Here, at The Pingle Academy, we are on a truly exciting journey of improving standards and outcomes in our pursuit of excellence. 

 Good behaviour provides the foundations for high quality teaching and learning to thrive.  It allows teachers to focus on their craft and to teach well.  High quality teaching is sacrosanct and is the absolute focus of our next chapter ensuring that great teaching impacts positively on the outcomes of all within our care.

Our visitors tell us that our Academy offers them a warm welcome with a calm atmosphere. We are a passionate and committed group of staff who support each other to be the best that we can be.

Our vision is to ensure that all the children and young people in our care have the opportunity to fulfil their potential through achieving highly, regardless of their ability or background.  We are truly an inclusive academy with an ERS unit attached and a thriving Sixth Form provision. 

At The Pingle Academy we believe in working hard, being kind and choosing wisely. We are privileged to work in a community where we have a positive impact on children’s lives and future every day.  

Strong pastoral care ensures that students feel safe and have a sense of belonging.  We advocate a warm strict approach where adults are trusted and respected; where students are nurtured, valued and known.  When we get this right, the pieces of the jigsaw come together, students attend more, students learn more – they progress and they thrive.  These new roles are essential in developing accessibility and availability to good pastoral care within our academy.

The Role

This is a critical appointment, and we are seeking a highly experienced, dynamic and motivated professional with a deep and demonstrable expertise in pastoral care. The successful candidate will bring a proven track record of leading, shaping and delivering impactful pastoral support that improves attendance, behaviour, wellbeing that supports student outcomes.  You will be aware of  and apply the Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance in your role and will proactively model this across the academy and will ensure that students progress, belong and thrive.

We require someone with:

• Substantial experience in pastoral leadership, ideally within a school or educational setting.

• A strong ability to promote and uphold excellent standards of behaviour and attendance.

• Substantial knowledge and experience of safeguarding practices within a school or educational setting.

• The capacity to lead, influence, inspire and hold others to account.

• A solutions-focused approach, with proven skill in de-escalation, conflict resolution and managing peer-on-peer issues.

• Warmth, integrity and the ability to develop strong, trusting relationships with students, families and colleagues.

Positive relationships between staff, students and parents are a key strength of our Academy. We are proudly inclusive and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. The successful applicant will play a pivotal role in strengthening our partnership with families and ensuring that parents have a valued voice within our community.

Our ethos is built on safety, tolerance, respect and fairness, rooted in traditional British values such as courtesy and mutual respect. As a central part of the Swadlincote community, we work closely with local partners and take pride in contributing to community life. The successful candidate will embrace this outward-facing role and champion opportunities for students and families.

If you are passionate about improving the life chances of young people and committed to delivering exceptional pastoral care, we would be delighted to hear from you.

At Affinity, we pride ourselves on being a great place to work, a workplace where everyone belongs, progresses, and thrives. We recognise that our colleagues are our greatest asset, and we are committed to ensuring they feel valued, supported, and empowered.

As a Trust, we are privileged to employ inspirational people who make a positive difference every day. In return, we continually strengthen our offer of a supportive, inclusive, and ambitious working environment, one that promotes mental and physical wellbeing, builds confidence, and fosters pride across our organisation.

Our People Strategy

Our People Strategy is built around three core pillars:

Belongs - Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We cultivate an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity, champions equality, and ensures all staff feel respected, valued, and genuinely part of our community.

Progresses - Staff Development and CPD

Our Professional Growth Model empowers colleagues to take ownership of their development. Our strong investment in CPD sets us apart and ensures every colleague has the opportunity to grow and succeed.

Thrives - Wellbeing

We know that mental and physical wellbeing are essential to feeling supported and performing well. That’s why we place strong emphasis on creating an environment where colleagues feel healthy, valued, and able to thrive.

What are the Benefits of Joining Affinity?

• Investment in your professional development and CPD through our Professional Growth Model

• Removal of performance-related pay

• A commitment to dignity and respect in the workplace

• Opportunities for collaborative working through leadership and staff networks

• A Trust-wide approach to reducing workload

• Wellbeing initiatives supported by our Wellbeing Champion Network

• One dedicated wellbeing day per academic year

In addition to these core benefits, we also provide an excellent wider package that includes:

• Employee Assistance Programme and mental health support services

• Access to Benenden Health’s self-pay private healthcare service

• Discounted gym membership with Everyone Active

• Cycle to Work scheme

• BHSF health cash plan

• Eye care vouchers

• Flu vaccination vouchers

• Generous pension schemes through Teachers Pensions and the Local Government Pension Scheme

Additional Information:

Please note that we do not hold a sponsorship licence and, therefore, are unable to employ individuals residing outside of the UK or candidates living within the UK who require continued sponsorship to work in the UK.

Please note:  Completed applications should be received by 09:00am of the closing date. We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Please ensure to regularly check your junk/spam folder for any correspondence in relation to the progress of your application. Due to the volume of applications we receive, it is not policy to give individual feedback at this stage.

We welcome a broad range of perspectives with a commitment to equality of opportunity by recruiting a diverse workforce, and creating an inclusive environment and a culture of belonging for everyone in Affinity Learning Partnership. Therefore, we encourage applications from underrepresented communities irrespective of age, disability, race, religion and belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, marriage or civil partnership status, or neurodivergent status. We are happy to make reasonable adjustments wherever possible through the recruitment process should this be required. 

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and this position is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK.