Assistant Head

Tanglin Mission:

Tanglin Trust School Singapore has a long tradition of providing British-based learning with an international perspective. At Tanglin, we strive to make every individual feel valued, happy and successful. Responsibility, enthusiasm and participation are actively encouraged and integrity is prized. Working together in a safe, caring yet stimulating environment, we set high expectations whilst offering strong support, resulting in a community of lifelong learners who can contribute with confidence to our world.

Our Vision:

We aspire to be the best school in the world with a dynamic learning community which nurtures and inspires every individual to be the best they can be. Our core values of Respect, Responsibility and Purpose are at the heart of everything we do across the school.

The Role:

The Assistant Head (Pastoral) as a full member of SSLT has a key role to play in both the strategic development of the Senior School and the day-to-day management of it. Reporting directly to the Head of Senior School, the Assistant Head (Pastoral) will actively promote and uphold the ethos and values of the school.

The successful candidate will have responsibility for Safeguarding in the Senior School, working closely with the Heads of Middle, Upper and Sixth Form as well as supporting the Deputy Head (Pastoral) on developing and implementing strategies within the school in relation to the pastoral and wellbeing needs of the students. The Assistant Head (Pastoral) will demonstrate a clear understanding of and commitment to school priorities and the overall achievement and wellbeing of all students.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement tools such as surveys and focus groups to assess student wellbeing, using insights to design and evaluate targeted support programmes in collaboration with staff, students and parents.
• Assist in developing a student rewards strategy under the direction of the Deputy Head (Pastoral). The strategy will integrate the core values of Respect, Responsibility and Purpose, aligning recognition practices with the school's pastoral framework to foster a values-driven community.
• Work with the Deputy Head (Pastoral) to review and enhance attendance systems, embedding safeguarding and providing staff with tools to address attendance challenges effectively.
• Lead and chair regular meetings with the Assistant Heads of Year (AHOYs) in the Senior School to ensure that the AHOYs are consistent in embedding, leading and monitoring areas of the pastoral system for which they have oversight.
• Support the Deputy Head (Pastoral) and in many cases, lead in investigating behaviour incidents across the school, collaborating closely with the Heads of Middle, Upper and Sixth Form to ensure thorough and consistent processes are followed. Conduct relevant disciplinary meetings with parents and students under the guidance of the Deputy Head (Pastoral) and Head of Senior School.
• Conduct case load reviews and present to SSLT on efficacy, trends and patterns within behavioural and safeguarding caseload.
• Compile pastoral data for Governors' meetings under the direction of the Deputy Head (Pastoral).

General:

• Teach at a level to be agreed with the Head of Senior School.
• Participate in co-curriculum activities across the school at a level to be agreed with the Head of Senior School.
• Embrace and lead the School's commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive environment.
• Contribute fully to SSLT meetings on a wide range of topics.

Key Competencies:

• An awareness and understanding of current safeguarding regulations and best practice, and a thorough appreciation of how schools can promote the welfare of all young people.
• An ability to speak with conviction and authority on all matters relating to safeguarding and pastoral care, to build confidence amongst staff, governors, students and parents, and to maintain a culture in which safeguarding and student welfare is at the heart of all that the School does.
• A commitment to equality and inclusion, and an understanding of how a diverse pupil and staff body enriches the school community for everyone.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including warmth, even-handedness and sensitivity, an understanding and empathy with the feelings and motives of others, and an ability to see things from the perspective of others.
• Sound judgement, with the ability to make reasoned, reasonable and balanced decisions.
• The ability to work as part of a team and create effective rapport and harmonious relationships with staff, pupils, parents and outside agencies.
• The ability to lead a team.
• The ability to defuse difficult situations through careful listening, sensitive use of humour, praise and recognition.
• The ability to lead and inspire colleagues, drawing out strengths and building trust.
• The willingness to confront difficult issues and have difficult conversations.
• The ability to implement decisions and manage change, with clarity in presentation and confidence in turning ideas into plans and actions.
• Efficiency in personal organisation.
• Retention of a sense of perspective and a sense of humour.
• A desire to develop professional knowledge, skills and experience, and a willingness to reflect and hear constructive criticism.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to provide an Enhanced DBS disclosure certificate or its equivalent.

In your application, please provide the names and email addresses of three people from whom confidential references may be obtained. Please indicate their professional relationship to you; one referee should be your present Head of School.

Salary:

$120,000 - $150,000 per year