Deputy Head Pastoral & DSL
Ballard School
Hampshire
- New
- Salary:
- Competitive + benefits
- Job type:
- Full Time, Permanent
- Start date:
- September 2025
- Apply by:
- 15 January 2025
Job overview
Ballard is a thriving independent school, set in 34 acres, situated on the Hampshire/Dorset border, between the New Forest and the Solent with excellent transport links. Ballard offers an inclusive working environment with exceptional facilities, including a Performing Arts Centre and an Olympic-sized Astroturf.
The Deputy Head Pastoral is a pivotal role at Ballard. As a member of the Leadership Team, they play a vital role in the strategic development of the school, particularly the pastoral provision, alongside the day-to-day running of the school.
The Deputy Head Pastoral is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) with the responsibility for the safeguarding training of all staff, including PREVENT and keeping up to date with policy changes at a national, regional and local level. They are responsible for managing the pastoral teams (Heads of Section, Tutors and Pastoral Support Assistants), providing a positive, secure and happy environment for the Ballard community where every pupil can flourish.
Candidates will be successful teachers and leaders with experience as Head of Department, Key Stage Co-ordinator or an equivalent senior role. They will be a dynamic, committed team player with a collegiate and collaborative approach. Candidates will also possess excellent interpersonal skills; be able to work effectively as a member of a leadership team; have first class organisational and administrative skills and be able to remain calm under pressure, working to tight deadlines and managing competing priorities. Most importantly they will be sensitive to the needs of our pupils and ensure that their wellbeing is at the centre of all that we do.
It is an exciting time to be joining Ballard, with a Leadership Team moving the School forward with confidence. The School places great emphasis on supporting and developing its staff so that the best possible educational provision is provided throughout the three pillars of the School; Pastoral, Academic and Co-Curricular. We consistently achieve excellent results, including a record set of GCSE grades in 2024.
For further details of this post and an application form, please visit our website via the Apply button.
Closing date: 9.00am on Wednesday, 15th January 2025.
Long list interviews: w/c 20th January 2025.
Short list interviews: w/c 27th January 2025.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to the School for interviews and will also have the opportunity to tour the school and meet key staff. As part of the selection process, short listed candidates will be expected to complete an online psychometric assessment and may be asked to deliver a 10-minute assembly to a selection of pupils.
The successful candidate will be required to complete and sign a medical form.
This School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and as part of the selection process, applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including digital screening (to include online searches of candidates) and checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (Enhanced Disclosure).
Ballard School is committed to Equal Opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
“By educating the whole child, we develop well-rounded individuals, fully equipped to deal with college, careers and community. Alongside inspiring lessons, our extensive co-curricular programme encourages pupils to find their niche, improve skills, develop talents, or discover a new passion. Years of experience enables us to nurture each child to be the best they can be, adding value to their GCSEs and helping them with those all-important next steps.”
Mr Andrew McCleave, Headmaster.
Attached documents
About Ballard School
-Hero.jpg%3Fprofile%3Dh-320&w=1080&q=75)
.jpg%3Fprofile%3Dh-320&w=1080&q=75)
.jpg%3Fprofile%3Dh-320&w=1080&q=75)
.jpg%3Fprofile%3Dh-320&w=1080&q=75)
.jpg%3Fprofile%3Dh-320&w=1080&q=75)
.jpg%3Fprofile%3Dh-320&w=1080&q=75)
.jpg%3Fprofile%3Dh-320&w=1080&q=75)
.jpg%3Fprofile%3Dh-320&w=1080&q=75)
.jpg%3Fprofile%3Dh-320&w=1080&q=75)
.jpg%3Fprofile%3Dh-320&w=1080&q=75)
Introduction
Ballard is a thriving day school from Nursery to GCSE, set in 34 acres on the Dorset/Hampshire border. “A warm, friendly school in a glorious setting, where pupils enjoy their learning, throw themselves into a plethora of activities and have fun.” (Good Schools Guide)
We are delighted to have been named Co-educational School of the Year at this year’s Independent School of the Year Awards, having reached the finals for Sport (2023) and Performing Arts (2022). We have also reached the finals of MTI’s Musical Theatre Provision and were finalists in this year’s ISA’s Award for Design.
“Ballard is delighted to be recognised alongside such prestigious schools. This award reflects the strength of our wonderful community - dedicated staff who go the extra mile, parents who wholeheartedly embrace our ethos, and, of course, our positively thriving and happy children.” Mr Andrew McCleave, Headmaster.
So, what makes an award-winning education? At Ballard, we believe abilities and intelligence are not fixed – all can flourish and excel when given the tools and environment to develop self-knowledge and resilience. We offer a vast array of opportunities, including over 155 co-curricular activities but what sets us apart is how we empower and inspire our pupils to seize them.
Co-education is at the heart of Ballard’s inclusive philosophy. All pupils are equal, learning with and from each other, through collaboration and lively competition. In an atmosphere of inclusivity and kindness, every child is stretched in their talents and encouraged to tackle what doesn’t come easily. Boy, girl, expert, novice - no subject nor interest is beyond reach.
PSHE (Y1-11), encourages mutual understanding, with pupils emboldened to take charge of their lives and make positive choices, supported by strong proactive pastoral care. For example, our ‘Ballard on Board’ programme helps pupils to understand and navigate the complexities of friendship and find their own solutions. Pupil voice is listened to, inspiring many initiatives including Ballard’s eco agenda
The success of our approach is reflected in Ballard’s GCSE results: with a 95% pass rate (9-4) and an average 0.79 added value for each pupil, across all subjects! Inspirational teachers give up weekends and holidays to provide additional revision sessions.
Staff believe in Ballard’s mission - to ensure that no child gets left behind, encouraging pupils to think of others, contribute positively and make the world better. Their values - The Ballard ‘Be’s – are instilled from the start with new pupils quickly feeling that they belong. When they leave at Year 11, Ballard pupils do so with a powerful sense of self, equipped to build a bright future in our fast-changing world.
Meet the Head
“When I first arrived at Ballard, I was immediately struck by its busy, purposeful atmosphere and the warm welcome I received. The girls and boys I met shook me by the hand, looked me in the eye and told me everything I needed to know about the School.
At Ballard we encourage our pupils to express themselves confidently, to develop their leadership skills and to be ambitious, all within a nurturing and supportive environment. When I talk to the young people here, they describe a Ballard pupil as one who will “enjoy the challenge” and “set the bar high”. Ballard is proud to educate pupils with a range of academic abilities, and we do so within a culture of aspiration for all; teachers here will stretch, challenge and support in equal measure. I have always been a great believer that happy, confident, respectful and busy children will do well academically so it is no wonder that our GCSE results continue to be at the forefront of comparable local schools and well in excess of the national average.
More importantly, this all happens within an ethos of respect, kindness and responsibility. The key to Ballard’s success lies in its values and culture, and in the positivity of its community. Whether it’s the staff who support and educate, the pupils who strive and delight, or the parents who so vitally connect home and school life, we all play a crucial role in shaping the School. Ballard’s ambition to instil in their pupils a strong moral compass, a respect for others, and an imperative to make a worthwhile contribution to the community all help foster a happy, supportive and successful School.
We were hugely proud of our “excellent & outstanding” ISI and OFSTED inspection report. The School was awarded the highest grade possible in every category; a real testament to the hard work and passion of all our staff.”
Andrew McCleave
ISI
“Pupils are reflective and have high levels of self-esteem and empathy. They are highly successful in displaying these characteristics through academic study as well as the wealth of sporting, performing arts and extra-curricular opportunities in which they participate.” ISI
Please note that you are wholly responsible for fact checking in respect of the information provided by schools. Please also check for the latest visa and work permit requirements that may apply. Tes is not responsible for the content of advertisements or the policies adopted by advertising schools. Tes asks that all schools follow Tes' Fair Recruitment Policy.