O Castro British International School is a happy, inclusive and successful school in Vigo, Spain with over 700 students in Primary and Secondary. We follow the National Curriculum for England and the Cambridge International Curriculum for KS3 in English, Maths and Science and IGCSE and A Levels. O Castro is part of the Globeducate group and with this brings opportunities both in network/professional development for staff and educationally for students.
Globeducate has a network of more than 70 schools across three continents, welcoming more than 40,000 students each day. Each institution is dedicated to academic excellence and shaping students to become global citizens of the future. Formerly known as NACE schools, Globeducate was established in Spain in 1972. By being part of the Globeducate group, we are able to offer our students unbeatable opportunities for studying abroad at schools within the group. In addition, Globeducate organises annual events across the group, such as a Music Festival, mini Olympics, art exhibitions, and more.
O Castro British School is looking to appoint an enthusiastic and skilled Head of Secondary to join our team:
As the Head of Secondary, you will be the driving force behind the academic and holistic development of our students. This is a senior leadership role requiring a balance of rigorous academic standards, compassionate pastoral care, and meticulous operational oversight.
Essential Criteria:
- Hold a teaching qualification
- Have a minimum of 5 years of teaching experience
- Have experience in leading a team
- Have a C2 level of English
Additional Criteria
- Have a proven track record of working strategically to improve outcomes for students.
- Have experience developing and implementing action plans.
- Be able to highlight priorities and areas for development.
- Show strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
- Be committed to working positively and constructively within SLT.
- Be enthusiastic about moving the school forward and leading change.
Part 1: Academic Leadership & Curriculum Oversight
You are responsible for the strategic direction and quality of the secondary educational program, ensuring that the IGCSE and A Level curricula are delivered with excellence.
• 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 scrutinies, and data reviews to maintain high standards of teaching and learning.
• Data Analysis: Monitor student progress through standardized assessments; identify trends, underperformance, and high-achievers to implement targeted interventions.
• Professional Development: Lead and mentor Heads of Department, facilitating workshops that focus on modern pedagogical techniques and subject-specific mastery.
• University Pathways: Collaborate with school guidance team to ensure the A Level curriculum provides students with the necessary prerequisites for top-tier global universities.
Part 2: Pastoral Leadership & Tutor Management
You will foster a safe, inclusive, and high-reaching school culture by managing the frontline staff responsible for student well-being.
• Line Management of Tutors: Lead the team of Form Tutors, ensuring they provide consistent guidance, conduct effective registration periods, and maintain accurate attendance records.
• Student Wellbeing: Act as a key figure in the safeguarding team, overseeing the pastoral care system to support students' social and emotional development.
• Behavior for Learning: Establish and enforce a clear code of conduct, managing high level disciplinary issues and celebrating student achievements.
• Parental Engagement: Serve as the primary point of contact for secondary parents, hosting information evenings and managing complex parent-teacher communications.
Part 3: Operations & Daily Cover Management
As a senior leader, you are responsible for the "gears" of the school, ensuring that the secondary wing operates seamlessly even during staff absences or special events.
• Daily Cover Coordination: Manage the daily cover schedule for absent teaching staff. You will ensure that learning continues effectively by deploying internal staff fairly or coordinating with external supply agencies.
• Timetabling Input: Work alongside the Timetabler to ensure the secondary schedule is efficient, minimizes "split classes," and maximizes the use of specialist IGCSE/A Level labs and rooms.
• Staff Duty Rotas: Design and oversee the staff duty rotas (recess, lunch, and bus duties) to ensure student safety and adequate supervision across the secondary campus.
• Event Logistics: Lead the operational planning for secondary-specific events, such as Parent-Teacher Consultations, Prize Giving ceremonies, and IGCSE/A Level options in evenings.
• Resource Allocation: Oversee the secondary budget for classroom resources and departmental bids, ensuring that academic departments have the tools required to deliver the curriculum.
At Globeducate, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff to share this commitment. Selected candidates will be subject to safeguarding and police checks and must provide at least two professional references.
We are also committed to creating an inclusive and equitable working environment. We are proud to foster a company culture that offers equal opportunities regardless of race, colour, culture, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender identity, or age. We actively work to integrate people with different abilities and strive to promote equal opportunities, ensuring that everyone working with us has the same chances for professional growth and development.
DEIJB Statement
At O Castro British International School, we are dedicated to fostering a learning environment that celebrates diversity, promotes equity, ensures inclusion, advances justice, and nurtures a sense of belonging for every member of our community.