Westminster Under School - Deputy Master, Lower School

Summary

We are currently seeking to fill the position of Deputy Master, Lower School.

Detail

Required for: September 2026

Location: Vincent Square - Westminster Under School

Contract: full-time, permanent

Salary: Westminster Under School has its own salary scale, and new members of staff are placed at a point relevant to their qualifications and experience. Details of salary will be discussed at interview with those candidates who are shortlisted. There is also an associated responsibility allowance with this role.

The deadline for applications is midday on Friday 31st October 2025. Interviews will take place in-person shortly after the closing date.

The Deputy Master, Lower School is responsible for a full range of academic, pastoral, operational and administrative matters across the Lower School - Reception to Year 4. In common with the other members of the Senior Management Team (SMT), the Deputy Master, Lower School will take a whole-school perspective and contribute to the strategic vision and planning for the School. The Deputy Master, Lower School will also be expected to be involved fully in all aspects of school life. 

In particular, their duties include but are not restricted to:  

• Deputise for the Senior Deputy Master, as required  
• Be responsible for the weekly and day-to-day planning and organisation required to ensure the smooth running of the Lower School. 
• Manage the Lower School calendar, events and schedules, ensuring smooth coordination within the Lower School and across the School as a whole 
• Collaborate with the Senior Deputy Master, who is responsible for the daily running of the Upper School, to coordinate practical and logistical arrangements across shared facilities. Manage the Lower School calendar, events and schedules, ensuring smooth coordination.  
• Meet regularly with the Master and be involved in whole-school planning and strategic development.  
• Attend meetings of relevant Governing Body committees and report as required.  
• Inform the Master or Senior Deputy Master as appropriate of any matters arising in the School that require attention.  
• Oversee staff induction in the Lower School, for teachers and admin and support staff. 

Strategic Development 

• Support the Master in delivering the School’s long-term plan 
• Act as the main liaison to the Master on Lower School matters  
• Promote and uphold the School’s values, ethos and vision and ensure that the expansion of the Lower School is in keeping with this  
• Lead on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion across the whole School in relation to pupil voice, engagement and curriculum development: 

EDI Pupil Voice and Engagement 

• Establish and oversee a pupil-focused EDI forum to ensure all pupils have opportunities to take ownership of inclusion, express their views, and contribute to School decision-making. 
• Develop initiatives that promote an inclusive School culture, in which diversity is actively celebrated. 
• Work closely with the Assistant Master, Pastoral, to ensure that EDI is considered in pastoral initiatives and support in sourcing relevant speakers. 

EDI Curriculum Development 

• Work alongside the Assistant Master, Teaching and Learning, to review and enhance whole-school curriculum content to reflect a wide range of voices, histories, and experiences. 
• Research and introduce best practices for fostering cultural competency among pupils and staff, in collaboration with the Senior Management Team. 

Operational Management 

• Be responsible for the weekly and day-to-day planning and organisation required to ensure the smooth running of the Lower School, including cover arrangements during staff absence. 
• Attend weekly SMT Operations meetings, chairing as appropriate 
• Lead on communication with parents of pupils in the Lower School 
• Be a Deputy DSL, with primary responsibility for the Lower School Safeguarding Team 
• Manage the development of policies specific to the Lower School (e.g. EYFS Policy) and keep these policies under review; make recommendations for change to ensure that they continue to follow national policies; meet the School’s developing needs and ensure readiness for successful engagement with all aspects of ISI inspection.  
• Contribute as appropriate to wider whole-school or whole-charity policies 
• Lead on inspection-related documentation for the Lower School, including contributing to the School’s Self-Evaluation Form (SEF) 
• Organise and manage the Open Mornings and events for 4+ and 7+ in conjunction with the Registrar and the Senior Deputy Master 
• Teach a reduced timetable and cover lessons, as required  
• Lead on the Lower School’s end-of-term assemblies, Prizegiving and special events 
• Liaise regularly with Lower School parents to address queries and resolve concerns, as needed 

Leadership of People 

• Lead the Professional Development and Review process for all teaching staff in the Lower School 
• Support and mentor colleagues to foster a culture of continual professional growth 
• Lead on the recruitment of Lower School staff, ensuring that the high quality of provision is upheld 
• Work closely with the various Assistant Masters in relation to Lower School Matters 
• Line Manage the Lower School teaching staff and relevant Heads of Year 
• Lead on the appointment process for all new Lower School staff, in collaboration with the School’s People Team 
• Responsibility for the organisation, deployment and control of any auxiliary staff such as Teaching Assistants, pupils, volunteers and work experience people, liaising with the People department as required 
• Lead by example, maintaining visibility and approachability within the school community. 
• Hold weekly meetings with the Assistant Masters, covering planning and scheduling, as well as:  
• Pastoral – to discuss individual pupils, any forthcoming Head of Year meetings and their agenda, updating pastoral policies and overseeing their effective implementation;  
• Extra-Curricular – to discuss weekly planning, staffing of trips, cover and staff absence, updating EVC policies and overseeing their effective implementation.  

Communication and Stakeholder engagement 

• Maintain open and effective communication with parents, staff and pupils 
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both in verbally and in writing  
• Support the Master in representing the School to external stakeholders. 
• Attend School events and represent the School at key functions, as required.  

Safeguarding 

• Act as the Deputy DSL, ensuring the highest standards of pupil safety and welfare

Additional Duties 

• Undertake other duties and responsibilities commensurate with the post, as requested by the Master.  

Documents

• Deputy Head, Lower School - person specification PDF Document