Founding Head of Primary

This Founding Head of Primary opportunity is one of huge potential and interest. The Lisboan is a new type of school in a stunningly-converted historic building in the heart of Lisbon. It is part of Artemis Education, a growing group that is setting out to transform the landscape of education by creating and operating innovative new schools. The Head of Primary will work closely with the Founding Principal as the two key educational leaders with responsibility for starting the school off in the best possible way.

The position requires a specialist who is passionate about the Early Years and Primary age range, excited by the opportunity to innovate and push past the constraints of most schools and their curricula, and committed to making a difference. The Founding Head of Primary will be responsible for establishing the traditions, values and ethos that will define the Primary School, and indeed the whole school, as a place where students and educators thrive. They will also align strongly with the distinguishing features of an Artemis school – a school that is deeply conscious of its social and environmental responsibilities and that works in constant partnership with its host community.

The Head of Primary must be committed to unlocking the potential in every child and creating an environment where there is a genuine love of learning and a sense of fun, where innovative thinking is encouraged and where students are empowered to explore their full potential in a safe, supportive and enriching environment. The successful candidate will be determined to reach the highest standards of learning and will understand what it takes to recruit, lead, empower and retain outstanding teachers who are inspired by the school’s approach.

Located in the heart of Lisbon, The Lisboan will open with 300 students and grow to be a school for 1,200 students from Nursery to Year 13, blending the best of British education, the IBDP and Artemis’s future-focused approach to education. In the Primary School, English national curriculum standards will be integrated into the bespoke and thematic Dimensions curriculum. This curriculum is designed to reflect the environment of each school and the Head of Primary will help to shape it to the context of Lisbon and the school’s demographic. The academic curriculum throughout the school will be supported by a rich experiential programme that will use the city itself as a classroom. The school aims to become a hub of educational excellence, contributing to the city’s rich cultural and intellectual landscape. The founding leadership will therefore help to shape the future of education in one of Europe's most dynamic and vibrant capitals.

The Lisboan is dedicated to bringing a net-zero carbon education into the mainstream, reflecting a commitment to the future and a responsibility for the stewardship of the planet. Its core values – kindness, curiosity, connectedness resilience and integrity – will be underpinned by the distinctive BOA principles – Belong, Own, Act.

This is an outstanding opportunity in a highly attractive location and within a dynamic and values-driven group. Candidates should have strong senior leadership experience and be able to show evidence of their commitment to academic excellence and to building an inclusive, deeply supportive and values-driven Primary School community in which every child is known and encouraged to develop a love of learning in their own way. Specific curriculum experience is less important than experience of curriculum development, an openness to new pedagogical thinking and innovation, and the instincts for start-up.

The position will commence in August 2025.

For a preliminary, confidential conversation about the role with Jean Sullivan, Head of International Search, please contact JeanSullivan@rsacademics.com

The closing date for applications is Monday 9 December 2024 at 10:00 (UK and Portugal).

Further, detailed candidate information about the role, including information on how to apply, is available at www.rsacademics.com

Artemis Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be prepared to undergo stringent child protection screening including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS (or equivalent) is required. 

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure.

RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.