Deputy Head (Pastoral)
Senior School
Candidate Information Pack
Contents
• About Us
• A Warm Welcome
• Academic Life
• Our Campus
• Living in Cairo
• The Role
• About You
• Benefits
• Application Process
About Us
Uppingham Cairo opened to pupils aged 3 to 13 in New Giza in September 2024 in sight of the Great Pyramids of Giza. It is the first overseas branch of Uppingham School, a leading co-educational independent boarding school in the UK and will expand over time to cater to pupils aged 3 to 18.
Based on the values and ethos of Uppingham School, Uppingham Cairo embraces Egypt’s rich history and culture to bring a school of exceptional quality.
We care about who our pupils become. We believe in the transformative power of education. Yes, our priority is to deliver a wide-ranging curriculum; however, in the context of the 21st century, it will be our pupils’ personal qualities and values, not just exam results, that will set our pupils apart.
A Warm Welcome
I am delighted that you are considering joining Uppingham Cairo as the Deputy Head (Pastoral) in the Senior School.
This is a tremendously exciting time to be joining the School. Our first pupils joined us in September 2024, and they are already thriving in our ground-breaking Day Boarding environment. For the first time since 1584, there is another Uppingham. Not only in name but in character, philosophy, values and ambition - the connection is genuine, it is wholehearted and it is exciting.
“We
are building something extraordinary For the young people of Cairo.”
As you will see from the wealth of information In this briefing pack, we are unashamedly ambitious for our new school. We were awarded full British Schools Overseas (BSO) Accreditation through inspection by ISI as well as membership of HMC, IAPS, BSME, COBIS and many other world leading organisations, in our Founding Year.
We know that we are building something extraordinary for the young people of Cairo, and we know how significant and important a task that is.
We are looking for exceptional people to join us, as our school expands in all year groups, and our current 3rd Formers began studying their GCSE courses in September 2025.
If this role represents a challenge and an opportunity that genuinely excites you, I would be delighted to hear from you.
With all good wishes,
Emma Webb Headmistress
Academic Life
Our commitment to a holistic education is as wholeheartedly held here in Cairo as it is in historic Uppingham School in Rutland, UK. Intellectual rigour, exploration, critical analysis, creativity, risk taking, communication, teamwork - all are central to the way we guide, nurture and inspire our young people.
Our role is to give our pupils the skills, confidence and capabilities to navigate their own paths through life - and the unshakeable sense of self they need to influence the world around them.
Every child navigates through education differently. Pupils thrive when they follow a curriculum that is right for them. Through our innovative teaching and wide range of options, we create a curriculum suited to each child’s interests, aptitudes and aspirations.
Academic rigour and aspirations matter to us and through our unique Day Boarding Programme, social and community initiatives, we encourage and inspire pupils to become self-aware, thoughtful and independent.
We help them to explore their motivations, strengths and ambitions; to find the right path for them. Our size means we offer unrestricted subject choices. We challenge and stretch all pupils - in the classroom and beyond.
We keep our curriculum fresh and relevant by embracing new technology and collaborating with leading institutions around the world to develop state-of-theart learning and sporting programmes
Our Campus
Uppingham Cairo is located in the prestigious New Giza area in sight of the Great Pyramids of Giza. Our outstanding campus is genuinely world leading; encouraging curiosity, discovery, self-expression and excellence in every pursuit.
Our facilities include:
• The Leonardo Art and Design Department, including bespoke facilities for Fine Art, Ceramics, Photography, Design & Technology, Computer Aided Design and Textiles as well as individual Studio Spaces for pupils from the 4th Form
• The Donald Campbell Sports’ Centre, including an indoor swimming pool, Multi-Purpose Sports’ Hall, indoor and outdoor Performance Gym and Indoor Running Track
• Natural grass Sports’ Pitch, Tennis, Mini-Tennis, Padbol, Paddle, Squash and Basketball Courts
• The Barbara Matthews Theatre, with a full size theatre, Black Box Theatre, Music Department classroom and Individual Music Practice Rooms
• The Johnson Early Years Department, with a Senior indoor swimming pool, beach, school farm and garden
• The Thring and Abercrombie Buildings house the Senior School academic department classrooms alongside Biology, Physics and Chemistry laboratories, computer science suites, the House Common Rooms, the Thring Dining Room, Dance Studio and the Thring Senior Library
• The Queen Elizabeth II Senior School Building house the Upper Pre-Prep and Lower Prep Departments alongside the QEII Dining Room, Music Room, Art Room, Exhibition Hall and Senior Library
• The Rutland Sixth Form Building, with bespoke study group classrooms, the Sixth Form Common Room, Sixth Form Laboratories and academic libraries
Living in Cairo
Uppingham Cairo is located in a safe haven of open spaces and suburban communities yet close enough to the capital for staff to enjoy the hustle and bustle of this extraordinary city.
Cairo is a very vibrant and welcoming city, rich in culture and history. Well used to tourists from all over the world, many of the locals speak English. It has a very Western feel with all the modern conveniences and services you are used to – home delivery, Amazon, Uber, shopping centres and restaurants to cater for every taste.
The working week is Sunday to Thursday. Friday is much like a Sunday in the UK so services may vary slightly to the rest of the week.
The cost of living in Egypt is very low, compared to the UK (around 86% less). Domestic help and services are very affordable; utilities are around £15–20 per month and eating out is extremely reasonable. This means that staff can save whilst enjoying a high quality of life on their expatriate salaries.
Uppingham Cairo is located in 6th of October City, approximately 30km southwest of the capital, just 12km from the Pyramids of Giza (which are visible from the school) and 13km from the new Grand Egyptian Museum.
The area offers a relaxed, suburban lifestyle of spacious, upscale accommodation in secure communities or compounds with large, landscaped grounds and cleaner air.
Communities are walled and gated, with security at each entrance, making them extremely safe and family friendly. Many have amenities such as parks, play areas, lakes, shops, restaurants, cafes, gyms, pools and golf courses.
The Role
Accountability
The Deputy Head (Pastoral) holds strategic and operational responsibility for the pastoral life, culture, conduct and wellbeing of pupils across the Senior School and Sixth Form.
This is a senior leadership role central to the character and daily life of Uppingham Cairo. The postholder will shape and sustain a pastoral culture in which pupils feel known, supported and appropriately challenged, and in which high expectations for behaviour, conduct and personal responsibility are consistently upheld.
Working in close partnership with the Director of Studies, the Deputy Head (Pastoral) will ensure that academic and pastoral systems operate in harmony so that every pupil is enabled to flourish both intellectually and personally.
The role combines strategic leadership of pastoral vision and systems with a strong visible presence across the school.
The School reserves the right to adapt the needs of the role as circumstances demand or opportunities arise.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Pastoral Vision and Culture
Work with the Headmistress and Head of Senior School to articulate and implement a clear and ambitious pastoral vision for the Senior School.
• Safeguard and promote a culture rooted in kindness, respect, integrity, responsibility and self-discipline.
• Ensure that pupils are known as individuals and supported to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
• Promote a strong sense of belonging and community across all year groups
• Establish clear and consistent expectations for behaviour, conduct and relationships across the school.
• Ensure that pastoral practice reflects the values and standards associated with Uppingham School.
Strategic Pastoral Leadership
• Provide strategic leadership of all pastoral systems from 1st Form to Upper Sixth (Years 7–13)
• Line manage and support the Head of Lower School, Head of Upper School and Head of Sixth Form in their pastoral responsibilities.
• Ensure coherence and consistency of pastoral practice across all sections of the Senior School.
• Lead the development, implementation and regular review of pastoral policies and procedures.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of pastoral provision through data, observation and professional dialogue.
• Contribute to whole-school self-evaluation, improvement planning and inspection readiness.
Safeguarding and Pupil Welfare
• Play a central leadership role in safeguarding and child protection across the Senior School.
• Work closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead and safeguarding team to ensure the highest standards of practice.
• Ensure that safeguarding systems are robust, clearly understood and consistently implemented.
• Oversee systems for monitoring pupil wellbeing, attendance, behaviour and welfare concerns.
• Ensure timely and appropriate responses to safeguarding and welfare matters.
• Liaise with external agencies and professionals where required.
Leadership of Pastoral Staff
• Provide leadership, support and professional challenge to Heads of Lower School, Upper School and Sixth Form.
• Support the work of personal tutors and pastoral teams through guidance and training.
• Ensure consistency in expectations, communication and pastoral practice across year groups.
• Lead regular pastoral meetings and briefings.
• Support colleagues in managing complex pupil and parent situations.
Behaviour, Conduct and Character Development
• Lead the development and implementation of behaviour and conduct policies.
• Ensure high and consistent standards of behaviour across the school.
• Oversee systems for rewards, sanctions and restorative practice.
• Monitor behaviour patterns and implement proactive strategies where needed.
• Promote a culture of courtesy, resilience, responsibility and self-regulation.
• Lead assemblies and initiatives that support character education and personal development.
• Oversee personal development programmes including PSHE,wellbeing and relationships education.
• Strategic responsibility for pupil behaviour, safeguarding expectations and pastoral readiness in relation to all educational visits and residential experiences.
(NB. Operational planning and delivery of trips and expeditions sit with the Deputy Director of Enrichment & Expeditions and the Assistant Heads (for local visits). The Deputy Head (Pastoral) provides oversight of standards, conduct and safeguarding expectations but does not hold responsibility for the operational organisation of trips)
Pupil Wellbeing and Support Systems
• Oversee provision for pupil wellbeing, including mental health and counselling support.
• Ensure early identification and effective support for pupils experiencing difficulties.
• Work closely with SEND, medical and safeguarding teams.
• Monitor attendance, punctuality and engagement across all year groups.
• Ensure effective transition into the Senior School and into Sixth Form.
Partnership with Parents
• Develop strong and constructive relationships with parents.
• Ensure clear and professional communication regarding pastoral matters.
• .Support parents in understanding and upholding school expectations.
• Lead on complex or sensitive pastoral matters where appropriate.
• Represent the school confidently with current and prospective families.
• Operational Leadership
• Maintain a strong and visible presence around the school throughout the day.
• Support the day-to-day running of the Senior School.
• Deputise for the Head of Senior School when required.
• Contribute to whole-school policy development and implementation.
• Attend Governors’ meetings and provide reports where required.
Co-Curricular Life and Community
• Support the development of a rich co-curricular programme that strengthens community and character.
• Ensure that the wider life of the school contributes positively to pupil wellbeing and personal growth.
• Promote pupil leadership and service opportunities.
• Support key events and traditions that build community and belonging.
Responsibilities as a Member of the Senior Leadership Team
• Contribute actively to the strategic leadership and daily management of the school.
• Demonstrate visible leadership presence around the school and in its wider life.
• Work in close partnership with the Director of Studies to ensure alignment between academic and pastoral priorities.
• Support whole-school initiatives and improvement planning.
• Maintain a consistent and unified leadership message to staff, pupils and parents.
Wider Professional Responsibilities
Uppingham Cairo is a Day Boarding School, open from 7.30am – 9.00pm Sunday to Wednesday, and until 4.30pm on Thursdays.
All staff are expected to:
• Be aware of and committed to the ethos and values of Uppingham Cairo as a Day Boarding School
• Make a positive contribution to the wider life and ethos of the School and contribute to the Day Boarding Programme which runs until 9pm Sunday –Wednesday; this includes active participation in House activities, assemblies, duties, the Co-Curricular Programme, Parents’ Evenings and other related commitments.
• Carry out any task that can be reasonably be expected of them in their role
• Take an active role in the development and implementation of school policies and in the whole life of the School
• Uphold the highest professional standards and expectations.
• Ensure that there are equal opportunities for all
• Follow school procedures as outlined in the staff handbooks
• Promote environmental awareness across the School.
• Develop effective professional relationships with colleagues, exercising sound judgement in seeking advice and specialist support, and deploying support staff appropriately.
• Take responsibility for the continuous improvement of teaching through appropriate professional development, and respond constructively to advice and feedback from colleagues.
• Communicate promptly and professionally with parents regarding pupils’ achievements, behaviour and wellbeing, in accordance with the School’s communication procedures, and make purposeful use of the School’s electronic communication systems to support teaching, learning and engagement with the wider community.
• Be fully committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
About You
Essential
Education, skills, training and qualifications
• University degree from a recognized academic institution
• Recognised teaching qualification, UK PGCE or other teaching qualification giving QTS
• Strong pedagogical knowledge, including AfL
• Working knowledge of the National Curriculum
• Understanding of UK Safeguarding and Child Protection protocols
• Demonstrable commitment to professional development
• Strong ICT skills; an interest in and enthusiasm for the use of technology in education
• Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills with the ability to deal confidently with a wide range of people including staff, pupils and parents
• Outstanding planning and organizational skills
• Able and willing to contribute to the Co-Curricular Programme
Experience
• Comfortable working as part of a team
• Experience of, or a clear understanding of UK Independent Schools and/or British International Schools
Personal Qualities
• Commitment to the ethos of the school as a Day Boarding School and a belief in the unlimited potential of every pupil
• Ability to embrace and manage change
• Emotional intelligence. An ability to relate well to children and develop effective professional working relationships with adults
• Passion, resilience, integrity and optimism
• Approachable and empathetic to the needs of others
• Enthusiasm and an ability to use own initiative
• Ability to prioritise and work flexibly as workloads require, and a willingness to take ownership of tasks
• Attention to detail and ability to actively question and clarify information
• A role model who demonstrates professionalism at all times
• A positive outlook on life combined with energy, thoughtfulness, resilience, patience and a lively sense of humour
Desirable
• Knowledge of international accreditation, inspection and evaluation framework
• Experience using educational technology such as iPads and Virtual Learning Environment
Benefits
• Competitive Salary
• Fully furnished and equipped high quality accommodation in close proximity to the School
• Airconditioned transport to and from the School during term time
• Meals when on duty, including lunch for all teaching staff
• Annual return flights
• Comprehensive Private Healthcare Scheme Membership
• Free access to primary healthcare at the on-site Medical Centre
• Free annual flu vaccination
• 100% School fee discount for up to 2 children and 15% uniform discount
• Free membership to the Uppingham Cairo Sports Centre, including use of gym and swimming pool
• Comprehensive Professional Development Programme with ongoing mentoring and coaching
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to Occupational Health Services
Application Process
Applications should be made by sending a fully completed Uppingham Cairo Application Form, including at least 2 referees and Cover Letter, to recruitment26@uppinghamcairo.com.
CVs may also be sent to support the Application Form.