Detail
ABOUT THE ROLE
Following the appointment of Mrs Ali Harber as Head of Dean Close School from January 2026, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced leader in pastoral care and wellbeing.
The Director of Pastoral Care will play a critical role in the implementation of 'Winchester College in the 21st Century', working collaboratively with the members of the Leadership Team and Senior Management Team. Reporting directly to the Headmster, the Director of Pastoral Care will ensure the continuing provision of outstanding pastoral care, leading specifically on the integration of girls into the College and the operning of the new girl's boarding houses.
RESPONSIBLITIES OF DIRECTOR OF PASTORAL CARE
Strategic Leadership
- Articulate and persuasively present the School educational and pastoral vision.
- Understand and anticipate educational issues and trends relating to pastoral care and wellbeing, ensuring the School is well equipped to meet current and future needs.
- Prepare strategic papers and reports for senior management and Governing Body.
- Oversee a robust and responsive pastoral care system which supports and develops pupils at school and prepares them well for life beyond.
Core Responsibilities
- Overall responsibility for the delivery of excellent pastoral care across Winchester College. This will require close and regular liaison with senior colleagues, Housedons (ie Housemasters & Housemistresses), the Health and Wellbeing Centre, Matrons and pastoral care Tutors as well as pupils and parents.
- Close liaison with and support of the Second Master (ie Senior Deputy Pastoral) with matters of pupil care and behaviour.
- Chair the weekly Pastoral Support Group, and communicate appropriately with colleagues.
- Line management of Housedons including conducting their appraisals and oversight of their professional development leading up to and during their term in the House.
- Advise on the management of complex pastoral cases and, where necessary, actively manage such cases.
- Oversight of the training and development of Housedons, Assistant Housedons, Matrons, Tutors and staff in the Health and Wellbeing Centre.
- As a member of the Leadership Team, attend and play a representative or supervisory role at school events as directed by the Second Master, including at weekly and Sunday chapel services, matches, performances and other co-curricular activities.
- Have a confident knowledge of all matters relating to the Independent School Standards Regulations, the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools and other relevant policies and guidance. Through this knowledge ensure compliance and thorough preparation for ISI Inspections.
Safeguarding
- Promote and oversee a robust safeguarding culture. Work with the DSL to ensure appropriate safeguarding duty rotas are implemented and personally participate in that rota at points throughout term-time and in the school holidays.
- Liaise with the Safeguarding Fellow as needed alongside the DSL and the Second Master.
Recruitment of Staff and Professional Development
- Play a key role in the recruitment and selection of staff and assist in their professional development.
- Coordination of training programmes relating to pastoral development and leadership.
- Have a strong commitment to their own professional development.
External Engagement
- Promote and maintain good relationships with parents; to ensure clear, supportive communication and liaison on pastoral matters.
- Ensure an awareness of developments within the boarding sector.
- Play a key role at open mornings and visit feeder schools in liaison with the Director of Admissions.
- Develop and deepen relationships with educational organisations.
Teaching and co-curricular contribution
- Teach up to three sets. Any subject will be considered.
- A contribution to the co-curricular life of the School is expected.
Reporting Lines
- Reports directly to the Headmaster
- Directly line manages:
- Surmaster (ie Assistant Head) Pastoral
- Housedons
- Matrons
- Health & Wellbeing Centre Manager
- DSL
PERSON SPECIFICATION AND KEY QUALITIES
The Director of Pastoral Care will be an ambitious, high-calibre leader with the experience and potential to flourish at Winchester. For individuals aspiring to Headship, this is an excellent opportunity to learn and develop through leading significant, historic change at a world-class school.
Experience and Qualifications
- A strong record of personal academic achievement and the intellectual credentials to command respect in the Winchester community. The appointment will be made without regard to subject specialism.
- An excellent teacher with a track record of successful middle or senior leadership experience.
Knowledge and Skills
- A sophisticated understanding of change management with the leadership skills, tact and relational abilities to help lead some of the most significant changes in Winchester history.
- Strong pastoral instincts and a clear vision for excellent pastoral care in the context of the arrival of girls and day pupils in a school with a long tradition of boysboarding.
- An understanding of the relationship between pastoral and academic excellence, ensuring that outstanding learning and co-curricular education are interwoven in the College approach to pastoral care.
- Excellent strategic skills with the ability to contribute as a senior leader to the development and delivery of 'Winchester College in the 21st Century'.
- Deep understanding of full boarding is highly desirable.
Personal Attributes
- A naturally collaborative style of leadership with a strong sense of team and a positive approach to change and development.
- The confidence, gravitas and personal authority to win the trust of Winchester pupils, staff, parents and others.
- A willingness to contribute to the co-curricular life of a busy boarding and day school.
- A sense of humour.
- Good judgement, high levels of integrity, strong diplomacy skills and a genuine commitment to Winchester aims.
- For full job description, please visit here
HOW TO APPLY
Only applications completed on the school website will be accepted. Please attach a full CV with your application.
APPLY HERE
Please note that applications will be dealt with as they arrive. Winchester College reserves the right to appoint before the deadline passes.
Closing date for applications: 11.59pm Wednesday 21st May.
Interviews are expected to be held on Monday 2nd June and Tuesday 3rd June.
Those wishing for an informal conversation about this role are invited to speak to Iain Smith, Second Master, ics@wincoll.ac.uk.
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the recruitment process, please email recruitment@wincoll.ac.uk.
