Head of KS3

Head of KS3 (Pastoral)

Contract: Permanent, Full‑Time
Start Date: September 2026
Salary: £32,916 – £51,047 (Actual) + TLR 2A
Closing Date: 12th April 2026
Interview Date: w/c 24th April 2026
Positions Available: 1

About the Role

We are recruiting on behalf of a new and rapidly growing 11–16 secondary school, currently in the early stages of development. With only Key Stage 3 year groups in place and further expansion planned, this is a rare opportunity to join a school at a formative moment and help shape its pastoral culture from the ground up.

The school is seeking an inspiring Head of Key Stage 3 (Pastoral) to lead the development of a strong, caring, and high‑expectations pastoral system across Years 7, 8, and 9. This role offers significant scope to influence systems, routines, and ethos during the crucial early years of the school’s journey.

The Role: Head of KS3 (Pastoral)

As Head of KS3 (Pastoral), you will play a pivotal leadership role in establishing a structured, relational, and aspirational pastoral culture that ensures every pupil feels known, supported, and challenged.

This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced pastoral leader who values consistency, evidence‑informed practice, and relationship‑centred approaches to behaviour and wellbeing. You will build pastoral systems from the outset, mentor developing staff, and shape a long‑term vision for Key Stage 3 that reflects both best practice and high ambition.

What You Will Do

• Lead the design and implementation of a coherent pastoral system across Key Stage Three
• Establish and model high expectations for behaviour, attendance, conduct, and attitudes to learning
• Embed a restorative, relationship‑centred approach to behaviour and pupil engagement
• Shape the long‑term vision for pastoral care, ensuring systems are evidence‑informed and sustainable
• Mentor and support form tutors and pastoral colleagues as the school grows
• Contribute to staff recruitment, induction, and ongoing professional development
• Develop high‑quality pastoral enrichment, including assemblies, character education, and wellbeing initiatives
• Work closely with families, external agencies, and support services to secure early and effective intervention
• Lead on behaviour support, attendance improvement, safeguarding awareness, and pastoral communication
• Play a central role in establishing a warm, inclusive, and aspirational school culture

What We’re Looking For

• An experienced and committed pastoral leader with a strong secondary background
• Secure understanding of behaviour systems, attendance processes, safeguarding, and pastoral intervention
• A leader who values routines, relationships, and consistency and can embed these across KS3
• A reflective, evidence‑informed practitioner who uses research and data to guide decision‑making
• Alignment with a restorative, relationship‑driven behaviour ethos
• Strong communication skills and the ability to coach, mentor, and develop others
• Experience leading or contributing to pastoral systems, form tutor teams, or year‑group leadership
• A calm, resilient, and relational leader who balances support with challenge
• Enthusiasm for building a pastoral structure and culture in a growing school

Why This Role Is Exciting

• Rare opportunity to shape a KS3 pastoral system from its earliest stages
• Significant leadership influence in a new and expanding school
• Opportunity to build lasting culture, routines, and systems
• Work in an environment that values relationships, dignity, and high expectations

Benefits

The successful candidate will receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays
• One wellbeing day per year
• Local Government Pension Scheme with life cover and ill‑health protection
• Retail and lifestyle discount schemes
• Complimentary breakfast and lunch when working onsite
• Payment of required professional memberships
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Healthcare cash plan and access to an online GP
• Cycle to Work and car lease schemes
• Extensive training and leadership development opportunities
• A collaborative, ambitious working culture