Deputy Head Pastoral

PaRK International School - Alfragide; Amadora; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State-of-the-art facilities

Career progression within Inspired

Investment in professional development

Job summary

PaRK International School is seeking a Deputy Head (Pastoral) for the Senior School (Grades 9–12) to lead safeguarding, wellbeing and behaviour provision. You will work as a senior pastoral leader, deputising for the Head of Senior School as needed and collaborating with counsellors, psychologists and learning support to support student growth and resilience.

The role emphasizes strategic leadership, presence across the school, and the development of a positive culture of belonging.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in pastoral care
• Strong safeguarding knowledge
• Strategic thinking and people management

Responsibilities

• Lead pastoral care and wellbeing provision for Senior School students
• Design, implement, and review the pastoral framework aligned with school values
• Serve as a key pastoral leader and point of contact for students, staff, and parents
• Deputise for the Head of Senior School when required
• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead for the Senior School
• Chair pastoral meetings and line manage Heads of Year (Grades 9–12)
• Promote high standards of behaviour, professionalism, fairness and empathy
• Ensure consistent application of behaviour policies, rewards and sanctions
• Oversee student wellbeing, behaviour and discipline within the Senior School
• Lead responses to pastoral incidents, ensuring appropriate follow-up
• Collaborate with the Wellbeing Team (counsellors, psychologists, learning support)
• Monitor students of concern and coordinate early intervention strategies
• Promote a culture of belonging, growth and positive wellbeing
• Oversee attendance, punctuality and follow-up procedures
• Ensure tutor practices and Form Time programme oversight
• Lead assemblies and pastoral sessions for Senior School students
• Support the House System, teambuilding trips and cohort events
• Organise parent information sessions and pastoral events
• Develop key policies including behaviour, anti-bullying, safeguarding
• Develop student leadership including student council and prefects
• Maintain visible presence during breaks and unstructured times

Job description

About the school

PaRK International School is a leading international school dedicated to guiding and inspiring students to lead happy and successful lives. As the school continues to grow and evolve, it is strengthening its leadership structure with the development of a distinct Senior School (Grades 9–12), creating a clear pathway between Junior and Middle School and the final years of secondary education.

While academic excellence remains central to the mission, the school believes it can only be achieved through a strong commitment to the personal and professional growth of both students and staff. At PaRK International School the focus is on both the minds and hearts of students, encouraging intellectual curiosity, multilingual development, resilience, and a commitment to service within local and global communities.

PaRK International School is part of Inspired Education, the leading global group of premium schools with a portfolio of over 125 premium private schools spanning six continents. Inspired schools provide more than 80,000 students with a world-class learning experience from Kindergarten to Year 13.

The role

The Deputy Head (Pastoral) – Senior School is responsible for leading the pastoral care, safeguarding, behaviour, and wellbeing provision for students in Grades 9 to 12. This role is central to ensuring that students experience a safe, structured, and nurturing environment during a critical stage of adolescent development. The Deputy Head (Pastoral) combines strategic leadership with a strong daily presence, supporting students as they develop independence, resilience, and emotional maturity while navigating increasing academic expectations.

Key responsibilities

• Lead pastoral care and wellbeing provision for all Senior School students.
• Design, implement, and review the pastoral framework aligned with school values.
• Serve as a key pastoral leader and point of contact for students, staff, and parents.
• Deputise for the Head of Senior School when required.
• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the Senior School.
• Chair pastoral meetings and line manage Heads of Year (Grades 9–12).
• Promote high standards of behaviour, modelling professionalism, fairness, and empathy.
• Ensure consistent application of behaviour policies, rewards, and sanctions.
• Oversee student wellbeing, behaviour, and discipline within the Senior School.
• Lead responses to pastoral incidents, ensuring appropriate follow-up.
• Collaborate with the Wellbeing Team (counsellors, psychologists, and learning support).
• Monitor students of concern and coordinate early intervention strategies.
• Promote a culture of belonging, growth, and positive wellbeing.
• Oversee attendance, punctuality, and follow-up procedures.
• Ensure effective tutor practices and oversee the Form Time programme.
• Lead assemblies and pastoral sessions for Senior School students.
• Support the House System, teambuilding trips, and regular cohort events.
• Organise parent information sessions and pastoral events.
• Develop key policies, including behaviour, anti-bullying, and safeguarding.
• Develop student leadership, including the student council and prefects.
• Maintain a visible presence during breaks and unstructured times.

Benefits & package

• Work in state-of-the-art facilities alongside leading educators.
• Access to exceptional opportunities for career progression and mobility across the Inspired group.
• Heavy investment in professional development.