Senior School Deputy Head of Pastoral

About the role

PaRK International School is developing a distinct Senior School (Grades 9-12) and is looking for a Deputy Head of Pastoral in Lisbon. The post leads pastoral care, safeguarding, behaviour and wellbeing for students aged 14-18, combining strategic leadership with a strong daily presence. It sits within the Senior School Leadership Team and reports directly to the Head of Senior School, with a relief of 10 hours per week.

Key responsibilities

• Lead pastoral care, wellbeing, behaviour and safeguarding for Grades 9-12, shaping and reviewing the pastoral framework
• Line manage Heads of Year, chair pastoral meetings and ensure consistent pastoral practice
• Promote high standards of behaviour, attendance and conduct, applying policies, rewards and sanctions fairly
• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead for the Senior School
• Monitor pastoral, behaviour, attendance and wellbeing data to inform interventions
• Oversee the Form Time programme and tutor system
• Work with counsellors, psychologists, learning support and safeguarding colleagues
• Lead assemblies, pastoral sessions and key events, support the House System, wellbeing initiatives, Prom and Graduation
• Build relationships with parents and help develop pastoral policies, staff training, duty rotas and health and safety procedures

Required profile

• Significant pastoral leadership experience in a secondary or international school
• Strong understanding of adolescent development
• Calm, authoritative and relational leadership style, balancing empathy with clear expectations
• Commitment to inclusive, student-centred education

Required skills

• Safeguarding knowledge and practice
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Strong organisational and leadership skills