Assistant Headteacher Personal Development

About the School:
The British School of Barcelona (BSB) is an exceptional institution located in a superb area. As an HMC school, we recently received an outstanding evaluation across all criteria from a British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspection, which included education quality, safeguarding, student welfare, and academic achievements.

BSB is a large and highly regarded school catering to students aged 3 to 18. Our curriculum is grounded in the English National Curriculum, offering a broad array of GCSEs, A levels, BTEC, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB), complemented by a robust enrichment program.

Currently, around 2350 students from over 74 nationalities are enrolled, supported by more than 335 staff members. Our campuses are spread across three locations, with two situated just outside Barcelona in Castelldefels, housing Primary, Secondary, and Pre-University facilities, and in the vibrant town of Sitges with an additional Primary campus. In Barcelona itself, we have two campuses in the city center: the Foundation campus, BSB Esperanza, which serves Early Years and Year 1 (opened in September 2021), and the recently inaugurated main campus, BSB Luca, which offers Primary, Secondary, and Pre-University education and opened in September 2023.

In September 2026, we will launch another campus in the Maresme area, aimed initially at EYFS and Primary students.

Our school’s expansion has been paired with substantial investments in recent years, including the establishment of a cutting-edge Pre-University Centre (Nexus), a full-sized 4G rugby and football pitch, specialized STEAM facilities, and the new BSB City and Maresme campuses.

Barcelona is a remarkable place to live, offering a vibrant cityscape alongside beautiful beaches and mountains. The city boasts an excellent quality of life, characterized by a mild climate and abundant sunshine throughout the year.

We are currently seeking an experienced Assistant Headteacher for Personal Development to join our dedicated team.

About Cognita:
Cognita is a premier global entity in independent education. Established in 2004, our community encompasses 90 schools across 21 countries—including Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East—serving over 100,000 students. While each of our schools is distinct, we share a common mission: to create an environment where everyone can "Thrive in a rapidly evolving world."

At Cognita, we recognize the individuality of each student, nurturing their unique traits and strengths. We provide comprehensive support—academic, social, and emotional—regardless of location or starting point. Each of our schools is uniquely positioned to empower students, teachers, and staff to excel and flourish.

About the Role:
We are in search of an Assistant Head for Personal Development, who will also serve as a Secondary Teacher and perform the following key responsibilities:

• Serve as a deputy for the Headteacher when required.
• Spearhead the development and execution of specific elements within the School Improvement Plan (SIP).
• Actively support the daily operational efficiency of the school.
• Aid in the strategic advancement of the school, ensuring alignment with its vision and objectives.
• Contribute to the wider leadership of BSB by assisting in the achievement of whole-school strategic goals.
• Undertake reasonable duties as assigned by the Headteacher and Principal.
• Oversee personal development and behavior management for all secondary students.
• Line manage Heads of Year, PSHE Lead, and House Champion, ensuring their efforts align with school objectives.
• Lead quality assurance efforts for personal development initiatives (including PSHE, attendance, rewards, sanctions, and student voice).
• Create and advocate for initiatives aimed at enhancing student support and well-being.
• Represent the school in meetings with Cognita and contribute to cross-school collaboration.
• Conduct staff evaluations, addressing underperformance in the personal development team.
• Maintain effective communication with parents and students regarding personal development issues.
• Work with academic and personal development leaders to ensure cohesive academic mentoring and intervention.
• Offer support during significant student transitions, addressing both emotional and academic requirements.
• Utilize data (behavior, attendance, well-being surveys) to assess and enhance personal development programs.

Please note: A university degree with QTS or an equivalent international qualification is required, along with relevant experience in teaching English in a Secondary school across all three key stages. This role is not suitable for newly qualified teachers.

Who We Are Looking For:
We are seeking a full-time, permanent Assistant Head for Personal Development (Pastoral) for our BSB Castelldefels campus, commencing in September 2026.

This is a vital role responsible for the care and well-being of approximately 950 students in Years 7-13. The personal development team includes Heads of Year, a Head of Student Support, and an Assistant Head for Nexus (Sixth Form).

What We Can Offer You:
• A fantastic team of staff who are committed, supportive, and collaborative.
• The broader support of BSB, including access to high-level CPD and future career advancement opportunities.
• The backing of the Cognita network, including learning partnerships across schools.

Benefits at Cognita:
All positions come with attractive packages, including competitive salaries, placements for children at BSB, and additional local perks. Comprehensive induction and support for settling in Barcelona will be provided.

How to Apply:
Deadline for applications: 9am (Spanish time) 13th April 2026, though we encourage early submissions.

Long-list online interviews will take place during the week of 13th April 2026, with some potentially occurring the week prior for early applicants.
Shortlist interviews will be conducted at the School on Wednesday 22nd April 2026.

Cognita Schools are dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff, volunteers, and third parties to uphold this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be conducted prior to confirming any appointment.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect, regardless of their background.