Location: Aylesbury
Overview
We are seeking a Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead and DDSL to lead the effective and efficient support of student health and wellbeing, helping students develop social and emotional skills through targeted strengths-based programs and strategies that build resilience, coping skills and positive relationships. To work as a key part of the
Designated Safeguarding Team to coordinate the support of vulnerable students, working closely with other staff, parents and external agencies.
37 hours per week, 08:00 - 16:30 Monday - Thursday, Friday 8.00-4.00, with a 1 hour unpaid lunch break (to be taken at a time by mutual agreement), term time, plus Inset Days, plus 4 weeks in the holidays, of which 2 would usually be taken in the summer holidays, to be agreed with the line manager.
Term time only
Salary type: Other
Salary Details: AHS Pay Range 6 (£35,461-£39,054)
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Full-time
Closing date: 24/10/2025
Interviews to be held: 05/11/2025
About us
Aylesbury High School (AHS) is a forward-thinking girls’ grammar school that values both academic and pastoral excellence and co-curricular opportunities with the vision of developing uniquely talented young adults, who are independent, strong and confident
We create a welcoming environment which draws the very best from all in our community. Achieved by providing an ambitious education that stimulates creative and critical thinking, values diversity and facilitates dynamic personal development.
The AHS values are Boundless Aspiration, Resilient Bravery, Curious Engagement and Selfless Generosity and we want all our community to experience, develop and demonstrate these characteristics both within the curriculum and through our extensive co-curricular offering.
About the role
Leadership and Management
To lead the health and wellbeing team
Oversee the work of the school counsellor
Lead the support of our Young Carers
Work closely, on a daily basis, with other key teams, such as Heads of Year and the SEND team to coordinate the right support for students
Work closely with other non-teaching staff team leaders to support the School’s delivery of strategy
Support the exams team with evidence for Special Consideration
Collaborate with the HR department to provide support for staff members as necessary
Whole-School Strategy: Develop, implement, and oversee a strategic, whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing that is championed by the senior leadership team (SLT) and reflected in all school policies (e.g., behaviour, anti-bullying, and curriculum).
Policy and Procedures: Review and update policies related to mental health and wellbeing, ensuring they are current and align with statutory guidance (e.g., safeguarding).
Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish systems to monitor, evaluate, and report on the impact of the school's wellbeing initiatives and targeted interventions, producing reports for the senior team and governors.
Safeguarding
With support from the DSL, lead on safeguarding/child protection issues as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Use safeguarding knowledge to support the rest of the DSL team in decision making and strategy. Targeted Support and Referral
Identification: Implement a clear process for the earlier identification of students with emerging or existing mental health needs, including those from vulnerable groups (e.g., young carers, students with SEND).
Intervention Oversight: Oversee the coordination and delivery of school-based mental health and wellbeing interventions (e.g., group work, one-to-one support).
Oversee recording of interventions undertaken using systems within school, such as CPOMS
External Links: Forge and maintain effective links with local and national mental health services (e.g. Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs)).
Referral Pathway: Ensure a clear, confidential referral pathway is in place for referring students to external specialist services when appropriate, and support parents/carers through this process.
Staff Development
Training (CPD): Identify, coordinate, and/or deliver relevant, high-quality professional development (for example, Friday morning briefings and Inset sessions) for all staff on recognising signs of mental health issues, understanding appropriate responses, and promoting mental resilience.
Consultation: Act as a consultant to other staff, helping them confidently manage mental health issues and incidents involving students.
Student Voice and Ethos
Positive Ethos: Promote an ethos and environment that is open, respectful, and values diversity, helping to normalise mental health discussions.
Student Empowerment: Empower the student body (including those with additional needs) to co-produce the whole-school approach and actively use their voice (e.g., through a student wellbeing committee) to influence decisions.
See attachments
About you
Experience
Work with young people - eg in a youth group or school/college environment
Experience of leading a team related to wellbeing or pastoral care
Knowledge of mental health and wellbeing
Training as a Senior Mental Health Lead (or willingness to complete).
A commitment to safeguarding
Administration and record keeping experience
Experience of liaising with different agencies and teams
Skills and knowledge
Ability to establish and develop strong relationships with students and colleagues
Ability to lead and support a team
Able to respond calmly to unexpected situations
Ability to work flexibly as a member of a team to achieve agreed objectives
Ability to handle confidential information sensitively, and knowledge of relevant data protection and safeguarding practices (although training will be given on this)
Ability to liaise with other staff members, parents and external agencies
High standards of communication (verbal and written)
Strong organisational and administrative skills
Competent with common IT systems
Data analysis for monitoring impact
Time management and planning
Ability to inspire others
Personal qualities
Empathy and understanding, to help build good relationships with colleagues, students, parents and external agencies
A commitment to promoting positive mental health and wellbeing
Commitment to maintaining confidentiality at all times
Commitment to safeguarding pupil wellbeing and equality
Resilient, positive, forward-looking and enthusiastic about making a difference to children and young people