Head of Secondary — Lead Teaching & Student Growth (Madrid)

Cognita; Madrid; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Free tuition for your children

Relocation support

Free lunches in school

Professional development and room to成长

Life in Madrid: city and culture

Job summary

Cognita's English Montessori School in Madrid is seeking an experienced Head of Secondary to lead strategy and operations for Key Stages 3–5 within a global, expanding network. You will drive the School Improvement and three-year plans as a core LT member, and elevate teaching standards across the campus.

You will manage Heads of Subject and other senior staff, use data to drive student outcomes, and collaborate with parents on university pathways in Spain, the UK, and beyond.

Qualifications

• Qualified teacher with PGCE or equivalent.
• Experience with British curriculum / international school.
• Proven track record of leading and developing teams.
• Strong classroom and behaviour management.
• Data-driven approach to monitor progress and improve outcomes.
• Experience supporting university applications.
• Excellent English; Spanish or another language is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy and operations for Key Stages 3–5 and drive the School Improvement Plan and three-year Strategic Plan as a core member of SLT.
• Raise the bar on teaching and learning; champion Cognita Teaching Standards, observe lessons, share best practices, ensure inclusive and high-quality teaching.
• Line-manage Heads of Subject, Head of Sixth Form and the Examination Officer; coach middle leaders; oversee performance management and recruitment.
• Own results by tracking progress across IGCSE and A Level; analyse mock, predicted and actual grades; intervene to support or stretch pupils.
• Uphold safeguarding, manage behaviour, attendance and wellbeing; ensure support for pupils with additional needs.
• Build positive relationships with parents and guide families through IGCSE, A Level and university pathways.

Skills

Team leadership

Data-driven decision making

Behaviour management

Stakeholder communication

Education

PGCE, QTS or equivalent

Job description

Cognita's English Montessori School in Madrid is seeking an experienced Head of Secondary to lead strategy and operations for Key Stages 3–5 within a global, expanding network. You will drive the School Improvement and three-year plans as a core LT member, and elevate teaching standards across the campus.

You will manage Heads of Subject and other senior staff, use data to drive student outcomes, and collaborate with parents on university pathways in Spain, the UK, and beyond.