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Senior School Deputy Head of Pastoral

Location: 

Lisbon, PT

Date:  27 Mar 2026
Application closing date: 

ROLE SUMMARY:

Inspired Education is the leading global group of premium schools, with a portfolio of over 125 premium private schools spanning six continents. Inspired schools draw on proven educational practices from around the world to provide more than 80,000 students with a world-class learning experience from Kindergarten to Year 13.
Across more than 24 countries, Inspired schools are individually developed and anchored in the vibrant cultures of their locations, forming an international family of schools that nurtures each student's academic and personal development within progressive, dynamic, and innovative learning environments.
By joining our award-winning team of over 12,000 employees, staff benefit from working in state-of-the-art facilities alongside leading educators in some of the world’s most desirable locations. Inspired invests heavily in professional
development and provides exceptional opportunities for career progression and mobility across the group.

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, we are strengthening our 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 our mission, we believe it can only be achieved through a strong commitment to the personal and professional growth of both students and staff.
At PaRK International School we focus on both the minds and hearts of our students. We encourage intellectual curiosity, multilingual development, resilience, and a commitment to service within local and global communities. Students are supported to overcome challenges, embrace failure as a step towards growth, and develop the confidence to step beyond their comfort zones.

All staff play an active role in the pastoral life of the school and are encouraged to contribute to co-curricular activities and enrichment programmes.

Role Overview

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:

Key Purpose of the Role

Lead Senior School pastoral strategy (Grades 9–12). Ensure high standards of behaviour, wellbeing, and safeguarding. Support emotional, social, and personal development. Build partnerships with families and foster an inclusive culture 

Leadership Responsibilities

As a member of the Senior School Leadership Team, the Deputy Head (Pastoral) will:

  • 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.
  • Contribute to staff recruitment, training, and induction for pastoral roles.
  • Ensure student voice is meaningfully incorporated into school life.
  • Report regularly to Senior and Executive Leadership on pastoral matters.

Pastoral Care and Student Wellbeing

  • Oversee student wellbeing, behaviour, and discipline within the Senior School.
  • Lead responses to pastoral incidents, ensuring appropriate follow-up.
  • Support students facing challenges with emotional regulation, relationships, anxiety, transition, or independence.
  • Collaborate with the Wellbeing Team (counsellors, psychologists, and learning support).
  • Monitor students of concern and coordinate early intervention strategies.
  • Support reintegration following absence, illness, or pastoral incidents.
  • Promote a culture of belonging, growth, and positive wellbeing.

Safeguarding Responsibilities (Deputy DSL) In line with school policies and legal requirements, the Deputy Head (Pastoral) will:

  • Serve as a primary contact for safeguarding concerns, ensuring they are recorded and escalated.
  • Coordinate with the Middle School Pastoral Lead to ensure smooth student transitions.
  • Liaise with external agencies and support staff training on safeguarding procedures.
  • Promote a culture of vigilance and professional accountability.

Operational Responsibilities

  • Oversee attendance, punctuality, and follow-up procedures.
  • Monitor behaviour trends and student wellbeing data to inform practice.
  • 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.
  • Collaborate with Admissions on pastoral insights for student placement.
  • Coordinate with Health & Safety teams regarding student safety concerns.
  • Support major events such as Prom and Graduation.

Wider Responsibilities

  • Maintain a visible presence during breaks and unstructured times.
  • Attend leadership, safeguarding, and wellbeing meetings.
  • Develop student leadership, including the student council and prefects.
  • Coordinate school calendar elements: info evenings, coffee mornings, and wellbeing initiatives.
  • Contribute to duty rotas and emergency procedures.
  • Undertake reasonable duties as directed by the Head of Senior School.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

The Ideal Candidate Will Have


● Significant pastoral leadership experience in a secondary or international school context
● A strong understanding of adolescent development
● Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
● A calm, authoritative, and relational leadership style
● Strong safeguarding knowledge and practice
● The ability to balance empathy with clear expectations and boundaries
● Strong organisational and leadership skills
● A commitment to inclusive, student-centred education

The Deputy Head Pastoral reports directly to the Head of Senior School and will receive a relief of 10 hours per week to complete their role.

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

SCHOOL APPLICATION FORM

Please download and complete our Inspired Application Form and submit alongside your CV.

Inspired Academic Teaching Application Form
Inspired Non-Teaching Application Form

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