Deputy Head of Prep School

About the School

Founded in 1932, St. Julian’s is a highly successful British international school for children aged 3 to 18. It is a unique and special place in character, history and location. Known for academic excellence, there are 1,250 students from more than 60 nationalities across four school sections: Pre-Prep (ages 3 to 5), Prep (5 to 11), Secondary (11 to 18) and Bilingual (6 to 15). The Prep School has a three-form entry with up to 22 pupils per class.

There are also three Phase Leaders who are responsible for the academic care of the children in each of KS1, Lower KS2 (Years 3 & 4) and Upper KS2 (Years 5 & 6). The children have lessons from specialist teachers for music, PE, computing, outdoor education and Portuguese. Across the Pre-Prep and Prep Schools, there are also teachers for Learning Support, EAL and a full-time Psychologist.

Complementing academics, the school focuses on personal skills development through our 6Cs: compassion, curiosity, communication, courage, collaboration and citizenship.

Google Apps for Education is used and all teaching and teaching support staff are given their own MacBook Air.

St. Julian's has been recognised for the third consecutive year as one of the top 15 private schools in Europe in the Schools Index published by Carfax Education, and for the second year running as one of the top 10 by Spear's.

We follow the National Curriculum for England leading to IGCSEs and the IB Diploma and Careers-related Programme. We are accredited by CIS, COBIS and HMC. 

Situated between Lisbon and Cascais, St. Julian’s enjoys an idyllic location framed by beaches and pinewoods. The extensive campus boasts exceptional sports facilities and offers a diverse range of after-school clubs, from Nature Club, to ballet, chess and rugby. The School is about to embark on a €40 million building project over five years that will see significant enhancements to the existing site.

The role of Deputy Head of Prep

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to be the Deputy Head of the Prep School under the direction of the Head of Prep. The successful candidate will not be classroom based. This vital role involves supporting the strategic and day-to-day leadership of the Prep School (ages 5 to 11), ensuring the highest standards of teaching, learning, and pastoral care, and fostering a vibrant school culture that aligns with the values and vision of St. Julian's - Our Reason to Believe.

The Deputy Head of Prep School will work closely with the Head of Prep and other middle/senior leaders contributing to the development and implementation of initiatives. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting staff development, driving innovation, and ensuring a smooth transition for pupils between stages of their learning.

The Deputy Head of Prep will be part of the Primary Leadership Team which consists of the Head of Prep, Head of Pre-Prep and the Head of School, and two Deputy Heads of School, one of whom is responsible for Teaching & Learning and one for Pastoral Care. The Deputy Head of Prep will also be part of the Extended Leadership Team which consists of all Heads/Principals of section and the respective deputies, the Director of Enrichment, the Bursar, Deputy Heads and Head.

Key responsibilities

• Work closely with the Head of Prep and Phase Leaders in managing and advising on the day-to-day operations of the Prep School, ensuring the smooth running of the section and the delivery of high-quality education.
• Provide strategic leadership in teaching and learning, ensuring that curricular and co-curricular opportunities enable all pupils to thrive academically, socially, and personally.
• Oversee the development, monitoring, and evaluation of teaching practices to ensure consistently high standards and innovative approaches.
• Promote a culture of excellent pastoral care, ensuring that pupils feel supported, valued, and challenged.
• Work collaboratively with the Head of Pre-Prep, Bilingual Section Principal, and other leaders to ensure seamless transitions for pupils within the school.
• Act as a mentor and coach to teaching staff, fostering professional growth and collaboration across the Prep School.
• Lead on specific areas of school improvement and development as agreed with the Head of Prep.
• Use data to evaluate practice and strategically plan interventions that positively impact student achievement and well-being.
• Be responsible for managing the report writing process and systems. 
• Construct and maintain the Prep School Timetable and Duty Rota. 
• Engage effectively with parents, ensuring clear communication and fostering positive relationships that support pupil success.
• Support the Admissions process by working closely with the Head of Admissions and Marketing Officer to review and develop policies and procedures.
• Contribute to whole-school initiatives, supporting the Head and other senior leaders in achieving strategic goals.
• Deputise for the Head of Prep School when required. 
• Arrange and track cover for absent colleagues. 

Person specification

The ideal candidate will

• Be a passionate and inspiring educator with a proven track record of outstanding practice. 
• Have leadership experience in primary education (experience in an international school setting would be an advantage).
• Hold a relevant teaching qualification and have a deep understanding of primary years pedagogy.
• Be a strategic thinker with a collaborative approach, skilled in team management and development and with an ability to inspire others.
• Be an excellent communicator, capable of building strong relationships with pupils, parents, and staff.
• Demonstrate adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment.
• Show commitment to your own professional development.
• Completion of a Master's level education or leadership training at a senior leader level will be a significant advantage.

Benefits

St. Julian's offers a supportive and stimulating work environment, along with a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• Two-year contract (renewable by mutual agreement).
• Relocation and housing allowance for expatriate staff, including flights (start and end of contract).
• Free school places for up to two children for international hires.
• Comprehensive medical and life insurance.
• Lunch allowance.
• Professional development opportunities and access to high-quality training.

Application process

Applications should be completed through the TES Portal. The supporting statement, addressed to the Head, Paul Morgan, should clearly identify how your skills and competencies align with the key aspects of the job description. The closing date is 6 January. At least one reference must be from the head/principal of your current/most recent school.

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