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.

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

• 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.

• 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.