Job Description
Purpose of Role
The Deputy Head Pastoral will be a key member of the Secondary Leadership teams. She will work closely with the Vice Principal - Secondary to establish the systems, structures and processes to enable all girls to be happy, safe and therefore, achieving their best She will be a highly visible and engaging ambassador for the school. The Deputy Head Pastoral will promote the values, ethos and philosophy of the school and the vision and values set out by the school and ensuring Qatari National Identity and values are at the center of all we do.
Key Responsibilities
Responsibilities are summarised below:
Strategic Direction, Development and Accountability
- Under the direction of the Vice Principal Secondary, and in collaboration with the Deputy Head Pastoral Primary, to develop and promote a vision for pastoral care that is innovative, irresistible and distinctive across the whole school.
- As a member of the SLT to be involved in formulating, and having the responsibility of delivering, the strategic goals of the school.
- To be a highly visible presence and lead by example, providing inspiration and motivation.
- To inspire and enthuse members of the team, with a clear vision for the direction of wellbeing for both students and staff
- Lead on related CPD with staff including team teaching and lesson observations where appropriate on matter pertaining to students’ pastoral needs in the secondary section of the school.
- Alongside relevant primary staff, ensure that the Durham School for Girls House structure provides a strong basis for inclusion, competition and leadership, demonstrating MARK and Qatari values in all that the girls do.
- To implement innovative initiatives to contribute to student pastoral care and ensure that UK and International educational developments are implemented where relevant
- To ensure that school’s policies and strategies are embedded throughout the school
- To contribute to the school’s production of an annual development review and strategic plan for improvement.
- To establish and maintain a climate within the school of positivity and wellbeing where pupils feel safe and secure, ensuring excellent behaviour and progress and where staff’s wellbeing is at the forefront of everything we do, ensuring happiness and productivity at work.
Leadership and Management
- To lead the Secondary Heads of Year, ensuring that they have the necessary skills and empowerment to lead their teams of tutors
- Along with other members of SLT to inform teaching staff of policies/developments/procedures, and the needs of individual pupils.
- To be responsible for the behaviour and attendance of students
- To deal positively and proactively with parents and pupils and address any concerns or complaints effectively and in a timely manner.
- To oversee any relevant budgets.
- Work with the Vice Principal and other members of SLT to manage accurate and timely appraisal and performance management systems, which includes quality coaching and mentoring and appropriate professional development for all staff, in line with the school development plan and performance management processes
- To empower staff to develop their leadership potential by delegating tasks effectively
- To lead regular meetings and attend other meetings as required
Pastoral Care, Safeguarding and Child Protection
- As Designated Safeguarding lead for Secondary, have strategic leadership and oversight of all safeguarding and aspects of school life and be accountable for all child protection training, record keeping/sharing (through CPOMS) to create a culture of safety in the school
- Work closely with the Deputy Heads Inclusion, Wellbeing and Enrichment and Pastoral - Primary to support and promote wellbeing and positive student outcomes
- Along with the Deputy Head Pastoral – Primary, develop a strong PSHE curriculum that support the girls of Durham School.
- Commission regular reports from HOYS and pastoral staff and compile reports on relevant pastoral topics to go to Committees as required.
- Create the duty rota for student supervision for breaks and lunchtimes including Ramadan timing changes.
- To lead any assemblies as required
- To monitor attendance and punctuality as appropriate, along with teachers and Heads of Year and contact parents if either of these becomes a concern.
- To have good lines of communication with the parents/guardians as appropriate
- Ensure that the role of the tutor is recognised as central to pastoral development through CPD and learning walk
Student leadership and Voice
- To lead on the student council meetings and feedback student voice and opinion to the wider SLT for action or decisions
- To lead on the appointment of student leaders for the student council
- In collaboration with the Head of Sith Form, Vice Principal Head of Secondary and Principal coordinate the recruitment and appointment of prefects and Head girls
- To ensure there is a whole school approach to student leadership, by collaborating with the Deputy Head Pastoral in Primary.
- In collaboration with the Deputy Head Academic and Vice Principal Head of Secondary, coordinate termly student voice surveys.
- In collaboration with the Deputy Head Academic and Vice Principal Head of Secondary collate the data and use this for future strategic development and decision making
Student Behaviour and Attendance
- Closely monitor student behaviour and ensure consistent and effective implementation of the positive behaviour policy including maintaining high standards of student uniform
- Manage serious behaviour incidents necessitating suspension and carefully maintain suspension records, reporting to the Vice Principal as necessary
- Ensure that the school’s anti-bullying policy is consistently applied
- Manage and chair, Heads of Year meetings and attend other meetings and conferences, both in and out of school, as appropriate
- Closely monitor student attendance and punctuality, working with the attendance officer and Heads of Year to communicate concerns to parents wherever necessary and ensuring consistent implementation of the school attendance policy
- Use iSams to monitor behaviour and attendance patterns and work with the Vice Principal and primary staff to arrange occasions to praise and reward when appropriate.
- In consultation with the SLT, take a leading role in whole school focus areas such as the promotion of Digital Safety
Admissions and Marketing
- To support the marketing of the School through attendance and, where required, presentations at events including Open Mornings and online events
- Along with the Deputy Heads and Vice Principals, create and implement a series of parental engagement events which will not only aid retention of current pupils and academic progress.
- To contribute to marketing materials
- To work with Admissions and be involved in the assessing of potential new pupils as appropriate and assess suitability for chosen courses.
Skills, Qualifications and Experience
Qualification
- Bachelor’s degree in teaching from an accredited institution
- Post Graduate Certificate in Education
- Required teaching certification for Qatar MOEHE
- Meet professional teacher education requirements of school
- Child Care and Protection
Experience: Minimum 3 years’ relevant experience
Skills
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, guide, and support staff and students.
- Expertise in safeguarding and pastoral care, ensuring student wellbeing, safety, and positive behaviour.
- Strategic planning and innovation skills to develop and implement a distinctive pastoral vision.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement to work effectively with students, parents, and staff.
- Resilience and problem-solving abilities to manage complex situations calmly and make decisive actions.
ISP Leadership Competencies
You consistently demonstrate and role-model the ISP Leadership Competencies in all that you do.
- Collaboration. Takes an active part in leading their school or region; is cooperative and a genuine team player, developing positive, supportive relationships with colleagues to solve problems and maximise opportunities.
- Learning & Getting Better. Continually demonstrates personal commitment and passion for learning and getting better using evidence and feedback; supporting others in their continual learning, development and growth.
- Innovation Leadership. Is good at creating an environment where ideas for learning initiatives and services are generated and is able to motivate and inspire others through the process of creation through to completion.
- Outcome driven. Can be counted on to find solutions. Is consistently looking to exceed goals and is focused on KPIs.
- Resilience. Can deal with setbacks and challenges calmly and effectively. Community Focus. Is committed to meeting and exceeding the needs and expectations of our students and their families.
- Integrity & Ethical Management. Has the ability to work ethically and with integrity; helps others feel valued; upholds and models the ISP Vision, Purpose and Principles.
- Leading & Inspiring Others. Supports, encourages and inspires students, colleagues and teams so that they give their best.
- Understanding People. Is a very good judge of talent, can objectively articulate the strengths and motivations of people inside or outside the organisation.
- Influencing & Communication. Consistently informs, influences and inspires students, parents and colleagues through timely and effective communication.
- Agile. Responds and adapts to changing circumstances; manages and solves problems by providing solutions in a climate of ambiguity.
- Strategic, Commercial & Financial Awareness. Has the ability to apply understanding of the business and industry to improve effectiveness and profitability.
- Planning & Decision Making. Makes decisions on the best course of action and then plans, organises, prioritises and balances resources to achieve the desired outcome.
- Diversity & Equity. Has the sensitivity, awareness and skill to understand the values, behaviours, attitudes and practices across cultures that supports all children and adults to learn and work effectively.
ISP Principles
Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding
and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.
Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.
Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.
Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.
Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.
ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles
ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.
ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.
