Head of English

OBS; Porto; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Oporto British School in Porto is seeking a dedicated Teacher of English to join the Secondary Section from September 2027, or earlier if possible, with responsibility to coordinate the English Department.

The successful candidate will teach First-Language English and Literature at KS3, IGCSE and IB Diploma Programme, and bring experience in English as an Additional Language where possible. OBS values strong classroom practice and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Hold a relevant degree and teaching qualification.
• Experience teaching English to school-age students.
• Ideally experience with the IB Diploma Programme and its pedagogy.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the English Department and lead department development.
• Teach First-Language English and Literature to KS3, IGCSE and IB DP.
• Demonstrate student-centred teaching with strong classroom management.

Skills

English teaching

IB Diploma Programme

Classroom management

Collaboration

Curriculum development

Education

Teaching qualification

Relevant degree

Job description

The School

Established in 1894, Oporto British School is the longest-established British School in mainland Europe. It follows the English National Curriculum up to KS3, leading to Cambridge IGCSE, and then to the IB Diploma Programme. Our pupils have achieved outstanding IB Diploma results in recent years. The school, while being conscious of its British foundation and traditions, is very much an international school of the 21st century. The school has undergone a very successful ISI inspection and is COBIS and CIS accredited. Oporto British School fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment. Strong, positive relationships are evident throughout its close-knit and supportive community, often described as having a strong sense of belonging. Our whole school enrolment is approximately 580 students.

The Position

We are seeking a talented and motivated Teacher of English to join our thriving Secondary Section from September 2027, or earlier if possible, who would also coordinate the English Department.

This is a full-time role teaching English and requires a qualified English teacher with the ability to teach First-Language English and Literature at Key Stage 3, IGCSE and the IB Diploma Programme. Given our situation, where many of our students do not speak English in the home, experience of teaching English as an Additional Language, and language acquisition teaching in general, will be regarded positively.

The English department

The English department is currently made up of four full-time teachers, with some additional teaching provided by the Head of Drama. Student achievement at OBS is above UK and international benchmarks and we are an institution that is committed to excellence in teaching and learning. You will be a highly effective and dynamic classroom teacher, with a genuine commitment to putting students first. The school will provide you excellent support and professional development that is appropriate to your needs.

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a relevant degree and teaching qualification
• Have experience teaching English to school leaving age
• Ideally have experience of the IB Diploma Programme and its underpinning pedagogical principles
• Demonstrate a student-centred approach, strong classroom management, and adaption to different learning needs
• Enjoy collaborating, sharing best practice, and lead the continued development and improvement of the department

Oporto British School offers an attractive package and support for teachers moving to OBS.

The deadline for application is 30th of March 2027 although interested candidates are strongly encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible as we reserve the right to make an early appointment.

Oporto British School is committed to safeguarding all children. Successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal record checks or country equivalent. Oporto British School is an Equal Opportunities employer.