Job Overview

We are seeking an ambitious, strategic and forward-thinking Head of International Section & Head of Secondary to lead the continued development and growth of the school's international provision.

This is a genuinely exciting leadership opportunity — not simply a management role, but a chance to define the character and direction of an international section with real momentum behind it. Based in one of Portugal's most desirable locations, you will have the scope to shape curriculum, culture and community in a school that is growing and investing in its future.

The role carries two distinct but complementary dimensions: strategic oversight of the International Section as a whole, and direct hands-on leadership of the secondary section. Both are significant responsibilities and together make this one of the most substantial and rewarding leadership roles in the school.

Your Impact

As Head of International Section & Head of Secondary, you will be the driving force behind the quality and reputation of the school's international provision. The decisions you make — about people, curriculum, culture and community — will be felt by every student and family in the section. You will have the opportunity to:

• Raise the profile and reputation of Lagoa Nobel as a destination school for international families in the Algarve

• Build a cohesive, high-performing team of educators united behind a shared vision

• Create an environment where students thrive academically, personally and culturally

• Play a central role in shaping the school's growth and long-term success within the Globeducate network

Key Responsibilities

Head of International Section

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the International Section across both primary and secondary phases

• Ensure consistency of ethos, standards and expectations across the whole international section

• Act as the primary point of contact for international section families on whole-section matters

• Represent the international section in senior leadership team discussions and whole-school planning

• Support student recruitment, retention and the continued growth of the international section

• Ensure compliance with curriculum, accreditation and regulatory requirements across the section

Head of Secondary

• Take full leadership responsibility for the day-to-day running of the secondary section

• Drive excellence in teaching, learning and student outcomes across all secondary year groups

• Lead on secondary curriculum planning, timetabling and assessment

• Line manage secondary staff, including performance management, professional development and lesson observation

• Oversee secondary pastoral care, student wellbeing and safeguarding

• Monitor student progress data and ensure timely, effective intervention

• Build strong relationships with secondary students, parents and the wider school community

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Substantial experience in secondary school leadership — this is essential, not desirable

• Experience in educational leadership at section or phase level

• A strong understanding of British international curriculum and its delivery

• The ability to operate strategically across a whole section while remaining hands-on in secondary

• Excellent organisational, communication and relationship-building skills

• The ability to inspire staff, support students and drive continuous improvement

• A commitment to high standards of teaching, learning and student wellbeing

• Experience within an international school environment is highly desirable

Why Lagoa Nobel

Lagoa Nobel is part of the Globeducate network — one of the world's largest groups of international schools — offering real career development pathways across a global organisation. The school is at an energising point in its journey, with committed leadership, a growing student community and the full backing of an established international group.

And then there is the Algarve itself — one of Europe's most sought-after places to live, with outstanding weather, a welcoming expat community, excellent connectivity, and a quality of life that is genuinely difficult to match.

This is a role for someone who wants to make their mark, not just fill a position.