Deputy Headmaster: Pastoral Care
Stanford Lake College invites applications for the role of Deputy Headmaster: Pastoral Care, Discipline and School Culture. This is a full-time position within the Senior Leadership Team at Stanford Lake College.
Quick Info
Location: Stanford Lake College, Boarding and Day School
Position Type: Full-time
Reporting Line: Headmaster
Closing Date: Friday 30th April 2026
About Stanford Lake College
Stanford Lake College is a leading independent co-educational Christian boarding school. The college is committed to creating a culture of integrity, respect, accountability and belonging, while nurturing the holistic development of every student. This is a role for a leader who can guide with courage, empathy and a steadfast commitment to excellence within a boarding-school environment.
Learn more about the college on its About page, and watch the Vision Video to understand the school’s direction and values.
Purpose of the Role
The Deputy Headmaster: Pastoral Care, Discipline and School Culture provides strategic leadership over pastoral care, wellbeing and school discipline. They lead with clear values to foster an inclusive, safe and high-performing school culture across boarding and day environments.
Key Responsibilities
Pastoral Leadership
- Lead and develop a pastoral care system that promotes student wellbeing, belonging and personal growth
- Oversee the Visible Wellbeing Programme and tutor system to support holistic pupil development
- Line manage the School Counsellor, School Nurse and Designated Safety Officers, coordinating safeguarding and intervention when required
- Provide values-based leadership to encourage respect and positive relationships
- Manage the pastoral care annual budget
Discipline Oversight
- Provide strategic leadership of student discipline with fairness and restorative practice
- Support Heads of Discipline in daily behavioural matters
- Ensure consistent, transparent and equitable disciplinary processes
- Chair external disciplinary hearings when required to ensure procedural fairness
School Culture and Inclusion
- Promote inclusivity, respect and belonging for students and staff
- Lead diversity, development and strategic initiatives aligned with the College vision
- Foster safe, supportive environments and guide sensitive conversations
- Develop students in cultural competence and line manage the TDE Chairperson
Boarding
- Provide strategic oversight of the boarding house system to foster community and belonging
- Line manage the Head of Boarding
- Support the development of a nurturing residential environment balancing independence with guidance
Sport & Extramural
- Contribute to the co-curricular programme through coaching and sport leadership
- Assist with school marketing and broader school life when required
Personal Attributes
- A principled, values-driven leader who leads by example
- Confident, courageous yet empathetic and approachable
- Strong relational skills to build trust and inspire others
- High emotional intelligence and cultural awareness
- Solutions-focused with a commitment to continuous improvement
- Belief in developing young people within a supportive and inclusive community
Closing date for applications: Friday 30th April 2026
Minimum Requirements
- Relevant teaching qualification and SACE registration
- Proven leadership experience in a school environment, including pastoral care, discipline and student wellbeing
- Experience in fostering inclusive school cultures, driving progress and promoting diversity and equity initiatives
- Strong interpersonal, facilitation and conflict-resolution skills; ability to lead sensitive conversations with empathy and integrity
- Experience in staff mentoring, professional development and capacity building
- Excellent organisational and leadership skills; ability to manage multiple portfolios (boarding, pastoral, discipline, inclusion)
- Financial management skills and operational experience are advantageous
- Code 10 Licence would be advantageous
Remuneration & Benefits
- Competitive salary aligned with independent school sector norms
- Accommodation and meals as part of boarding provision
- Professional development opportunities and leadership exposure
- Supportive, values-driven work culture with a focus on wellbeing
Application Process
How to Apply: Please submit your application via the Official Careers Portal.
Deputy Head application April 2026
Legal & Equal Opportunity
Stanford Lake College is an equal opportunity employer. We reserve the right not to fill this post. An application does not guarantee an interview. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted accordingly. Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Disclaimer applies to the handling of applicant data.
Note: This posting is classified under sparks vacancies for search optimisation.
