Applicant Information Pack Deputy Headteacher Berkhamsted Boys
A foreword from our Principal and Chief People Officer
Martin Walker - Principal Our vision is simple – to develop remarkable people. That applies not only to the pupils, but also to the staff in whom we invest. We take a pupil-centred approach at Berkhamsted; they are at the heart of our decision making and fuel our ambition to deliver excellence in all that we do. We aim high with integrity and are proud to have a collective growth mindset and a willingness to be adventurous through innovation, continual learning, and being a research-led school. This leads to an agility, the provision of outstanding CPD for staff, and the delivery of a forward-thinking curriculum that enables pupils to flourish both at, and beyond, Berkhamsted. The inherent joy that stems from learning, from being part of an ambitious and caring team, and from making progress inspires not only our pupils, but also our staff. Berkhamsted School also appreciates the significance of community within and beyond the school; we aim to serve others and have a positive impact through our community and charity work. Moreover, we focus not only on doing well and doing good for the pupils, but also through the pupils. This strong sense of purpose combined with an unwavering commitment to our values make this a special place to work. Our staff are so important to us that we have a Chief People Officer as one of our most senior members of staff; her role is to ensure the staff also flourish.
A foreword from our Principal and Chief People Officer
Tracey Evans - Chief People Officer Our staff are our most important asset at Berkhamsted; investing in their professional development with their wellbeing a key priority. We foster a working environment that firstly provides a sense of belonging and supports staff both professionally and personally. We offer a wide range of staff wellbeing initiatives. Colleagues can easily access financial, physical, emotional and social well-being support from school. We seek to enable all members of the school community to achieve their full potential in an environment characterised by equality, equity, respect and opportunity. We work hard at Berkhamsted, but we also know how to come together as a community and enjoy downtime, building relationships which last a lifetime and enrich our professional and personal experience.
History of Berkhamsted Schools Group Berkhamsted School is situated in the historic Hertfordshire town of Berkhamsted, a prosperous community surrounded by Chiltern countryside and within easy reach of London. Berkhamsted is a leading Independent School for pupils aged 3 to 18 years, the foundation of which dates back to 1541 (when John Incent, the Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, successfully applied to King Henry the VIII for a license to purchase a piece of land for a ‘freescole’). In 1888 a Girls School was founded in Berkhamsted under the same governing body, and the Boys’ and Girls’ Schools merged to form a diamond school in 1997. The Prep School was also integrated at this stage, and the School became Berkhamsted Collegiate School. In 2011 the School merged with Heatherton House, a small independent day School for girls in Chesham Bois, and became the Berkhamsted Schools Group. Operating as a satellite Prep School, Heatherton provides a feed of Girls to the Berkhamsted Girls School every year. In 2012 Berkhamsted Schools Group acquired Haresfoot, a small proprietary prep school in Berkhamsted. This site now houses the Berkhamsted Pre-Prep and Berkhamsted Day Nursery Limited, and Berkhamsted Prep takes children from age 7-11. Berkhamsted is the only School in the Herts, Beds and Bucks region, and one of only a small number of Schools in the country, to offer a ‘diamond’ structure that combines the best of both single-sex and co-educational teaching. Boys and Girls are taught together until the age of 11 (Berkhamsted Pre-Prep and Prep), separately from the age of 11-16 (Berkhamsted Boys and Berkhamsted Girls), before coming back together again in a joint sixth form (Berkhamsted Sixth).
Job Description Make sureResponsible to use Gills Sans to:Font Headteacher Berkhamsted Boys Hours of The work:Role 8.30am-5pm Monday to Friday, all year round. The Deputy Headteacher of Berkhamsted Boys is a senior pastoral and operational leader who supports the Headteacher in the day-to-day leadership of the School. Working closely with the Assistant Headteacher and the wider Senior Management Team, the post-holder provides strategic oversight of pastoral care, behaviour, safeguarding, pupil development and key school operations, enabling boys to thrive in and beyond the classroom. The post-holder will oversee the effective day-to-day operation of the Boys School and linemanage designated Heads of House within the shared leadership arrangements of the Boys School Pastoral Leadership Team. The role also requires close collaboration with Deputy Heads and other senior colleagues across the Group to secure consistent provision, clear accountability and effective use of shared services. This role offers an experienced pastoral leader the opportunity to broaden their strategic and operational leadership experience while making a significant contribution to the academic progress, wellbeing and character development of boys. It provides a strong platform for progression to more senior school leadership roles.
Job Description Main Responsibilities Make sure to use Gills Sans Font Pastoral Leadership and Culture Hours of Represent the values of the Berkhamsted Schools Group in all interactions with parents, prospective parents, pupils, prospective pupils, governors and colleagues. Assist the Head in overseeing the day-to-day running and pastoral leadership of Berkhamsted Boys. Contribute as a member of the Senior Management Team to keeping the School at the forefront of educational development, enabling boys to fulfil their academic potential and supporting staff in delivering the School’s strategic priorities. Develop and sustain a positive, inclusive and aspirational culture in which boys feel safe, supported and motivated to succeed, demonstrating intellectual curiosity and an interest in education for its own sake. Lead cross-house initiatives that promote wellbeing, character development, positive behaviour and equality, diversity and inclusion.
Support for Heads of House Set clear objectives for designated Heads of House, review their performance and impact, coordinate their work, and chair regular team meetings when appropriate. Assist Heads of House in monitoring pupils’ academic progress, pastoral wellbeing and behaviour, ensuring that emerging concerns are identified and addressed promptly. Provide oversight, support and appropriate challenge to Heads of House in complex pastoral cases, investigations, parental liaison and associated decision-making. Promote consistent, high-quality pastoral care across houses, including the effective use of restorative approaches and proportionate sanctions.
Job Description Embed a coaching culture within the House system by setting clear expectations for purposeful developmental conversations between Heads of House and tutors, and between tutors and pupils. Work with Deputy Headteacher, Berkhamsted Girls and other key stakeholders to Hours of develop and deliver a consistent, effective tutoring programme, including appropriate training and guidance for Heads of House and tutor teams. Work with the Head and/or Principal in completing Annual House Reviews.
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Behaviour, Conduct and Safeguarding Lead investigations into serious or complex behaviour incidents that require intervention beyond the House system, ensuring that procedures are fair, timely, proportionate and fully documented. Support Heads of House with parent meetings arising from serious or complex behaviour cases, coordinating input from relevant colleagues, including SEND and EDI leads. Maintain current knowledge of issues affecting boys’ wellbeing and, as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Person, support the DSP and DSL in meeting the safeguarding requirements of Berkhamsted Boys. Maintain delegated oversight of safeguarding records for Berkhamsted Boys on CPOMS, ensuring that records are accurate, appropriately reviewed and used to support effective safeguarding practice.
Job Description Whole-School Make sure to use Gills Sans and Font Operational Responsibilities Take on whole-school roles and responsibilities as agreed with the Executive Team, deputising for the Head when required. Hours of Coordinate the Boys School’s termly operational arrangements in consultation with the Headteacher, ensuring that key activities, staffing requirements and communications are planned effectively. Support the operational delivery of admissions and transition activities for Berkhamsted Boys, including candidate assessment, pupil and parent interviews, tours, taster days, induction and New Parents’ events, working closely with Admissions and Marketing. Facilitate the allocation of pupils to Houses when joining, and complete pastoral handovers with pastoral leaders from feeder schools. Promote the School in partnership with the Headteacher, Admissions and Marketing by giving presentations at open days and other schools and welcoming visitors. Lead the development of pupil leadership across the Boys School in partnership with the Head of Leadership, including the selection, induction, training and support of prefects and the creation of meaningful leadership opportunities for pupils across all year groups. Oversee House competitions and the organisation of assemblies and chapel services. Award commendations, prizes and colours for sporting, artistic and academic achievement. Ensure appropriate supervision of Boys School activities around the site and areas of the school buildings, including House rooms. Attend and support boys at co-curricular events and activities and contribute to GCSE Results Day and other major pupil-facing events. Organise impactful parent talks that support boys to flourish in contemporary society.
Job Description Oversee coordination of resources (including staff duties) on the Boys School campus and rooming with the Director of Academic Operations. Liaise with the Catering Manager regarding the use and operational management of the Chadwick Dining Room. Hours of Liaise with other key operational staff including caretaking, estates and site staff to ensure the smooth operational running of the site.
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Person Specification The successful candidate will:
Professional Attributes and Experience Have a clear educational vision aligned with the values and ethos of the Berkhamsted Schools Group. Be an experienced teacher with a record of outstanding pastoral care and strong classroom practice. Demonstrate substantial leadership experience and the capacity to influence others positively. Demonstrate strong knowledge of the independent education sector, including the preparatory school landscape, boys’ education and wellbeing, coaching approaches, and Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 curriculum requirements. Have an extensive understanding of secondary curricular developments and issues relating to higher education. Bring wide experience of parental liaison, pupil guidance, behaviour management and safeguarding in a secondary school context.
Job Description Skills and Make sure to use GillsCompetencies Sans Font First-class people-management and team-working skills, including the ability to build trust, delegate effectively and follow up agreed actions. Hours of Plan proactively and coordinate complex events and key points of engagement so that pupils, staff and parents receive a consistent and high-quality experience. Demonstrate the ability to support, challenge, coach and advise Heads of House, tutors and colleagues effectively, including through structured one-to-one coaching meetings. Confidence in leading investigations and conducting sensitive or challenging conversations with parents, staff and pupils with sound judgement and confidentiality. Demonstrate excellent administrative capability and the ability to prioritise competing demands, manage time and resources effectively, and deliver reliably under pressure. Excellent communication skills in writing, meetings and public presentations, with the ability to communicate with clarity and warmth. The ability to use data intelligently to inform pastoral and academic decision-making. A commitment to restorative practice, proportionate behaviour management and constructive approaches that help pupils learn from their choices.
Personal Qualities Demonstrate high levels of emotional intelligence, integrity and professionalism. Show a strong commitment to developing boys as learners, individuals and young men of character. Build effective working relationships and contribute constructively to collective leadership, promoting consistency and mutual accountability across the School. Remain calm and resilient under pressure and be willing to lead brave, respectful conversations.
Job Description Demonstrate enthusiasm for continuing professional development and future leadership growth.
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This job description may be amended in consultation with the post-holder to reflect the Hours of evolving needs of the School.
Benefits Benefits We boast a competitive salary structure, alongside other benefits, which includes access to a comprehensive pension scheme. The wellbeing of our staff is a priority. We have a developed programme for staff with initiatives and support in the areas of Economic, Physical, Emotional and Social wellbeing. Free classes and advisory services. memberships and discounted rates in local establishments, together with cycle to work scheme, free on-site parking, free daily lunch, and fee reduction for staff's children are examples of some of the non-contractual benefits on offer in this programme.
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Safeguarding and Child Protection Benefits Berkhamsted is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and visitors to adopt a child centred and coordinated approach to child protection and safeguarding. A copy of the School’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy can be found HERE The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and visitors to adopt a child centred and coordinated approach to child protection and safeguarding. Berkhamsted Schools Group is a registered charity dedicated to education: 310630.
Application and Next Steps The closing date for applications is 16th November 2026 Please note, interviews will be held on Wednesday 25 November 2026. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children; applicants must be willing to undertake a number of safeguarding checks including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS). This post is also subject to receipt of written references which must be satisfactory to Berkhamsted Schools Group, along with documentary evidence of qualifications. A background screening service including a review of candidate’s online presence will be carried out as part of the recruitment process, by an independent third-party screening partner. Successful applicants will need to provide confirmation of permission to work in the UK. Please note that under the Immigration Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, the school has an obligation to ensure applicants have the right to work in the UK prior to commencement of employment. (If it is found that those documents do not meet the legal requirement, an offer of employment will be withdrawn). Where the successful candidate has worked or been a resident overseas in the previous five years, such checks and confirmations as the school may require in accordance with statutory guidance. We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race. Candidates with a disability who are invited to interview should inform the School of any necessary reasonable adjustments or arrangements to assist them in attending the interview. If you have any questions relating to this role please contact the HR department at recruitment@berkhamsted.com Early applications are encouraged, and interviews may take place on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to extend or close the deadline.
Developing remarkable people