Assistant Head of Primary - Student Life

Role Overview and Leadership Responsibilities

The Assistant Head of Primary - Student Life plays a pivotal role in ensuring the protection and welfare of all primary students, following safeguarding policies and professional standards. Working closely with the Head of Primary and other Assistant Heads, this role contributes to strategic planning, policy development, and the implementation of key school priorities unifying efforts across Teaching & Learning and Student Life. This collaboration fosters a consistent, positive, and inclusive culture throughout the Primary School, and supports maintaining high standards for student behavior with clear expectations and uniform practices.

Teaching Commitment

This position includes up to 50% active teaching engagement to stay connected with classroom practice. Teaching responsibilities are reviewed annually based on school needs and priorities.

Student Wellbeing and Behavior Management

The Assistant Head leads school-wide initiatives for student wellbeing and behavior management by implementing proactive, preventative, and restorative approaches which enhance social, emotional, and behavioral development. This includes ensuring consistent application of behavior standards and pastoral care across all grades, monitoring attendance and punctuality, coordinating transitions within and beyond the Primary division, and collaborating with counseling, inclusion/learning support, and EAL teams to provide comprehensive student support.

Safeguarding and Protection

Acting as the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, the assistant head supports safeguarding referrals and documentation alongside senior leadership. They ensure all safeguarding protocols are clearly understood, executed, and periodically reviewed within the Primary School, managing legal, ethical, and organizational duties such as confidentiality and accommodation procedures.

Leadership and Staff Management

This role oversees pastoral line management of Grade Level Leaders and Learning Assistants, guiding staff deployment, professional standards, and ensuring effective communication with parents regarding student wellbeing and behavior. The Assistant Head models professionalism and a commitment to continuous development.

Student Life, Culture, and Community Engagement

The Assistant Head leads initiatives related to assemblies, school trips, student-life activities, community events, school traditions, and student leadership programs. They foster student voice, belonging, and positive relationships and act as the primary contact for parent engagement and conflict resolution related to wellbeing, behavior, and attendance.

Collaboration, Development, and Operational Duties

The role demands collaboration to promote student wellbeing throughout the school, contributing to staff induction and ongoing professional development in pastoral care and safeguarding. The Assistant Head participates in recruitment for primary support positions and leads regular evaluation of student-life systems to ensure consistency and alignment with school standards. They also support day-to-day operations through visible leadership, participate in health and safety committees, and undertake other professional duties as delegated.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Master's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or related discipline preferred.
• At least three years of leadership experience in a primary or equivalent school setting.
• Proven expertise in managing student wellbeing, behavior systems, attendance, and pastoral care.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary student support services and effectively handling sensitive parent communications.
• Strong preference for candidates experienced with American or American-international curriculum frameworks.
• Fluency in English is essential.

Professional Skills and Personal Qualities

• Comprehensive knowledge of student wellbeing frameworks, behavior management, and safeguarding practice.
• Familiarity with restorative and preventative student support methodologies.
• Ability to lead and mentor staff responsible for pastoral care and wellbeing.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinking combined with responsiveness to immediate student needs.
• Proficient use of educational leadership and administrative IT tools.
• Passion for delivering high-quality education and promoting continuous improvement.
• Ability to earn respect from students, colleagues, and parents.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and commitment to deadlines.
• Innovative mindset open to change and professional growth.

Additional Expectations and School Principles

• Commit to the school's Vision, Mission, and professional conduct.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries at all times.
• Perform duties in accordance with contractual agreements and expectations.
• Uphold safeguarding and health and safety standards to protect children and students.
• Foster a culture of inclusivity, equity, and respect towards all community members.
• Support continuous learning for personal and institutional advancement.