King's College School Wimbledon
Deputy Head (Safeguarding and Wellbeing)
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Deputy Head (Safeguarding and Wellbeing) at King’s College School, Wimbledon
Following the appointment of the current postholder to Headship, applications are being invited for the role of Deputy Head (Safeguarding and Wellbeing) at King’s College School, Wimbledon, with a vacancy starting from January 2027.
King’s College School is one of the most successful schools globally. This is an exciting opportunity to lead our dynamic and supportive learning community.
Founded in 1829 by Royal Charter as the junior department of King’s College London, King’s is rooted in intellectual aspiration and a progressive spirit. Today, we provide a holistic education for the whole person—Mind, Spirit, and Heart—reflecting our enduring foundations.
Our mission extends beyond the school gates, looking outwards to the world beyond, and aims to equip our young people for the lives they will lead by age 25. We empower them to forge their path while making a meaningful, purposeful impact on society.
About the Role
Reporting to the Head, the Deputy Head (Safeguarding and Wellbeing) will:
- Be a key member of the senior leadership team, shaping the school’s ethos and strategic development, as well as its day-to-day operations.
- Serve as the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) within the Corporation of King’s with oversight across pre-prep, junior, and senior schools.
- Take direct responsibility for safeguarding and wellbeing operations in the King’s senior school, including policy and practice implementation, training, and risk management.
- Contribute to broadening our international family of schools by providing guidance, training, and collaborative leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Assist in defining and implementing safeguarding and wellbeing strategies aligned with King’s core values.
- Operational Safeguarding: Oversee the day-to-day operational delivery of safeguarding protocols, multi-agency working, and compliance.
- Training and Evaluation: Develop, deliver, and evaluate safeguarding and wellbeing training across the senior school and, where appropriate, across the corporation.
- Wellbeing Initiatives: Support policies and practices that promote the whole-person wellbeing of pupils, staff, and families.
- Policy Alignment: Work closely with the Head and governing body to ensure policies are modern, inclusive, and resilient, considering best practice.
- Ethos Advancement: Play an active role in embedding our ’Mind, Spirit, Heart’ mission into safeguarding and wellbeing practices.
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Requirements & Qualifications
- Proven experience in senior leadership roles, ideally within an independent school setting.
- A strong commitment to safeguarding with excellent knowledge of current legislation (e.g., KCSIE updates, EYS Framework).
- Expertise in leading DSL or safeguarding teams, including external liaisons with statutory agencies.
- Familiarity with whole-school wellbeing initiatives that support mental, physical, and emotional development.
- Ability to deliver inspiring training and development sessions for staff, students, and parents.
- Excellent communication skills—both written and verbal—to influence at board and operational levels.
- An academic background (e.g., relevant qualification in safeguarding or education leadership) is preferred but not stipulated for candidates with substantial experiential competence.
Benefits and Values
King’s offers a unique environment in which to grow as an educator and leader. As we enter our third century in 2029, we are anticipating significant growth:
- Extending full co-education across our community.
- Relocating the junior school to a new world-class campus on The Downs, leading to facility enhancements on our main campus.
- Establishing a charitable foundation to provide bursaries with aspirations for a ’need-blind’ admissions policy.
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For those joining our team at this transformative time, we also offer:
- A rich heritage with a progressive ethos.
- Meaningful impact in creating a culture that supports individuals at all levels.
- The chance to shape educational strategy for the next generation.
Equality & Safeguarding Commitments
- King’s is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare. Every applicant must share this commitment.
- This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. Hence, prospective candidates will be required to undergo checks with previous employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
- We uphold equality, diversity, and inclusivity in hiring and expect applications reflecting these values.
Application Process
Applications are now being accepted. To register, visit www.kcs.org.uk and navigate to ’Useful Information / Career Opportunities’ --- log in with your email and chosen password.
Submissions must include a covering letter addressed to Dr Anne Cotton, Head. Use this as an opportunity to explain:
- How your skills, experiences, and transferable expertise align with this role.
- Specific examples of your leadership in safeguarding or pastoral care.
Key Deadlines:
- Closing date: Thursday 25th June 2026, 9am (timezone: UK)
- Longlist Interviews: week commencing 29th June 2026
- Shortlist Interviews: Friday 2nd July 2026 or Friday 3rd July 2026
Early applications are encouraged. The school reserves the right to make appointments at any time during the process.
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