issues and act swiftly when concerns arise.

Record and report any concerns using the appropriate documentation and procedures.

Engage positively in all safeguarding and child protection training opportunities.

Take decisive and appropriate action in response to any safeguarding or welfare concerns.

Leadership and management

Inspire and motivate both staff and pupils to achieve their full potential. Demonstrate and model the highest professional standards and model these to other staff and pupils. Promote accessibility and inclusivity for all pupils, staff, and visitors. Take an active role in the recruitment and selection of new staff, ensuring alignment with the school's values and ethos. Maintain a thorough understanding of school policies and ensure the staff team consistently works within these. Communicate clearly and professionally with colleagues, parents, carers, and external professionals. Manage and complete all administrative tasks associated with the role efficiently and accurately. Oversee pupil welfare and behaviour across the school, ensuring pastoral needs are met and positive relationships are built. Develop and manage behaviour interventions that help pupils engage with learning and make measurable progress. Support high levels of achievement by maintaining a safe, structured, and positive learning environment. Work collaboratively with staff, parents, and carers to raise academic standards and address pastoral concerns. Co-ordinate the involvement of external agencies to ensure that each pupil's support needs are met and maintained. Attend conferences and reviews with outside agencies, including social services, to promote pupil welfare. Take a proactive approach to pastoral and behaviour issues, responding swiftly and supportively to incidents. Lead and report on the school's behaviour management systems Develop and oversee individualised pastoral and Thrive support programmes for pupils, including counselling, mentoring, and group sessions. Regularly review and update the local Behaviour Management Policy, ensuring it reflects both the company policy and the specific needs of the school. Evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of behaviour strategies and gather feedback from both pupils and staff to promote continuous improvement.

Referrals and admissions

Work with the Head Teacher and Family Liaison Officer to implement the school's admission policy and support new pupils through a smooth transition process. Complete initial risk assessments and produce tailored Behaviour Support Plans for each new pupil before they start.

Pupil Welfare

Place safeguarding and pupil welfare at the heart of all decision-making. Ensure every pupil's risk assessment and behaviour support plan is up to date and reviewed regularly. Organise and monitor the school's keyworking system, ensuring it is working effectively for pupils. Organise or attend child protection meetings as a matter of priority. Work collaboratively with other agencies, both within the education service and in other services, to meet individual pupil needs Ensure that the pupil voice is consistently heard, valued, and evidenced through school practice. Promote pupil resilience and self-awareness to protect against external risks such as CSE, radicalisation, and gang culture. Encourage pupils to see themselves as active, valued members of their community and wider society.

Behaviour

Maintain good order and discipline across the school, promoting and monitoring a range of positive behaviour management strategies. Monitor and track pupil behaviour to demonstrate progress made or address areas of concern. Design and implement individualised strategies for pupils who require additional behavioural support. Promote positive self-esteem and confidence in all pupils. Ensure all Individual Behaviour Support Plans meet the specific needs of the pupil

Additional Information

The duties above are neither exclusive nor exhaustive, and the post holder may be required by the Head Teacher to carry out additional responsibilities consistent with the role, skills, and grade. The role will evolve in response to the changing needs of the school community, in consultation with the Head Teacher. Flexibility is essential, and working hours may vary to meet the needs of the service.

Why join On Track Education?

Be part of a nationwide group of schools led by innovative, supportive professionals

Work in a setting that combines a holistic approach to learning with a strong focus on emotional and social development

Help make a lasting difference to the lives of young people who may have been educationally overlooked in traditional settings

Join a welcoming, committed and supportive team

Salary & benefits

35,585 - 46,975 per annum, dependent on qualifications and experience

Company benefits include:

Workplace pension Online GP access Retailer discounts Wellbeing programmes Free eye tests and flu jabs

Working hours

Full-time: Monday to Friday: 8:30am until 5:00pm.

Closing date:

Completed application forms must be submitted by Wednesday 29th October. Please note that applications will be viewed on receipt and we reserve the right to close the role early.

For further information on the school and the role please visit: https://www.ontrackeducation.com/schools/mildenhall/vacancies

Safeguarding and equality statement

On Track Education Services is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Safeguarding is central to everything we do, and all staff are required to remain vigilant and responsive to any child protection concerns.

As part of our safer recruitment process, robust pre-employment checks will be carried out before any appointment is confirmed. This includes a full Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, as amended by the Exceptions Orders 1975, 2013 and 2020, therefore, certain spent convictions and cautions are protected and do not need to be disclosed. If disclosed in error, they will not be taken into consideration.

On Track Education is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applications from all candidates, regardless of gender, age, marital status, disability, race, religion, or sexual orientation.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 35,585.00-46,975.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 29/10/2025