Packwood holds a position as one of the UK’s top boarding and day prep schools, and following a merger in 2019, membership of the ShrewsburySchool Family heralds an exciting future. Packwood’s identity as a rural, bustling prep school is further enhanced through the partnership with the nine schools under Shrewsbury’s guiding influence.
We are looking for a truly outstanding and inspiring colleague to join the Leadership Team as Deputy Head (Pastoral Care and Safeguarding), working in step with a tightly knit staff team to meet the aims of the 2030 Strategic Plan.
Overseeing the pastoral care and wellbeing of the school, playing a key role with our boarding community and taking the lead with the operational running of Packwood, this role will be well suited to someone seeking a top prep school headship within the next 3-5 years or a dedicated and experienced senior leader. Enjoying considerable autonomy and both strategic and operational responsibilities, I am seeking a visionary and contemporary educator who aligns themselves with the Packwood Way and Big Tree Attributes and will be wholly focused on empowering the staff teams around them.
Set in idyllic rural Shropshire and part of one of the leading families of schools globally, this opportunity could be perfect for someone seeking to work and live in a happy and forward-thinking school. Children have the freedom at Packwood to be independent, take responsibility and enjoy an authentic extended childhood.
Given the importance of this role, a competitive salary will be offered alongside a spacious family house on our beautiful rural estate.
If you are driven, energetic and can articulate a creative vision to all stakeholders and can generate excitement and passion from the children, their parents and your colleagues, this presents as a career defining opportunity.
How to apply
Packwood have engaged the services of Henry Knight of Prep School Recruitment Firm, Prepositions, to assist with the search. Interested candidates are invited to contact Henry for an informal and confidential discussion: henry@prepositions.co.uk.
Please note that our recruitment process is handled centrally at Shrewsbury School. If you wish to apply, please complete Packwood School’s application form (on our website) and send a covering letter of no more than 2 sides of A4 stating your interest in the post and how your experience and personal qualities make you a standout candidate. Your application form letter should be addressed to Will Goldsmith, Head, and emailed (ideally as PDFs) to:
recruitment@shrewsbury.org.uk by the closing date detailed below.
Closing Date: 12 noon, Wednesday, 4 February 2026.
Packwood Haugh School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
