Deputy Head Boarding and Pastoral Care

Overview

A Bit About Us St Marys Calne is a leading UK boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18 in Wiltshire, shaped by the values of our full boarding ethos. We cultivate a vibrant and supportive community where every pupil is known, valued, and inspired to flourish. Our aim is to develop in each pupil confidence, independence, and the sense of purpose they need to succeed, supported always by a kind and caring community.

Salary:
Competitive

Hours of work:
Full time

Contract type:
Permanent

St Marys Calne seeks an experienced boarding leader to oversee girls boarding and pastoral care for pupils aged 11–18, and younger boarders from St Margarets Prep (Years 5–6).

Starting in September 2026, this senior leadership role includes responsibility as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). The successful candidate will provide inspirational leadership and ensure we deliver outstanding pastoral provision.

The post-holder has ultimate line management of all house staff, nursing staff, and the personal development, counselling and wellbeing teams.

The Deputy Head Boarding and Pastoral Care oversees the smooth running of our 6 boarding houses and the health centre. St Marys Calne runs a horizontal boarding structure where each boarding house is home to one year group with the exception of our Lower School house which welcomes boarders from years 7 and 8, alongside a small number of prep pupils from years 5 and 6.

This is a varied and rewarding role encompassing safeguarding, welfare, strategic planning, leadership, compliance and teaching. It also offers the opportunity to join a passionate team of professionals working to deliver an enjoyable and successful educational experience for each individual pupil.

This is a residential post and offers family accommodation for the better performance of duties. We are a pet-friendly site and additional animal-members of the family are welcome with prior agreement.

The applicant pack contains full details of the post and we look forward to hearing from candidates who feel they would be an excellent fit and would like to join our school community.

• Oversee girls boarding and pastoral care for pupils aged 11–18, and younger boarders from St Margarets Prep (Years 5–6).
• Lead as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) starting September 2026.
• Provide inspirational leadership and ensure outstanding pastoral provision.
• Maintain ultimate line management of house staff, nursing staff, and the personal development, counselling and wellbeing teams.
• Support the smooth operation of boarding houses and health services within a horizontal boarding structure.
• Contribute to safeguarding, welfare, strategic planning, compliance and teaching within the school.
• Work within a residential setting and collaborate with a team to deliver a positive educational experience for each pupil.
• Engage with family accommodation provisions and policy on pet-friendly site arrangements where applicable.

• Experience as an boarding leader with responsibilities in safeguarding and pastoral care.
• Knowledge and/or experience as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or willingness to undertake.
• Experience in line management of staff and coordination of welfare or wellbeing teams.
• Ability to contribute to safeguarding, welfare, strategic planning, compliance and teaching.

Full applicant pack with job description can be found at: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

To apply online, please download the application form and click the apply now button below to upload your completed application form and covering letter online.

Please note:

CVs will not be considered.

Closing date (and time):
Friday 23 January 2026 at 9am

Interview date:
Tuesday 27 January 2026 (first-round online), Tuesday 3 February 2026 (second-round on site)

Commencement date:
September 2026