Pastoral Support Officer – Independent Secondary School – Chester Start Date: As soon as possible Contract: Full-time, Permanent Salary: Paid to scale School Information This well-established co-educational independent secondary school in Chester educates students aged 11–18 and is known for its strong academic results, nurturing pastoral culture, and holistic approach to education. The school combines traditional values with modern educational practices, creating an environment where students are encouraged to be ambitious, compassionate, and resilient. Small class sizes allow for strong relationships between staff and students. Behaviour is exemplary, and the school community is built on respect, integrity, and collaboration. Facilities include modern learning spaces, dedicated Sixth Form study areas, specialist performing arts studios, and well-resourced pastoral offices. The leadership team places student wellbeing at the heart of the school’s ethos and invests significantly in safeguarding and pastoral structures. As part of its commitment to supporting the whole child, the school is seeking an experienced and empathetic Pastoral Support Officer to join its pastoral care team. Role Overview The Pastoral Support Officer will work closely with Heads of Year, tutors, and safeguarding leads to provide targeted support for students who require additional guidance. This role is both preventative and responsive, focusing on early intervention and long-term student development. Key responsibilities include: Providing one-to-one and small-group mentoring for students Supporting behaviour management and restorative practice Identifying early signs of emotional, social, or behavioural concerns Working closely with families to build strong home–school partnerships Supporting attendance and engagement initiatives Contributing to behaviour support plans and intervention programmes Maintaining accurate safeguarding and pastoral records Supporting transition processes for vulnerable students Assisting with lunchtime and after-school supervision where required Collaborating with external support agencies when appropriate The role requires a calm, professional approach and a genuine commitment to student welfare. Pastoral Team Information The Pastoral Support Officer will be part of a structured team including Heads of Year, the Designated Safeguarding Lead, counsellors, and SEN staff. Regular meetings ensure consistency in approach and collaborative problem-solving. The school encourages CPD in areas such as safeguarding, SEMH, and trauma-informed practice. Candidate Requirements Experience working with young people in pastoral, mentoring, or youth work settings Strong communication and interpersonal skills Ability to build trust and rapport with students and families Understanding of safeguarding and child protection principles Resilience and emotional intelligence Strong organisational and record-keeping skills Commitment to promoting positive behaviour and wellbeing Application To apply, please send your CV as soon as possible.