Head of Secondary

O Castro British International School, an engaging and inclusive educational establishment situated in Vigo, Spain, accommodates over 700 students across Primary and Secondary education levels. Our curriculum aligns with the National Curriculum for England and the Cambridge International Curriculum for KS3 in English, Maths, and Science, alongside IGCSE and A Levels. As part of the Globeducate network, we offer our staff and students remarkable opportunities for both professional and educational development.

Globeducate comprises a network of over 70 schools on three continents, serving more than 40,000 students each day. Each institution is dedicated to achieving academic excellence while preparing students to be global citizens. Founded in Spain in 1972 as NACE schools, Globeducate provides our students with unique opportunities for international study within its network. The organization also hosts various events throughout the year, including a Music Festival, mini Olympics, and art exhibitions.

We are currently on the lookout for a dedicated and skilled Head of Secondary to join our leadership team:

In this crucial role, you will lead the academic and overall development of our students. This senior leadership position requires a balanced combination of high academic expectations, compassionate pastoral care, and effective operational management.

Essential Criteria:

• Hold a valid teaching qualification

• Possess a minimum of 5 years of teaching experience

• Demonstrate experience in leadership roles

• Attain a C2 level of English

Additional Criteria:

• Present a successful track record of strategically enhancing student outcomes.

• Have experience in crafting and implementing action plans.

• Ability to recognize priorities and areas for improvement.

• Show strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

• Be committed to positively and constructively collaborating with the Senior Leadership Team.

• Exhibit enthusiasm for driving the school forward and initiating change.

Part 1: Academic Leadership & Curriculum Oversight

You will be responsible for the strategic vision and excellence of our secondary education program, ensuring that IGCSE and A Level curricula are delivered to the highest standards.

• Curriculum Design: Oversee the mapping and implementation of Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 (IGCSE), and Key Stage 5 (A Level) frameworks to ensure vertical alignment and academic rigor.

• Quality Assurance: Conduct regular lesson observations, work reviews, and data assessments to maintain teaching and learning standards.

• Data Analysis: Monitor student progress through standardized assessments; identify trends, underperformance, and high achievers to implement targeted interventions.

• Professional Development: Mentor and guide Heads of Department, facilitating workshops focused on modern pedagogical techniques and subject expertise.

• University Pathways: Partner with the guidance team to ensure the A Level curriculum prepares students with the necessary qualifications for esteemed global universities.

Part 2: Pastoral Leadership & Tutor Management

You will foster a safe, inclusive, and ambitious school environment by overseeing the frontline staff responsible for student welfare.

• Line Management of Tutors: Lead the team of Form Tutors, ensuring they provide consistent support, conduct effective registration, and maintain accurate attendance records.

• Student Wellbeing: Be an integral member of the safeguarding team, managing the pastoral care system to promote students’ social and emotional development.

• Behavior for Learning: Establish and enforce a clear code of conduct, addressing significant disciplinary matters while celebrating student achievements.

• Parental Engagement: Serve as the main contact for secondary parents, organizing information evenings and handling complex parent-teacher communications.

Part 3: Operations & Daily Cover Management

As a senior leader, you will oversee the operational functions of the school, ensuring the secondary division operates seamlessly, even during staff absences or special events.

• Daily Cover Coordination: Manage the schedule for covering absent teachers, ensuring effective learning continues through equitable deployment of internal staff or coordination with external supply agencies.

• Timetabling Input: Work alongside the Timetabler to optimize the secondary timetable, minimizing "split classes" and maximizing the use of specialist IGCSE/A Level facilities.

• Staff Duty Rotas: Create and oversee staff duty schedules (recess, lunch, and bus duties) to guarantee student safety and proper supervision across the secondary campus.

• Event Logistics: Manage the operational planning of secondary-specific events, including Parent-Teacher Consultations, Prize Giving ceremonies, and IGCSE/A Level options evenings.

• Resource Allocation: Oversee the secondary budget for classroom supplies and departmental requests, ensuring academic departments are well-equipped to deliver the curriculum effectively.

Safeguarding Statement:

At Globeducate, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff to uphold this commitment. Candidates selected for this position will undergo safeguarding and police checks and must provide at least two professional references.

We are equally dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable working environment. We take pride in our culture that promotes equal opportunities regardless of race, color, culture, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender identity, or age. We actively strive to integrate individuals with diverse abilities and promote equal opportunities, ensuring that everyone working with us has the same potential for professional growth and development.

DEIJB Statement

At O Castro British International School, we are committed to fostering a learning environment that respects diversity, advocates for equity, ensures inclusion, promotes justice, and nurtures a sense of belonging for everyone in our community.