Assistant Head: Head of Boarding

Would you like to work in an environment surrounded by the hills and fields of Exmoor with a view of these rolling vistas forming the backdrop to your daily workplace? If so, this post presents an opportunity to join a well-established independent school set in the foothills of Exmoor and near the North Devon coastline and its renowned surfing beaches.

We believe in providing the very best start in education for our pupils, and the staff team are crucial to achieving this. 

West Buckland is a school founded in 1858, intended to offer an excellent education based on Christian values. It stands in nearly 100 acres of grounds, surrounded by farmland, near the western edge of Exmoor. Its rural location is outstandingly beautiful. The school is now a leading, multi-cultural community for boys and girls across North Devon and beyond. 

The school is fully co-educational and has grown considerably in recent years. In total, there are just under 650 boys and girls aged 3 to 18 years, with 140 in the Sixth Form. There are also over 140 boarders and, following the substantial investment, there has been an increased demand in this area. The school has its own co-located Preparatory School and Nursery, with pupils aged 3 to 11.

The successful candidate will have a good honours degree together with an appropriate teaching qualification. You will have excellent verbal and written skills and the ability to communicate effectively and be able to lead the department as Head of Boarding. The appointment will suit a professional and well organised individual who shows initiative and can think creatively at the same time having an understanding of the needs and expectations of the Boarding community and their families. You will have excellent teaching skills and should be enthusiastic about contributing to the students’ wider academic and intellectual development and committed to the co-curricular life of this busy boarding and day school.

Find out more about the school here.

To discuss the post further please call or email Mrs Kate Corbin, Deputy Head Pastoral klc@westbuckland

To apply, please click the Apply button to complete the application form and return in line with the detail in the job specification document. 

The post holder's responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom s/he is responsible, or with whom s/he comes into contact, will be to adhere to and ensure compliance with the school's Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy at all times. If, in the course of carrying out the duties of the post, the post holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the school, s/he must report any concerns to the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead or to the Headmaster. West Buckland School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including reference checks with past employers and the Independent Safeguarding Agency. This post is identified as being within the scope of Regulated Activity and requires a cleared Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Agency. As such all previous criminal convictions deemed to be expired under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act are required to be declared, this may not negate the applicant from being appointed. In line with KCSIE guidance the school will conduct an internet search of short-listed candidates on Google and Social Media and limited to the information provided on the application form. Any information that is publicly available online and relevant to safeguarding or your suitability to work with children might be discussed at interview.