DEPUTY HEADMASTER: PASTORAL CARE & STUDENT AFFAIRS

Jeppe High School for Boys is pleased to invite applications for an outstanding career opportunity at one of South Africa's leading public boys' schools. We seek a visionary and experienced educational leader to join our senior executive team.

We invite suitably experienced candidates to apply for the position of Deputy Headmaster: Pastoral Care and Student Affairs, commencing at the start of Term 3, 2026, or earlier.

Closing date for applications: 25 February 2026

Key objective of this role: This is a rare opportunity to shape the pastoral culture of one of South Africa's great boys' schools. The Deputy Headmaster: Pastoral Care and Student Affairs is responsible for the overall welfare of the boys at the school outside of the formal curriculum, ensuring that their time at Jeppe High School for Boys is happy, fulfilling, and developmentally rich. The role encompasses all pastoral responsibilities, together with the general duties expected of a Deputy Headmaster at a large all-boys school. Where necessary, the role and portfolio will be adjustable and flexible to the skills and experience of the successful candidate.

• Teach designated academic subjects to ensure the high academic standards of the school are maintained.
• Oversee the day-to-day welfare, holistic development, and sense of belonging of all boys, ensuring that their experience of the school is positive, enriching, and supportive.
• Spearhead the design, implementation, and ongoing review of a comprehensive pastoral programme, including the coordination of guest speakers, workshops, and initiatives that enhance boys' personal, social, emotional, and leadership development across all grades.
• Lead, guide, and manage the Senior Housemaster, Housemasters, Director of Boarding, Counsellors, and Tutors, ensuring consistency, effectiveness, and alignment across the pastoral system.
• Work closely with the Deputy Headmaster: Operations and Planning to ensure that matters of discipline are handled fairly, consistently, and equitably, and in accordance with school policy, and provide guidance and support to Housemasters in managing minor disciplinary matters.
• Take a leading role in overseeing matters relating to Transformation and Diversity within the student body and the wider school environment.
• Take overall responsibility, together with relevant Grade Heads, for the effective induction and transition of all new boys, including Orientation Week and the New Boys' Programme.
• Act as the school's Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO), responsible for leading, reviewing, and implementing safeguarding policies, procedures, and staff training requirements.
• Take overall responsibility for student leadership, including the appointment, training, and oversight of the Prefect Body and other leadership structures, and the development of a coherent leadership programme integrated across all grades.
• Serve on the Staff Professional Development Planning Committee and contribute to the planning and delivery of relevant staff training, particularly in areas related to pastoral care and student welfare.
• Participate in the planning, monitoring, and control of the operational budget for the area of responsibility.
• Contribute to the general management of the school and serve as an active member of the Executive Committee, working collaboratively, particularly with the Deputy Headmaster: Operations and Planning, to support the achievement of the school's strategic goals. The role may involve assisting with staff management, interns, admissions processes, staff recruitment, and attending Saturday fixtures or other school functions, as required by the Headmaster.

• A qualified teacher with prior senior leadership and executive-level experience.
• A proven track record of effective leadership in a relevant or comparable school context.
• Strong pastoral expertise, with experience in an all-boys school environment and, preferably, a boarding environment.
• Demonstrated experience in leading pastoral teams and successfully driving pastoral change at a whole-school level.
• Sound knowledge of disciplinary procedures and discipline systems within South African schools.
• Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours:
  • Excellent pastoral instincts and skills, including the ability to maintain a healthy balance with respect to nurture and discipline.
  • The gravitas to inspire confidence and respect in boys, parents, and staff.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to develop purposeful working relationships and lead large teams.
  • Financial management
  • Strategic orientation
  • Ability to maintain the highest levels of discretion and confidentiality.

Housing may be provided on the Jeppe High School for Boys campus.

Only suitably qualified candidates with the necessary experience will be considered. An application will not in itself entitle the applicant to an interview. Management reserves the right not to make an appointment. Jeppe High School for Boys is committed to transformation. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.