Deputy Head Pastoral and DSL Primary School

• Salary: £68,994 (L13 £ 66,244 + GSAL Allowance £2,750) + a great culture and benefits

We are seeking an inspirational and values-led Deputy Head (Pastoral) & Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to join the Primary School Senior Leadership Team at The Grammar School at Leeds.

This is a pivotal leadership role, providing strategic and operational oversight of the pastoral life of the Primary School. Working in close partnership with the Vice Principal & Head of Primary, you will lead on safeguarding and child protection, behaviour, attendance, mental health and wellbeing, counselling provision, and the development of resilient, confident and happy children.

You will play a central role in shaping a nurturing, inclusive culture where pupils feel safe, supported and able to thrive. As part of the wider GSAL leadership team, you will also contribute to whole-school strategy and deputise for the Vice Principal & Head of Primary when required.

As Deputy Head (Pastoral) & DSL, you will have lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection across the Primary School, acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead and contributing to whole-school safeguarding practice under the leadership of the Senior School DSL.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading safeguarding, child protection and online safety across the Primary School in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
• Developing and implementing high-quality pastoral strategies to support behaviour, attendance, wellbeing and mental health
• Coordinating counselling and medical provision, working closely with parents, school nurses, counsellors and external agencies
• Leading the pastoral curriculum, including oversight of PHSE and wellbeing provision
• Supporting and developing staff through coaching, performance management, supervision and INSET
• Working closely with Assistant Heads, Year Group Leaders and the wider Primary Leadership Team to plan and deliver outstanding pastoral care
• Deputising for the Vice Principal & Head of Primary as required, including leading meetings and engaging with parents
• Contributing to whole-school leadership, including health and safety, safeguarding governance and EDI initiatives

This role combines strategic leadership with visible, relational presence, and requires an excellent classroom practitioner who leads by example.

The Grammar School at Leeds was awarded North Independent School of the Year 2024 and Independent School of the Decade 2021.

GSAL provides a high-quality independent education for around 2,100 pupils aged 2–18. Our ethos of “Be inspired” underpins everything we do, nurturing confident, curious and compassionate young people who are ready to meet future challenges.

GSAL Primary is a thriving, forward-thinking and inclusive environment where pastoral care sits at the heart of everything we do. We believe that pupils learn best when they feel safe, valued and known, and our pastoral systems are designed to support the whole child.

The Grammar School at Leeds primary school welcomes children from 2-11 and is based in its own building on the main school site. We have purpose built facilities, including performance spaces, music rooms, art, food technology and science rooms surrounded by playgrounds and extensive playing fields. We deliver outstanding pastoral and learning opportunities to enable every child to be kind, be brave and grow a little every day, which are our core primary values.

In the primary phase, the national curriculum is not rigidly followed, but is incorporated into the school’s scheme of work. Children are offered a wide range of extracurricular activities including music, sport and drama.

In return we offer the chance to work with committed, enthusiastic children in facilities unrivalled in the north of England, and as part of a high achieving and professional team.

You will join a committed and collaborative leadership team who work closely together to ensure consistently high standards of teaching, learning and care across the Primary phase. There is a strong culture of professional trust, reflection and continuous improvement, with opportunities to influence both…