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THE CRYPT SCHO OL An Outstanding Co-Educational Grammar School and VI Form

Job Application Pack Assistant Headteacher - Pastoral

Salary: L8—L12 (£61,500.00—£67,897.00) Contract: Permanent, Full time Closing Date: Noon, 3rd February 2026 Pre Application visit to school: 22nd January (pm), 28th January (am) Assessment & Interview Day: Tuesday 10th February 2026 Start Date: September 2026

THE CRYPT SCHO OL

Welcome from the Headmaster I am delighted that you are considering applying for this important senior role here at The Crypt School. I do hope that you find this information helpful and we look forward to receiving your application.

The School Founded in 1539 and set in nearly 30 acres of grounds, The Crypt School’s vision is derived from its Latin motto, “Floreat Schola Cryptiensis”: floreat means “to flourish” and at The Crypt we wish all our students, as well as our staff, to flourish in all that they do. In order to achieve that vision, we strive to create the best possible environment and culture within which our students can learn, develop essential key skills and personal attributes, make friends and enjoy their school lives; equally, we wish for our staff to flourish in their work at school, and always strive to place their welfare at the centre of our work and planning. The School has grown significantly over the last decade, especially since the admission of girls into the main school in September 2018. Today, The Crypt School is Gloucester’s only coeducational selective school with a student roll of over 1100. The student body is a diverse, caring and enthusiastic one and our staff are a highly professional, caring and generous group of people who commit themselves fully to the academic, pastoral and extra-curricular life of the School.

The School is a vibrant place to both learn within and to work at; it is a place where learning is valued for its own sake, within an environment of strong pastoral care. At the centre of our school life, is a powerful sense of community, where students are supported and encouraged to learn and engage with each other. Confident, friendly and respectful, the high quality of our student’s personal development is remarkable and is one of the greatest strengths of the School. The School has benefited from significant capital investment over recent years which has enhanced the learning environment for both students and staff alike. Recent projects have included the building of two new teaching blocks and a sports pavilion; the refurbishment of the sports hall and the creation of an outdoor netball and tennis area as well as the creation of a new physics laboratory. We continue the refurbishment of the older parts of the school, and in the summer of 2025, the sixth form centre underwent a major redevelopment, giving enhanced accommodation to our senior students.

Welcome from the Headmaster

Ofsted

Location

In March 2024, the School received an outstanding Ofsted report in all areas, with teaching, learning, achievement and the curriculum all noted as real strengths:

The Crypt School is located just outside of the City of Gloucester in the West of England. Gloucester is known for its 11th century Cathedral and close; for Blackfriars, which is a stunning example of a 13th century mediaeval priory site; the British Waterways Museum, which celebrates the city’s industrial past, and now the vibrant Gloucester Quays, which has a selection of shops and restaurants. Gloucester is a vibrant and growing city, and the School is conveniently located close to the City, and close to good road and rail links to Cheltenham and the surrounding region, including Bristol for example.

“Pupils behave impeccably. They arrive punctually and move around the school site sensibly. They maintain their highly positive attitudes to learning throughout the school day. Pupils play an active role in fostering a tolerant and respectful environment, where commonalities and differences are celebrated. Pupils receive high-quality pastoral care. They are comfortable sharing concerns about themselves or others with staff.” Staff work hard and give generously of their time to the life and wellbeing of the School. Time and money is invested in their professional development, and each member of the teaching staff is equipped with a laptop and iPad; other benefits also enhance the working experience of colleagues at the School: https://cryptschool.org/ explore-our-school/work-with-us/

The role—Assistant Head (Pastoral) This is a newly created role within the school’s senior leadership team, and the postholder will work closely with the pastoral Deputy Headteacher, with heads of year and form tutors, as well as other staff to ensure the highest possible standards of student attendance and behaviour, whilst also working to ensure all groups of students, and particularly those with additional educational needs (SEND), disadvantaged students, and other identified groups, such as those who attend school from further afield, enjoy and benefit from full attendance at the school. The postholder will work to secure a culture that celebrates and rewards positive attendance and behaviour and support the work of our heads of years, tutors and wider pastoral team in carrying out their work.

Welcome from the Headmaster

Senior Leadership Team—structure The senior team currently consists of: the headmaster, one senior deputy headteacher and three deputy headteachers — one who oversees the academic life of the school, another the pastoral life of the school and a third who directs the life and progress of the sixth form and whom also offers strategic direction of student personal development, including careers. Two new assistant headteacher roles are being created for a September 2026 start: one to support the work of the Deputy Head Pastoral and another who will support the work of the Deputy Head Academic. Both assistant headteachers will be members of the senior leadership team, accepting collective responsibility for the success, wellbeing and progress of the school.

We are looking for a skilled practitioner to support, strengthen and augment our existing senior team and wider staff body. This post will suit someone looking for their first move into senior leadership, who is currently a head of year, or head of house by example; equally, this post will suit a colleague looking for a new challenge within a strong and established senior team. Above all, we are seeking a colleague who will uphold and strengthen further our shared school values, grammar school ethos and inclusive and ambitious school culture. We recognise the time and thought that goes into an application and we will certainly give yours our serious consideration. If you have any further questions or wish to visit the School prior to sending in an application, please contact Sharon Bailey via sbailey@crypt.gloucs.sch.uk who will be able to assist you. With best wishes,

Nicholas Dyer Headmaster

‘Floreat Schola Cryptiensis’ Our School vision is derived from our Latin Motto—Floreat—which means ‘to flourish’ and at The Crypt School, we wish all our students and staff to flourish in everything they do. The Crypt School offers opportunities for everyone within the school community to flourish, whether that is our students flourishing in their classroom learning; flourishing on the games field, on the stage, or in the music rooms; or our wonderfully talented and ambitious staff flourishing in their teaching, in their leadership roles, or in the work they do to support the busy life of this outstanding grammar school. Pastoral care at The Crypt is everyone’s responsibility, and fits within a strong culture of safeguarding and of professional curiosity. This holistic approach to pastoral care, and to safeguarding, enables us to bring out the very best in every student.

Our school community is wonderfully diverse, talented and creative and is built on the five shared values of Crypt School life: responsibility, respect, pride, kindness and integrity. At the heart of our school life stands a powerful and shared sense of community in which we value each person as an individual who—we strongly believe—has the potential to make a real difference to both their own life and to the lives and wellbeing of others.

Staff Wellbeing We understand the importance of a proper work-life balance and offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward the essential contribution our staff make to the success and growth of the School. As an employer, the School encourages all staff to maintain a healthy work-life balance and as such promotes activities for the staff to enjoy. A staff wellbeing committee exists to help inform and develop our approach to improving staff welfare at school.

• Staff counselling and access to qualified Mental Health First Aiders

The most signific benefit of working at the school, is to work with engaged, bright, caring and ambitious young people, alongside of dedicated and supportive staff colleagues, in a well resourced and maintained school environment. However, other benefits include:

• Employee Flu jab reimbursement scheme

• Employee Assistance Programme • Opportunities for flexible working • One additional week’s holiday each year • 5 day term time holiday buy back scheme • Free tea and coffee available each day • Eye Test voucher scheme • Cycle to work scheme and child-care vouchers • Use of the school gym • Parcel deliveries • Staff socials • Teachers’ Pension • In-house professional development opportunities and funded access to NPQ’s and support for Master’s programmes

Job description Assistant Head - Pastoral Post: Assistant Head (Pastoral) Responsible to: Deputy Head (Pastoral) and to the Headmaster Relationships: The postholder will be a member of the School’s Senior Leadership Team and will act as the principal Line Manager to a number of middle leaders

Teaching allocation: The postholder will have an agreed teaching allocation, which will enable them to undertake the demands of this role, whilst also enabling them to develop further as a classroom practitioner. It is expected that this will be between 27 and 30 periods per fortnightly timetable cycle (the postholder will not be expected to have form tutor responsibilities). This role is not subject to any particular subject specialism.

Role purpose The Assistant Headteacher (Pastoral) is a key leadership role responsible for upholding and advancing our outstanding pastoral care provision, with a particular responsibility for leading on all matters related to student behaviour and attendance. The postholder will play a key role in advancing our inclusive school culture, built upon our five values of Crypt school life, within our vision that every student will be enabled to flourish in their school and later adult lives. The postholder will play a key role in ensuring any barriers to this ambition are removed.

Key responsibilities: Leadership and Management duties • Lead the work of the heads of year (11-16) to ensure high standards of behaviour and attendance 11-16 especially for key groups and follow up on concerns. In the absence of heads of year, deputise for them and be responsible for any matters arising. • Promote a positive culture that recognises and rewards positive behaviour. • Lead (as school Attendance Champion) on the implementation of all agreed priorities related to behaviour and attendance, and support the work of the DSL (as DDSL) as set out in the School Improvement Plan. • Lead the student voice work (with DHT - Post 16). • Work with parents/carers of identified students of concern . • Provide strategic leadership in creating a culture of high expectations for behaviour, student conduct and the promotion of inclusive values-based attitudes, both inside and outside the classroom. • Play an active role in whole-school leadership as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to the development of school policies and the long-term vision of The Crypt School.

Teaching and Learning • Model exemplary classroom practice and support other staff in developing high-quality behaviour management.

Job description Assistant Head - Pastoral Student behaviour and attendance • Ensure the consistent application of the Behaviour Policy across all staff and students. • Develop strategies to support students in self-regulating their behaviour and making positive choices, (working closely with SENDCo when required). • Analyse and present data (to heads of year and SLT) related to behaviour and attendance trends to identify patterns, and lead interventions to increase engagement, particularly of key groups of students as identified by the data. • Help maintain and promote a calm, purposeful learning environment across the school. • Lead and coordinate Anti-Bullying Ambassadors in promoting a kind and respectful culture through assemblies and events.

Leadership and management • Undertake performance management of pastoral and other staff as designated by the Deputy Headteacher (Pastoral). • Support the recruitment and retention of students by promoting The Crypt School’s values and inclusive culture. • Collaborate with the Sixth Form pastoral team to ensure continuity of high standards post-16. • Contribute to professional development opportunities across the school.

Other professional requirements • Support the Headmaster in the leadership and management of The Crypt School. • Have the vision and drive to strategically lead on whole school priorities and implement positive change. • Articulate and role model the values and moral purpose of The Crypt School focusing on providing an exceptional education for our students. • Represent the school’s leadership team and Headmaster within and beyond the school.

Review The above job description is a guide to the work you may be required to undertake and may change from time to time to reflect changing circumstances. You may also be asked to undertake any other duties as reasonably requested by the Headmaster or more senior school leaders.

Person specification Assistant Head - Pastoral Key: A = Application I = Interview R = References E = Essential D = Desirable

Criteria

Essential (E) Desirable (D) E D

Assessed A, I, R

Qualifications

Qualified Teacher Status

Good honours degree

Master’s degree or higher qualification

Designated Safeguarding Lead qualification

Mental Health First Aid

Professional Knowledge and Experience

Evidence of ongoing professional development relevant to role

Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and mental health issues

Experience of senior leadership in secondary education

An understanding of emotionally based school avoidance or school distress

Experience of multi-agency working regarding Early Help, Safeguarding or SEND

Leadership of Students and Staff

Set high standards and provide a role model for students and staff

High expectations for pupil attendance, behaviour and strategies to meet the emotional needs of every child

Able to chair meetings effectively and delegate

Able to lead on whole school priorities, motivate staff and and implement positive change

Lead the consistent application of the Behaviour Policy across all staff and students

Personal Qualities, Characteristics and Attributes

Kindness, integrity and reliability

Able to build a respectful rapport with colleagues, pupils and families

Able to maintain trust and be highly respected by staff

Collaborative team player

Able to prioritise and manage own time effectively

How to apply Pre application visits to school If you would like to visit the school prior to submitting your application, please contact Sharon Bailey, HR Support on sbailey@crypt.gloucs.sch.uk to book a convenient date/time.

Pre visit dates: 22nd January 2026 (pm) or 28th January (am)

Selection, assessment and interviews Closing date: Noon, Tuesday 3rd February 2026 Shortlisting: Thursday 5th February 2026 Assessment (am) & Interviews (pm): Tuesday 10th February 2026 Please visit https://cryptschool.org/explore-our-school/work-with-us/, click on see all vacancies for access to a fast apply on-line application form. If you would like any further information on the role, please contact Sharon Bailey, HR Support on sbailey@crypt.gloucs.sch.uk or T: 01452 530291.

Safeguarding, recruitment, selection and disclosure procedure We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure. The Crypt School values the diversity of our workforce and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community. Please read our Safeguarding Policy and Recruitment, Selection and Disclosure Policy and Procedure which can be found on our school website by clicking on the link below. https://cryptschool.org/explore-our-school/statutory-information/policies-and-forms/ The Crypt School is an equal opportunity employer, and we value having a workforce as diverse as the city and region we serve. We therefore welcome, develop and promote people from all sections of the community, and we particularly welcome applications from groups who are currently under-represented within our workforce such as from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates and disabled candidates. The aim of our policy is to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favorable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Our recruitment selection criteria and procedures are frequently reviewed to ensure that individuals are selected, promoted and treated on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities and that no applicant or employee is disadvantaged by provisions, criteria or practices which cannot be shown to be justified.

THE CRYPT SCHO OL

Registered Office: The Crypt School Podsmead Rd, Gloucester, GL2 5AE Tel: 01452 530291

www. crypt.gloucs.sch.uk Follow us: Facebook.com/cryptschool Linkedin.com/school/crypt-school

Main School Email: enquiries@crypt.gloucs.sch.uk DofE registered no. 916 5404 A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with company number 7489196