Assistant Head Pastoral

Assistant Head, Pastoral

Hilden Grange School, Tonbridge, Kent, TN10 3BX 

An opportunity to work in one of Kent's leading Prep Schools

Hilden Grange School is an independent preparatory school which educates pupils from 3-13 years.  It was founded in 1929 and is now part of the Alpha Plus Group, the Gold Standard in educational provision.  The school has access to more than twenty acres of attractive grounds, on the northern fringe of Tonbridge, Kent. 

We are currently looking to recruit a full-time Assistant Head Pastoral, who will be a qualified graduate and be part of the Senior Leadership Team.  This position forms an integral part of the structural organisation of the School, promoting the pupils’ personal and social development and fostering positive attitudes. The successful candidate would have had at least Middle Management leadership experience and an affinity for pastoral care.  

The ability to teach Mathematics is desirable.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and will be on the Alpha Plus scale.

Start: September 2020. 

The Alpha Plus Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  DBS checks and references essential.  The Alpha Plus Group is committed to equality of opportunity as an employer and educator.

Interviews to take place during the week commencing 20.1.2020.

JOB DESCRIPTION 

Job Title: Assistant Head Pastoral

Reports to: Deputy Head (Line Manager) and Headmaster

Location: Hilden Grange School, Tonbridge, Kent

JOB PURPOSE

A full time position of Assistant Head Pastoral, who will be part of the Senior Leadership Team, is required at this friendly school with high academic standards.  The Assistant Head Pastoral position forms an integral part of the structural organisation of the School, promoting the pupils’ personal and social development and fostering positive attitudes.  

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic 

1. Advise, support and guide the Headmaster and Deputy Head and deputise in their absence. 

2. Take a collective leadership responsibility for maintaining a culture of purpose, discipline and ambition in the school. 

3. Member of the Senior Leadership Team. 

5. Be responsible for the development, and implementation, of pastoral and behavioural policies. 

Staff and Operational

1. As with senior managers, as part of being a presence in the school, support key activities and events.

2. Advise and line manage aspects of the Form Teacher role with regard to pupil management and day to day organisation. 

3. Deal with general concerns from parents, staff and pupils in respect of behavioural and pastoral matters. 

4. Chair Prep school pastoral meetings. 

5. Work closely with the Head of Pre-Prep to ensure consistency across the school in respect of pastoral care.

6. Participate in school teaching and, where appropriate, support staff appointments. 

7. Member of the Health and Safety Committee, representing all areas of the school; liaison with the Health and Safety Officer. 

8. Liaise with the Well-being Committee.

9. Liaise with the School Nurse as necessary. 

Pupils 

1. Advise and support all teachers, middle and senior managers in dealing with pupils and their parents. 

2. Manage all disciplinary incidents with assistance from the appropriate members of the SLT.

3. Monitor pupil behaviour patterns. 

4. Chair School Council meetings. 

5. The Assistant Head Pastoral will teach approximately 50% of a normal teaching timetable. 

6. Undertake additional duties that are appropriate to the role as directed by the Headmaster. 

8. In pursuance of these responsibilities the Assistant Head Pastoral will be expected to have regular meetings with various combinations of people as appropriate, and attend Senior Leadership Team meetings.

SKILLS/QUALITIES REQUIRED

• Good interpersonal skills/effective communicator

• Great empathy in respect of the well-being of pupils as befitting of a Pastoral Leader

• Enthusiasm as a colleague 

• Being prepared to enter fully and whole-heartedly into the life of the school

• Having determination to ensure that every pupil fulfils their potential at whatever level

• Have a strong commitment to effective learning and teaching

• IT skills

• Ability to work well in a team

• Ability to inspire confidence in pupils, parents and staff that pastoral concerns are well managed

• An ability to self-reflect and a willingness to develop own pastoral skills

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• A proven track record of supporting children in all aspects of pastoral care

• Middle management experience

SAFEGUARDING

APG is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and as an employee of APG you are expected to share this commitment.  The protection of our students’ welfare is the responsibility of all staff within APG Schools and individuals are expected to conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of our organisation.

JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT

Job Holder’s signature: Date:

Manager’s signature:    Date: