Deputy Head Student Care - Senior School

San Silvestre School; Miraflores; On-site; PEN 120,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

San Silvestre School is seeking a Deputy Head-Student Care (Senior School) to lead wellbeing, pastoral care and personal development for Form III–VI. You will collaborate with the SLT/SMT to ensure safe, inclusive environments and oversee PSHE, Service Learning, behaviour policies, and safeguarding.

The role requires oversight of a pastoral team including Heads of Year and Section Psychologists, with strong leadership and communication skills in both Spanish and English.

Qualifications

• Required: Degree in Education, Psychology or related discipline with teaching certification.
• Desirable: Master’s in Educational Leadership, Counselling, School Psychology, or Secondary Education.

Responsibilities

• Lead pastoral care for Forms III–VI and supervise the pastoral team.
• Oversee PSHE curriculum and Service Learning integration across the section.
• Manage staff recruitment, induction and professional development.
• Ensure safeguarding policies, student safety and confidentiality are followed.
• Maintain accurate confidential records of student pastoral care and meetings.
• Communicate with parents and liaise with school leadership on pastoral matters.

Skills

Communication

Active listening

Conflict resolution

Educational technology

Education

Relevant degree in Education or Psychology

Master’s in Educational Leadership or Counselling (Desirable)

Tools

iSAMS

Google Workspace

Job description

The Deputy Head-Student Care (Senior School) is responsible for leading, managing and promoting the well-being, pastoral care and personal development of students in Form III, IV, V and VI. This role requires working closely with the Secondary Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and Senior Management Team (SMT).

This role oversees pastoral systems, the PSHE programme, Service Learning, behaviour management, and student support areas. The Deputy Head leads the pastoral team, including Year Level Coordinators (Heads of Year) and Section Psychologists, to ensure a safe, inclusive and positive environment for both

• Develop a visible, approachable presence to build positive relationships with students across Forms III–VI; monitor social, emotional, health, and behavioural needs.
• Oversee and review section-wide positive behaviour management policies, reward systems, attendance/punctuality tracking, lost property, and locker administration.
• Ensure the section follows school child protection policies, student safety, and confidentiality protocols at all times.
• Oversee students experiencing emotional, social, or personal difficulties. Coordinate with Section Psychologists, external therapists, medical professionals, and parents to build effective support plans.
• Be a presence at the entrance from 7:30 am.
• Develop relationships with students through class observations and presence during breaks.
• Recognise and acknowledge significant events in students' lives.
• Work directly with the School Nurse on student health follow-ups, medical notifications, and information to parents.
• Monitor and follow up on Safeguarding Reports

Leadership

• Collaborate and communicate effectively with the Head of Section, Senior School Deputy Head - Academic, Middle School Deputy Head Student Care, Section Psychologists, Learning Support Teachers, and Class Teachers.
• Lead, review, and evaluate the Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) education curriculum across Forms III–VI.
• Be aware of the Service Learning projects across the section and work with the Service Learning Coordinator to ensure meaningful community engagement projects and student participation in these.
• Work with the Student Leadership Coordinator and the Form V School Officials and Councils and encourage their participation in Assemblies.
• Contribute to the development of policies, strategic planning, section calendars, timetabling, and general tasks with the Secondary Leadership Team.
• Ensure a thorough understanding of the policies and procedures of the Section and the School.
• Assume leadership responsibilities with the Deputy Head – Academic in the absence of the Head of Section.

Staff Management:

• Line manage, mentor, and evaluate Year Level Coordinators (Heads of Year) and Form Teacher teams, conducting regular meetings.
• Guide Heads of Year in pastoral care development and lead Heads of Year and Section Psychologists in resolving student care issues.
• Support the well-being of staff members and collaborative relationships between Form Teachers and subject teachers.
• Provide individual and team training to develop competencies in pastoral care, student wellbeing, and positive classroom management.
• Participate in section recruitment, induction, and onboarding of new teaching and Form Teachers.
• Work as part of the Senior Leadership team in setting and reviewing annual professional development goals for staff.

Working with Parents

• Maintain open communication with parents via emails, phone calls, individual interviews, and section bulletins.
• Respond to and manage parent or staff concerns regarding pastoral matters, escalating critical issues to the Head of Section when necessary.
• Represent the school at whole school and section events; liaise with the Parents' Association (APAFA) and parent groups when necessary.

Administration

• Ensure accurate, secure, and up-to-date confidential electronic and/or printed records are kept regarding student pastoral care, external support reports, and parent meetings.
• Ensure accurate minutes from weekly Head of Year meetings are kept and shared accordingly.
• Participate in prospective students evaluations and induction procedures for incoming students.
• Stay informed of Ministry of Education regulations and world best practices in pastoral care and secondary education.

Qualifications & Education

• Required: Relevant Degree in Education, Psychology, or a related discipline (with teaching certification).
• Desirable: Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, Counselling, School Psychology, or Secondary Education.

Skills & Experience

• Exceptional communication, active listening, and conflict-resolution abilities when working with students, parents, and staff.
• Ability to prioritise complex workloads, work autonomously, and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Strong proficiency in educational technology, including the use of spreadsheets, MIS systems such as iSAMS and administrative tools (e.g., Google Workspace)

Personal Qualities

• High emotional intelligence, discretion, integrity, and a commitment to confidentiality.
• Fully committed to ensuring every student feels safe, valued, and supported.
• Evidence of excellent leadership, organisational and time management skills.
• Team player who builds strong, trust‑based working relationships across all school departments.
• Ability to effectively manage one’s own time, working unsupervised and using initiative.
• Excellent written and spoken Spanish and English.