Job description
Pastoral Lead
Colchester
Full-Time | Permanent Position
Scale 6 (Point 14–18)
Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of young people?
Do you have the resilience, empathy, and leadership skills to support pupils who require guidance, structure, and strong pastoral care to achieve their full potential?
A specialist educational setting in Colchester is looking to appoint an outstanding Pastoral Lead to become a key member of their pastoral and safeguarding team. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to helping pupils overcome barriers to learning, improve behaviour, increase attendance, and develop both socially and emotionally.
The successful candidate will play a central role within the school community, acting as a visible, supportive, and proactive presence throughout the day while building positive relationships with pupils, families, staff, and external professionals.
This role would suit experienced Pastoral Leads, Behaviour Mentors, Inclusion Officers, Youth Workers, SEN professionals, or individuals with strong experience supporting children and young people within education or care settings.
The Role
As Pastoral Lead, you will support pupils both academically and emotionally, ensuring they feel safe, understood, and fully supported within the school environment. You will work closely with safeguarding teams, senior leaders, families, and outside agencies to provide targeted interventions and personalised support strategies that enable pupils to succeed.
You will also play an important role in promoting positive behaviour, improving attendance, and helping pupils re-engage with education through therapeutic and trauma-informed approaches.
Key Responsibilities
✓ Manage and monitor a dedicated caseload of pupils, ensuring interventions and support plans are effective and impactful.
✓ Maintain a strong visible presence across the school, supporting pupils during transitions and encouraging engagement within lessons.
✓ Build strong, positive relationships with pupils, acting as a trusted and consistent adult role model.
✓ Support pupils with behavioural, emotional, social, and attendance-related challenges.
✓ Implement therapeutic and trauma-informed strategies to support pupils effectively.
✓ Work closely with safeguarding teams to identify concerns, reduce risks, and promote pupil wellbeing.
✓ Coordinate with parents, carers, social care teams, local authorities, educational psychologists, and other external agencies.
✓ Attend and lead multi-agency meetings where appropriate to ensure the best outcomes for pupils.
✓ Analyse behaviour and attendance data to identify trends and implement proactive support strategies.
✓ Support reintegration plans and personalised pathways for pupils requiring additional intervention.
✓ Encourage pupil voice and contribute towards developing a positive and inclusive school culture.
✓ Maintain accurate and up-to-date records using school systems and safeguarding platforms.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have
✓ Previous experience working with children or young people within education, SEN, social care, youth work, or alternative provision settings.
✓ Experience supporting pupils with challenging behaviour, SEMH needs, ASD, ADHD, trauma, or additional learning needs.
✓ A strong understanding of safeguarding procedures and child protection responsibilities.
✓ Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
✓ The ability to remain calm, professional, and solution-focused under pressure.
✓ Strong organisational skills and confidence managing sensitive information and records.
✓ A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people and improving outcomes.
✓ GCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above) or equivalent.
Desirable Experience
✓ Experience within specialist SEND or alternative provision environments.
✓ Knowledge of trauma-informed practice or Therapeutic Thinking approaches.
✓ Experience leading pupil interventions, behaviour strategies, or multi-agency meetings.
✓ Relevant qualifications in Youth Work, Education, Counselling, Social Care, or similar fields.
Why Apply?
✨ Opportunity to genuinely change and improve young people’s lives.
✨ Supportive and collaborative leadership team.
✨ Ongoing CPD and professional development opportunities.
✨ Rewarding and varied role where no two days are the same.
✨ Be part of a school community that values inclusion, wellbeing, and pupil success.
Safeguarding Statement
The school is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references, right-to-work checks, and all relevant pre-employment clearances in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidelines.
For more updates on the role, do not hesitate to contact Katie Gibson or apply at www.gsleducation.com