Primary Vice Principal

The Vice Principal – Primary is a key member of the divisional leadership team, with delegated responsibility for the strategic, operational, pastoral, and pedagogical leadership of the Primary School. The role works alongside and deputises for the Principal, with delegated authority in timetabling and scheduling, student wellbeing and pastoral systems, health & safety compliance, and daily school operations and procedures.

The Vice Principal supports an environment focused on high-quality learning, student wellbeing, equity, and continuous improvement, aligned with the ISHCMC Mission, Vision, Values, and Strategic Plan. The Vice Principal is committed to the principles of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), ensuring learning that is inquiry-driven, transdisciplinary, learner-centred and internationally minded.

Acts as Principal in their absence.

Responsibilities

Leadership

• Provide visible, values-driven leadership reflecting the ISHCMC Mission and IB philosophy.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the Primary School Annual Operating Plan and strategic priorities.
• Support high-quality learning and teaching through coaching, collaboration and facilitation of professional growth.
• Contribute to a culture of dignity, respect and high expectations.
• Actively participate in the School Leadership Team (SLT) and the Primary Leadership Team (PLT).

Pastoral Care & Student Wellbeing

• Lead the design and review of systems that support wellbeing, inclusion and belonging including POSISH (Digital Citizenship, Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and Positive Education).
• Oversee restorative approaches to behaviour and proactive wellbeing initiatives.
• Coordinate student support structures with counselling and learning support teams.
• Support crisis response, conflict resolution and wellbeing communication with families.
• Promote student voice, leadership and agency.

Health & Safety

• Ensure compliance with health & safety expectations, supervision systems and emergency response procedures.
• Promote a culture of collective accountability.

School Operations & Timetabling

• Lead timetabling and scheduling to optimise learning time and resource allocation.
• Manage duty rosters, cover arrangements, attendance records and daily operational procedures.
• Support enrolment planning, class placements, transitions and onboarding.
• Be responsible for the assembly schedule and oversight of quality experience of these.

Community Engagement & Communication

• Build strong partnerships with parents and the wider community.
• Communicate proactively through formal and informal channels.
• Represent the school at divisional and whole-school events and promote Primary School programmes and achievements.
• Host and support workshops and events related to wellbeing, learning and community partnership.

Position Requirements

Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge and leadership experience in international or IB settings.
• Expertise in pastoral care, wellbeing systems and operational management.
• Experience with timetabling and scheduling.
• Strong communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to analyse data and support evidence-based improvement.

Personal Qualities

• Visibly engaged, approachable and empathetic leader who builds trust.
• Models the IB Learner Profile and fosters a safe, inclusive culture.
• Resilient and solutions-focused.
• Committed to ongoing professional learning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and teaching qualification required; Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership preferred.
• Leadership experience in pastoral care, school operations or student support.
• Teaching Experience in home country preferred.
• International experience preferred; intercultural competence required.

Safeguarding Responsibility

The job holder’s responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people for whom they are responsible, or with whom they come into contact, is to adhere to and ensure compliance with the Cognita Safeguarding and Child Protection policies and procedures at all times. Any concern that a child may be suffering or at risk of significant harm must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, the Principal or the Head of School.

Contacts

• ISHCMC Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff
• Principal – Primary
• Counselling & Student Support Services Team
• PYP Coordinator
• Primary Leadership Team and Senior Strategic Leadership Team (SLT)
• Cognita colleagues across region and group
• Parents, students and PTA

Working Conditions

International environment with diverse nationalities. Evening and weekend work may be required to fulfil leadership duties.

Terms of Employment

Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken.

International environment with diverse nationalities. Weekend or evening work may be required.