As Assistant Headteacher - Pastoral & Personal Development, you will be at the heart of shaping the ethos, wellbeing and behaviour culture of our school. Working as part of our dynamic Senior Leadership Team, you will partner with the Headteacher and Deputy Head to ensure that every pupil thrives – socially, emotionally and academically. You will lead on key areas such as pastoral strategy, behaviour systems, safeguarding and wellbeing, helping to create a supportive, trauma‑informed environment that empowers students to achieve and belong.
Teach up to 10 lessons per week, maintaining direct relationships with pupils and the classroom experience.
We’re searching for a compassionate, strategic and inspiring leader who believes deeply in the potential of every young person: a strategic thinker with a proven understanding of pastoral and behaviour systems; calm under pressure, yet dynamic, positive and full of belief in young people; experienced in supporting pupils with SEND and SEMH needs; emotionally intelligent, empathetic and a strong communicator; confident using data to drive improvement and inform decisions; a passionate advocate for inclusion, wellbeing and continuous school development.
Responsibilities
* Lead and shape the pastoral vision, embedding a culture of care, respect and high expectations.
* Champion pupil transition, ensuring every student’s journey into school life is smooth, supported and celebrated.
* Oversee safeguarding, taking proactive responsibility for the welfare and protection of all pupils.
* Drive attendance and engagement, using data and insight to build early intervention strategies.
* Promote inclusive practice, ensuring every member of staff is equipped to meet the needs of pupils with SEND and SEMH challenges.
* Model excellence, creating a school ethos where wellbeing, behaviour and learning thrive together.
* Be a visible and consistent leader, modelling high expectations across the school community.
* Analyse key data (attendance, behaviour, exclusions) and turn insights into tangible improvement.
* Coach and develop middle leaders, empowering them to grow in confidence and effectiveness.
* Chair key meetings and initiatives that strengthen whole-school development.
* Collaborate with families, external agencies and partners to create joined‑up pastoral support.
* Deliver impactful staff training and CPD that embeds inclusive and trauma‑informed practice.
Qualifications
* A strategic thinker with a proven understanding of pastoral and behaviour systems.
* Calm under pressure, yet dynamic, positive and full of belief in young people.
* Experienced in supporting pupils with SEND and SEMH needs.
* Emotionally intelligent, empathetic and a strong communicator.
* Confident using data to drive improvement and inform decisions.
* A passionate advocate for inclusion, wellbeing and continuous school development.
School Context
At Options Trent Acres, we believe that outstanding pastoral care and personal development are the foundation of every pupil’s success. We are currently undergoing development, increasing our pupil numbers from 30 to 60 and approving the opening of an Early Years Unit. The school is purpose‑built, modern and welcoming, with specialist learning areas that include an indoor and outdoor riding school, an outdoor gymnasium and opportunities to work with horses, donkeys, goats, alpaca and chickens. Children also benefit from a range of bespoke packages of care and education that extend beyond the classroom.
Benefits
* Life Assurance
* Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
* Your Wellbeing Matters – access to a wide range of first‑class mental health support services and physical health checks
* A wide range of health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
* 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
* Cycle to Work Schemes
* Electric Car Purchase Scheme
* Critical illness cover
* Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support
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