Assistant Head (Assessment) - Expat Contract
About This Role
The Position: Assistant Head (Assessment) for the Junior School
As a key member of the Junior Leadership Team, the Assistant Head (Assessment) plays a vital role in overseeing student assessments within the Junior School.
The Assistant Headteacher (Assessment) spearheads the creation, execution, and evaluation of student assessment data to monitor progress, guide curriculum development, and enhance academic success. This role involves ensuring precise and timely data gathering, observing student performance, addressing areas of underperformance, and reporting findings to the Junior Leadership Team.
About St. Paul’s:
Established in 1926, St. Paul’s was the first institution in South America to receive accreditation from the UK government as a British School Overseas. With approximately 1,000 coeducational students aged 3 to 18, our school blends a rich history and tradition with modernity, contemporary values, and cutting-edge digital learning. As a distinguished institution and an international member of HMC and IAPS, as well as a member of COBIS and LAHC, we take pride in our local, national, and international reputation. Our recent BSO inspection recognized us as a leading British School overseas, and you can access this report on our website. Our outstanding facilities place teaching and learning at the forefront of our mission.
Core Values
All staff are expected to align their behavior with the school’s values: KINDNESS, INTEGRITY, ASPIRATION, INCLUSION, RESPONSIBILITY, ADVENTURE.
Key Responsibilities of the Role
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Assessment Strategy: Develop, implement, and assess an effective assessment framework based on best practices.
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Data Analysis: Analyze internal and external data (e.g., PUMA and PIRA results, test scores) and prepare reports for the Junior Leadership Team (JLT) and governors.
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Monitoring Progress: Recognize trends in student achievement and devise strategies to address gaps through targeted interventions.
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Reporting: Oversee the assessment calendar to communicate student performance to parents and staff effectively.
Management Duties
● Acts as deputy for the Deputy Head - Academic
● Keeps the Head informed and raises any issues
● Participates in JLT meetings, contributing to discussions on school-wide matters.
● Collaborates with the Senior School Assistant Head on assessment-related topics
● Serves as a communication link between the Head and staff regarding assessments
● Aids in the onboarding of new staff
● Assists with recruitment efforts
● Contributes to the creation of the Junior School timetable and Teaching/Class Assistant allocation
● Co-Chairs Pupil Progress meetings
● Carries out appraisals according to schedule
● Co-Leads weekly meetings for Teaching Assistants/Class Assistants, coordinating training updates alongside the Head of Learning Support and other relevant personnel
● Takes minutes for JLT meetings when necessary
● Leads school assemblies as directed
Assessment Responsibilities
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Orders and organizes all assessment materials
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Coordinates and conducts external assessments, including Taster days and assessments abroad
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Manages data tracking software
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Updates assessment and monitoring policies
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Creates assessment timetables
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Collaborates with the SENDCo to manage screeners
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Supervises pupil targets and monitors progress
Data Management
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Oversees pupil profile data
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Meets with staff to review pupil progress data each term
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Organizes ISI data
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Analyzes both summative and formative assessment data, reporting findings to relevant parties, including JLT and Governors
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Collects data from assessment weeks and meets with pertinent staff – HLP, SEND, etc.
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Monitors effort and attainment grades bi-termly to track student progress
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Reviews Effort and Attainment grades on reports, ensuring parents are informed of any changes
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Assists in identifying students needing additional holiday work, including prospective pupils
Reporting Responsibilities
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Organizes the reporting schedule for staff
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Coordinates with the Database Manager about report updates
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Ensures all Effort & Attainment grades are entered before publishing
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Proofreads assigned sections of reports for layout and template accuracy
Policy Updates
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Revises the Assessment, Recording, and Reporting policy
Communication with Parents
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Meets with parents concerning assessments and results as needed
Collaborates with the Deputy Head (Academic) to ensure assessments reflect the curriculum and accurately represent student progress.
General Responsibilities
This role includes teaching a set timetable.
All staff members are expected to:
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Support and contribute to the School Development Plan.
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Stay informed about current teaching practices in their subject area.
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Plan and deliver lessons tailored to individual learning needs in alignment with school and departmental expectations.
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Engage in quality assurance processes, including curriculum reviews, while maintaining accurate attendance, attainment, and assessment records.
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Set, assess, and record work according to school and departmental policies.
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Inspire trust and confidence in students.
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Support safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.
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Ensure a safe environment for pupils, staff, and visitors.
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Contribute to the school’s sustainability initiatives.
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Promote the school’s commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.
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Perform any reasonable duties as requested by the Head.
Start Date: August 2026 or January 2027 for the right candidate.
Application Deadline: Monday, 13 April at 5 PM (Brazil time) with initial interviews scheduled for that week.
Benefits (Expat Contract)
For expatriate candidates, a two-year (renewable) contract is offered, including: housing allowance; furnishing allowance; grocery allowance; return flights (at the beginning and conclusion of the contract); luggage allowances (inbound and outbound); covered visa expenses; opt-in private pension scheme; high-interest savings plan; healthcare and dental coverage; on-site lunch; and a UK-sterling salary allowance, with accommodation in a walkable apartment.
Living in Brazil and São Paulo
“It only took a matter of months for me to fall in love with Brazil: the warmth of its people; their optimism and zest for life; their willingness to help strangers and their ever-readiness for a party! This, against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty, incredible wildlife and some of the best beaches I have ever seen make Brazil an unrivalled country to call home away from home. More locally, São Paulo is an elating metropolis to live in: I love how diverse it is demographically; how green and leafy it is; the excellent arts and culture options; the food offering is second-to-none and the nightlife is awesome. In all, São Paulo (and Brazil) are the best places to live if you value good people, fun, quality of life and heady adventure.” - Mr. Jonathan Tarrant, Second in the English Department in Senior School.
Safeguarding Commitment
The school is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The offer of the position will be contingent on satisfactory references, verification of relevant qualifications, identification checks, and other safeguarding assessments (including Internet and Social Media scrutiny), an overseas check if applicable, and a pre-employment medical evaluation. Proof of eligibility to work in Brazil is also required when necessary.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will be an experienced, dedicated, and inspiring educator possessing:
Skills, Knowledge, and Professional Experience
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Experience: Demonstrated experience as a teacher and leader with a focus on assessment and data analysis.
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Pedagogical Knowledge: In-depth understanding of assessment methodologies.
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Leadership Skills: Capability to lead staff meetings, manage teams, and implement change.
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Data Proficiency: Competence in managing data systems and utilizing data for informed decision-making.
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Communication Skills: Ability to effectively communicate with staff, students, and stakeholders about progress.
Essential Qualifications
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Relevant degree, along with UK PGCE or other teaching qualification that provides QTS.
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A minimum of three years of teaching experience and familiarity with the National Curriculum of England.
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Experience in administering and interpreting test results.
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A clean criminal record check, including an International Child Protection Check (ICPC) from the UK or appropriate police checks from relevant countries for applicants who have not worked in the UK, with no issues regarding suitability for working with children.
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A proven commitment to child safeguarding and an understanding of safeguarding procedures.
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Necessary teaching experience, preferably in leading independent schools.
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Discretion and a sense of confidentiality.
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A strong example in terms of professional appearance, punctuality, and attendance.
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A genuine enthusiasm for working with young people and aiding their development.
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The ability to inspire excellence in both academic and pastoral growth.
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Empathy, patience, and a nurturing approach in supporting students.
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Flexibility, creativity, and a forward-thinking perspective.
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Strong cultural sensitivity and global awareness.
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A collaborative approach, positively engaging with colleagues, students, and parents.
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A commitment to developing and innovating, embracing professional learning with a focus on continual improvement.
Please submit a cover letter outlining your reasons for being a strong candidate for this position.