DEPUTY HEAD: CO-CURRICULAR, ADMINISTRATION AND PASTORAL CARE

DEPUTY HEAD: CO-CURRICULAR, ADMINISTRATION AND PASTORAL CARE

ST JOHN’S PREPARATORY SCHOOL

2027

St John’s College is a world-class Christian, African school situated on a beautiful campus in Houghton, Johannesburg, offering quality education from Pre-Primary to Post-Matric.  The school has an outstanding academic record, with candidates entering the IEB and Cambridge A Level examinations.

We seek to appoint a Deputy Head of Co-Curricular, Administration and Pastoral Care to provide strategic leadership and inspire excellence across these key areas of the Preparatory School. The successful candidate will be a dynamic and collaborative leader with the vision to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive co-curricular programme, the organisational expertise to oversee the efficient management of all non-academic administration, and the commitment to champion student wellbeing through a strong and nurturing pastoral care framework. As a member of the Preparatory School Executive Management Team, and reporting directly to the Headmaster, the Deputy Head will work closely with the Deputy Head: Academics and Deputy Head: Transformation, Diversity and Belonging to support the School’s strategic direction, ensure its smooth day-to-day operation, and promote the holistic development of every student.

We are seeking a leader who will:

• Establish and drive the vision for pastoral care.
• Lead the strategic management and continuous improvement of the Pastoral Care system.
• Develop, monitor and review the strategic direction of the co-curricular programme.
• Act as a key advisor to the Headmaster on operational, management, and pastoral matters.
• Initiate parent education programmes on student wellbeing.
• Ensure consistent implementation of pastoral care policies and systems.
• Chair the Pastoral Care Committee.
• Demonstrate proven experience in leading and managing change, at a strategic level.
• Oversee interventions for students in need, liaise with parents on pastoral and disciplinary matters, and support staff in determining appropriate actions.
• Oversee the UIII Leadership Programme, organise key pastoral events (Induction Service, LIII Interact), and initiate wellbeing programmes (e.g., anti-bullying).
• Champion the Legacy of Care and ensure all practices prioritise child welfare.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Education degree or similar.
• Registered and in good standing with SACE.
• At least 8 years of teaching experience, with a minimum of 4 years in school leadership.
• Demonstrated experience in academic leadership and line management.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and can build relationships with a wide range of people, from students to parents, and from colleagues to peer schools.

Members of staff are expected to demonstrate a commitment to work within the values, Christian ethos and mission of the school.

To apply for this position, please complete the application form using the following link Deputy Head: Co-Curricular, Administration And Pastoral Care (click HERE!!!) no later than 11 September 2026.

At St John’s College, we are committed to proactive safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our children. All staff who have access to children will be vetted in accordance with the St John’s College safeguarding policy. This policy stipulates that staff are required to undergo all the necessary background checks in keeping with the requirements for safeguarding and child protection in South Africa and all staff perform duties in accordance with our school’s HR Policies.

The school reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. The appointment of candidates is at the sole discretion of St John’s College, taking into account factors such as St John’s College Employment Equity Policy. Applications are welcomed from South African citizens only or persons with a valid work permit. An application will not in itself entitle the applicant to an interview or appointment and failure to meet the minimum requirements of the advertised post will result in applicants automatically disqualifying themselves from consideration. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from St John’s College within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have been unsuccessful in your application.

St John’s College, in line with POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) will attempt to ensure the confidentiality of all applicants for this role. All reasonable measures will be in place to protect personal information but will be used in the recruitment, selection, and reporting process. By submitting your application for this position, you are recognising and accepting this disclaimer.