Assistant Headteacher DSL

Kingdown School is looking to appoint an inspirational and dedicated Assistant Headteacher (DSL) to join and support its Senior Leadership Team, with effect from September 2024. We are looking for someone with a strong moral purpose and a commitment to keeping all children safe. Successful applicants will come from a pastoral background within school and have substantial experience in this area, preferably a Head of House or Year.  

Salary: L11-15 (£60,487 – £ 66,626). Contract: Permanent. Other: QTS status is essential for this role.

We are a co-educational, non-denominational secondary school and sixth form, educating young people between the ages of 11 and 18 years. We have a strong reputation in the local community and beyond, built on an unswerving focus on the quality of teaching and learning and great pastoral care. Ranked in the top 10 secondary schools in Wiltshire, our school is located in the charming garrison town of Warminster, with excellent links to Salisbury, Bath, Bristol and the South-West. We are an academy under Acorn Education Trust, which provides exciting opportunities to collaborate and improve local education.

The Assistant Headteacher (DSL), is a rewarding and impactful, non-teaching, role within Kingdown, where safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do, and will require someone who is forward-thinking and can help shape the strategic direction of our school. An integral member of our SLT, you will be responsible for strategic planning, leading a Safeguarding Team (including a non-teaching DDSL) on all school safeguarding and child protection matters (including online safety) to ensure the safety and welfare of our students and have superb interpersonal skills.

We are looking for someone with:

• Qualified Teacher Status;
• Experience working in a senior pastoral role within a school (advantageous);
• Safeguarding experience, training and qualification(s);
• Experience as a successful team leader and manager;
• The ability to foster and maintain good relationships and work effectively with school stakeholders and external agencies;
• Solid knowledge and understanding of all safeguarding policies and practices, including statutory guidance; 
• The ability to advise and support members of staff on child welfare, safeguarding, KCSIE and child protection matters, including training;
• Experience in using online monitoring system My Concern (advantageous);
• Excellent organisational, interpersonal and communication skills.

We can offer the successful candidate:

• An ambitious and vibrant place to work, with enthusiastic children and staff who are passionate about learning;
• A workplace where everyone feels valued and supported;
• Opportunities for training and progression;
• The support of Acorn Education Trust, with excellent opportunities to work with experienced colleagues;
• A supportive and clearly defined induction procedure.

For information about this role, including a full Job Description and Person Specification, please read our Applicant Information Pack (below).  

Visiting our school 

Potential applicants are highly encouraged to arrange a tour to see what Kingdown School has to offer first-hand. Please contact our school admin office to arrange a tour:

• Telephone: 01985 215551
• Email: lmg@kingdown.wilts.sch.uk

To apply, please click ‘Quick Apply’ to complete an application form and send a letter of application to: lmg@kingdown.wilts.sch.uk. Please use the Supporting Statement section to explain why you’re right for the job (including any experience, skills or other information which you think makes you suited for the role). Please keep your statement to no more than two sides of A4 (approx. 1000 words).

Closing Date: Monday 22nd April 2024 at 12pm

Interview Date: w/c Monday 29th April 2024

Kingdown School, as part of the Acorn Education Trust, is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. If successful in obtaining this post you will be subject to a Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service and health screening. We are an equal opportunities employer. As part of our safer recruitment processes, if you are shortlisted for the post, we will carry out a social media account search.