Pastoral Leads - September 2026 Opportunities (SEMH & Specialist Settings) East Kent & Surrounding Areas
Are you an experienced OR aspiring Pastoral Lead or Behaviour Lead looking for your next move this September? We are already working with a number of specialist SEN and SEMH schools across East Kent who are planning their leadership structures for September 2026. As a result, we are keen to speak with experienced pastoral professionals ready to take on a whole-school impact role.
The Opportunities
Our partner schools include SEMH provisions, alternative provisions, and specialist SEN settings supporting pupils with:
Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
Trauma and attachment difficulties
Autism and complex needs
Challenging behaviour and emotional dysregulation
Typical responsibilities include:
Leading behaviour and pastoral strategy across the school
Embedding trauma-informed and restorative approaches
Supporting and line managing behaviour/pastoral teams
Working closely with safeguarding, families, and external agencies
Driving improvements in attendance, behaviour, and pupil wellbeing
Were Looking For
Experience in SEMH, alternative provision, or specialist SEN settings
Previous responsibility for behaviour, pastoral care, or inclusion
Strong leadership presence with the ability to de-escalate and support high-level behaviours
A calm, resilient and relational approach
Ambition to progress within middle or senior leadership
Teaching qualification is welcomed but not essential - we are open to candidates from SEN education, youth work, residential care, and therapeutic backgrounds.
Why Speak With Us? Access to September roles before they are widely advertised
Honest, confidential career advice
Schools we meet with regularly and know inside out
Support with CVs, interview preparation, and leadership progression
If you are considering a move for September and want to explore Pastoral Lead opportunities within specialist settings, get in touch for a confidential conversation.