The Senior School at Harrodian prides itself on providing exceedingly high standards of pastoral care to its pupils. We recognise the many challenges young teenagers face and have established a dynamic, experienced and caring pastoral team of staff to support them. The Pastoral Assistant to Heads of Senior School and Prep (Upper) position plays a key part in our daily pastoral provision, as well as being a dedicated assistant to the Head of Years for years 8 to 11. We are seeking an individual who is passionate about the pastoral care and learning of students to join the education team supporting students to reach their full potential.
The role of Pastoral Assistant at Harrodian will be suited to someone who can demonstrate an enthusiasm and commitment to working with teenagers who require additional support in order to fully flourish in their education and social development, and who has strong administrative skills. They should have a background in working to inspire and motivate young people whilst attending to the many issues they face in maintaining their well-being. This experience may have been gained in social work, mental health, nursing or as a teacher or teaching assistant, for example. Candidates should have an ability to form strong, healthy relationships with pupils and exercise diplomacy and sensitivity in liaison with parents, carers and with staff. Working in a very busy school environment, they will be expected to show initiative in dealing calmly and proactively with challenging behaviour.
The post has an essential focus on mornings through to shortly after lunch (08:00-14:30).
The ideal candidate will have:
- Experience of working with young people/adults aged 11-16 with a range of needs
- Knowledge of the range of barriers to learning that students face
- The ability to encourage and inspire people to achieve their potential
- The ability to relate to young people/adults effectively and professionally in all circumstances
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to express themselves clearly both verbally and on paper
- Strong administrative skills
- Strong IT skills
- Sensitivity to complex situations
- Discretion and the ability to maintain absolute confidentiality
- The ability to work as part of a team as well as individually.
Working days and hours
This is a part-time (circa 0.8FTE over 5 days), term time plus staff training days only position. The part-time working days and hours of this position will be Mondays to Fridays from 08h00, with a certain amount of flexibility over the agreed finish time. Five (full) staff training days are held over the year, at the start of the Autumn, October half, and Spring terms. Term dates are published on the School's website.
Salary and Benefits
The agreed salary will depend upon qualifications and experience. The salary will be compliant with the national minimum wage, paid on the basis of 35.2 working weeks and paid equally over 12 months.
Harrodian offers a range of benefits, including a free car park (on a first come first served basis), a cycle to work scheme, free refreshments and lunches during term time, free access to some of the School’s sport and leisure facilities at stipulated times, access to an ongoing cycle of cultural, musical, theatrical and sporting talks and events, and a defined contribution pension scheme.
Please submit a fully-completed application form, full CV, accounting for any gaps in employment, and a cover letter addressed to the Headmaster.
Closing date: Monday, 23rd June 2025 at 9am. Please note: Interviews may be held ahead of the closing date and so early applications are encouraged. The School reserves the right to appoint at any stage of the application process.
Interview dates: as soon as possible. As a part of the interview process, candidates may be required to support a relevant school activity.
Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK. Harrodian is unable to act as a sponsor for an employment visa.
Safeguarding and employment checks: Harrodian is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of employment are subject to receipt of satisfactory references, an Enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service, checks with any applicable Overseas Criminal Records body, medical clearance and proof of legal right to work in the UK. In accordance with current Keeping Children Safe in Education recommendations, online searches may be done as part of due diligence checks. Please read our Safer Recruiting Policy and Safeguarding Children and Child Protection Policy by selecting from our list of policies HERE.
All positions within the School are exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The Enhanced DBS check will give details of all spent and unspent convictions and other recordable matters. A policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders is available from HR. References will be taken up and the School may approach previous employers for information to verify particular experience or qualifications.