Pastoral Leads - September 2026 Opportunities (SEMH & Specialist Settings)
East Kent & Surrounding Areas

Are you an experienced OR aspiring Pastoral Lead or Behaviour Lead looking for your next move this September?

We are already working with a number of specialist SEN and SEMH schools across East Kent who are planning their leadership structures for September 2026. As a result, we are keen to speak with experienced pastoral professionals ready to take on a whole-school impact role.

The Opportunities

Our partner schools include SEMH provisions, alternative provisions, and specialist SEN settings supporting pupils with:

Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs

Trauma and attachment difficulties

Autism and complex needs

Challenging behaviour and emotional dysregulation

Typical responsibilities include:

Leading behaviour and pastoral strategy across the school

Embedding trauma-informed and restorative approaches

Supporting and line managing behaviour/pastoral teams

Working closely with safeguarding, families, and external agencies

Driving improvements in attendance, behaviour, and pupil wellbeing

We're Looking For

Experience in SEMH, alternative provision, or specialist SEN settings

Previous responsibility for behaviour, pastoral care, or inclusion

Strong leadership presence with the ability to de-escalate and support high-level behaviours

A calm, resilient and relational approach

Ambition to progress within middle or senior leadership

Teaching qualification is welcomed but not essential - we are open to candidates from SEN education, youth work, residential care, and therapeutic backgrounds.

Why Speak With Us?

Access to September roles before they are widely advertised

Honest, confidential career advice

Schools we meet with regularly and know inside out

Support with CVs, interview preparation, and leadership progression

If you are considering a move for September and want to explore Pastoral Lead opportunities within specialist settings, get in touch for a confidential conversation