Pastoral Deputy Headteacher and DDSL

We are seeking to appoint an inspirational Deputy Headteacher from September 2025. We want you to inspire students and raise their aspirations across all aspects of their schooling. St Catherine’s is a highly successful, oversubscribed girls’ school with high quality accommodation and resources

To be a successful Deputy Headteacher at St Catherine’s, you will:

teach to Grade 9 standard & have the ability to support and challenge colleagues in your areas of responsibility to do the same

have an acute awareness of the importance of knowing each student well and plotting their individual paths both academically and pastorally

have the ability to ensure students make outstanding progress across all key stages and subjects

be committed to enhancing the ethos and culture of the school through determined and ethical leadership so that it becomes highly professional, transparent, efficient, secure and a fun place to work and study

thrive on working in teams but be able to work independently

constantly challenge yourself to become a better practitioner and leader

demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the development of the Catholic life of the school

Role Overview:

The Pastoral Deputy Headteacher plays a vital role in ensuring the overall wellbeing and academic progress of students within the school. Reporting directly to the Headteacher, the incumbent will lead and manage the Key Stage Assistant Headteachers (alongside the Deputy Headteacher Safeguarding), the Assistant Headteacher/ SENDCo, the Behaviour team fostering a positive and supportive environment conducive to student development and achievement. The successful candidate will oversee various pastoral initiatives, collaborate with stakeholders, and contribute to the school's improvement plan.

Key Responsibilities:

Line Management and Leadership Development:

Supervise and support the Key Stage Assistant Headteachers alongside the Deputy Headteacher for Safeguarding, the Assistant Headteacher/ SENDCo and the Behaviour team (including the Reflection Room) to ensure a diverse, engaging, and effective pastoral approach within their respective cohorts.

Facilitate the professional growth of the Key Stage Assistant Headteachers, the Assistant Headteacher/ SENDCo and the Behaviour team, empowering them to enhance their leadership skills and contribute to outstanding pastoral provision across the school.

DDSL

Support the DSL with all aspects of the role including attending meetings, supporting students and parents/carers, and engaging with external agencies

Student Progress and Wellbeing:

Collaborate with Heads of Year to monitor and track the academic progress, attendance, and behaviour of students

Implement strategies to support students' personal development, wellbeing, and academic achievement.

Behaviour

Rewards and Sanctions

Implement the pastoral systems through the leadership and management of the Assistant Headteacher Pastoral and all pastoral teams

Early Intervention Team Meetings

Director of Sixth Form (this will be an evolving role as the Sixth Form grows and expands)

To launch and introduce the Sixth Form at St Catherine’s

Once introduced to have overall responsibility for the sixth form offer ensuring that it is aspirational and meets the needs of the cohort

Take responsibility for the marketing of the Sixth Form. This includes leading the recruitment and retention of students in the Sixth Form, ensuring that the Sixth Form remains the destination of choice for the majority of our students

To oversee the pastoral care of all students in the Sixth Form

Be responsible for raising standards in the Sixth Form to ensure excellent student progress and outcomes

Ensure high expectations around teaching, learning, attendance and behaviour at Key Stage 5

To liaise with curriculum leaders to monitor student progress in relation to targets set for each individual whilst ensuring that follow-up procedures are adhered to and that appropriate action is taken as and where necessary

To oversee the provision of subject information to parents, parents’ meetings and respond to parent enquiries, ensuring that high standards are met

To oversee the enrichment programme for the Sixth Form cohorts

To oversee the post-18 application process and careers process for Key Stage 5

Parental Engagement:

Act as a positive and welcoming presence during parent-facing events, fostering strong relationships with parents and ensuring they feel valued and informed about their child's progress.

Support parents/ carers through their child’s career in school, ensuring timely and relevant information and guidance is shared

School Improvement:

Collaborate with senior leadership to contribute to the school improvement plan, aligning pastoral initiatives with broader strategic objectives.

To seek out grants and opportunities which support the wider development of the broad spectrum of our work in school

To maintain relationships already developed with external groups who offer opportunities to our students

Coordination and Liaison:

Coordinate pastoral plans and initiatives, ensuring alignment with the school's vision and objectives.

Liaise with local schools and the LA regarding inclusion through FAP

Lead induction to St Catherine’s programme for students joining through FAP

The principal responsibilities and tasks as set out above are not intended to be exhaustive. The need for flexibility, accountability and team working is required. The post-holder is expected to carry out any other related duties that are within the employee's skills and abilities, commensurate with the post’s grade and whenever reasonably instructed.

In return, we will offer you:

an incredibly supportive group of colleagues and leaders

a personalised training and development programme

intensive leadership coaching and career advice

the chance to perform on a wider stage through the diocese, the LSU group of schools and our London networks

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Mrs Marie Foucher (Deputy Headteacher)