Head of Pastoral Care

Description

Head of Pastoral (Designated Safeguarding Lead) The British School of Geneva (BSG)

Full-time, Permanent | Senior Leadership Role | Commencing January 2026

The British School of Geneva (BSG) seeks an outstanding Head of Pastoral to join its Senior

Leadership Team. The successful candidate will also serve as the Designated Safeguarding

Lead (DSL), providing strategic direction for all aspects of pastoral care, wellbeing, safeguarding

and personal development across the school.

BSG provides premium education programmes for local and international students aged 3–18.

Our vision is to be the school of choice in Geneva, where students achieve academic

excellence and develop the life competencies required to thrive in an evolving world.

The Head of Pastoral will lead the school's pastoral and safeguarding strategy, overseeing the

House and Tutor Systems, the Life Competencies Curriculum, and the Behaviour and Conduct

Policy, ensuring that every student is known, supported and inspired to reach their potential.

We are seeking a leader who:

Has substantial experience in pastoral and safeguarding leadership in a British

independent school or international setting

Demonstrates excellent judgement, empathy and professionalism

Can inspire staff, engage students and build trusted relationships with families

Embodies our core values:

Integrity – acting with honesty, fairness and moral courage

Respect – valuing self and others, celebrating diversity

Ambition – setting high standards and striving for excellence

Resilience – showing determination and self-discipline through challenge

Service – contributing positively through compassion and responsibility

Curiosity – approaching learning with enthusiasm and creativity

Why Join BSG?

A purposeful, caring and internationally minded community

Extensive professional growth opportunities within the International Schools Partnership

(ISP)

The opportunity to shape and strengthen the school's pastoral and safeguarding culture

A key leadership position within the Senior Leadership Team

Strong alignment with the Mission, Vision and Values of The British School of Geneva

Job Description

Purpose of Role

The Head of Pastoral provides whole-school leadership for pastoral care, wellbeing,

safeguarding and personal development.

As the Designated Safeguarding Lead, the postholder ensures that the highest

standards of child protection, compliance and professional practice are upheld

throughout the school.

The role also leads the House and Tutor Systems, the Life Competencies Curriculum,

and the Behaviour and Conduct Policy, ensuring that every student experiences the

school's Mission, Vision and Values in daily life.

ISP Principles

Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of

what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both

essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying

potential safeguarding and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all

concerns appropriately.

Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace

similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.

Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and

will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody

the shared ideas of our community.

Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs

of the children, students and our schools.

Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with

personal and professional development and school improvement.

Alignment with Mission, Vision and Values

Mission

The British School of Geneva provides premium education programmes for local

and international students, aged 3-18. Students are immersed into high-quality

teaching and learning, developing their knowledge, skills and experience as they

grow into well-rounded, harmonious individuals.

Vision

The school of choice in Geneva, where students achieve academic excellence and

develop the necessary life competencies through personalised learning and

outstanding international opportunities, in a multilingual environment. As a result,

our graduates secure their chosen future pathway; prepared for the journey ahead

and the challenges of the evolving world.

Values

1. Integrity – We act with honesty, fairness and moral courage in all that we do.

2. Respect – We value ourselves and others, celebrating diversity and

individuality.

1. Ambition – We set high standards, striving for excellence in every endeavour.

2. Resilience – We persevere in the face of challenge, showing determination

and self-discipline.

1. Service – We contribute positively to our community through compassion,

leadership and responsibility.

1. Curiosity – We approach learning with enthusiasm, creativity and an open

mind.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Lead the development and implementation of the school's pastoral and

wellbeing strategy.

Serve as a senior leader contributing to the strategic direction and

accreditation readiness of the school.

Foster a culture in which all students feel safe, respected and motivated to

achieve their best.

Analyse pastoral and wellbeing data (attendance, behaviour, safeguarding) to

drive continuous improvement.

Collaborate with academic and operational leaders to ensure coherence

between academic progress and personal development.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Act as the school's DSL in accordance with Swiss legislation, ISP standards and

BSG policy.

Lead the identification, management and reporting of all safeguarding

concerns via MyConcern and SAI360.

Liaise with external agencies, local authorities and families as appropriate.

Ensure all staff receive initial and annual safeguarding training.

Chair the Safeguarding and Child Protection Committee and report regularly to

the Executive Principal.

House and Tutor Systems

Lead and develop the House System as a vehicle for belonging, pride and

student leadership.

Oversee the Tutor System, ensuring consistent, high-quality daily care for

every student.

Work with admissions and academic staff to assess and identify student needs

both at entry and throughout enrolment.

Coordinate inter-house activities and assemblies that promote teamwork,

service and competition.

Train and mentor tutors and House Leaders to deliver effective pastoral and

Life Competencies sessions.

Behaviour, Conduct and Attendance

Lead and implement the Behaviour and Conduct Policy, ensuring restorative

and consistent practice.

Monitor attendance and punctuality, taking action where concerns arise.

Promote positive behaviour and celebrate achievement through whole-school

recognition systems.

Support staff in managing classroom behaviour and fostering a respectful

learning climate.

Life Competencies Curriculum

Design and oversee the Life Competencies Curriculum, focusing on resilience,

empathy, leadership, digital citizenship and global awareness.

Ensure the curriculum is integrated across tutor time, assemblies and

enrichment.

Provide staff training and guidance to ensure confident, consistent delivery.

Evaluate and update the programme annually to maintain relevance and

impact.

Community and Partnerships

Build strong relationships with parents and carers on matters of wellbeing,

behaviour and safeguarding.

Collaborate with external professionals to coordinate comprehensive support

for students.

Represent the school in relevant local and international networks, including

the International Schools Partnership (ISP) Swiss Group of International

Schools (SGIS).

Promote the school's pastoral ethos through events, publications and

outreach.

Person Specification

Essential

Degree and recognised teaching qualification

Proven leadership in pastoral or safeguarding contexts

Deep understanding of safeguarding frameworks and wellbeing practice

Excellent communication, organisation and interpersonal skills

Experience leading teams, tutors or houses

Strong alignment with the Mission, Vision and Values of The British School of

Geneva

Desirable

Further qualification in pastoral leadership, counselling or child protection

Experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead

Experience in an international or multilingual context

Familiarity with reporting systems such as MyConcern and SAI360

Experience designing or leading Life Competencies or PSHE programmes

Experience in a British independent or international school setting

Skills & Attributes

Strong leadership and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple

priorities.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to build trust and

collaboration with all stakeholders.

Deep understanding of inclusion, SEN, and personalised learning strategies.

Data-driven approach to monitoring student progress and evaluating impact.

Commitment to safeguarding, child protection, and promoting the wellbeing

of all students.

ISP Leadership Competencies

You consistently demonstrate and role-model the ISP Leadership Competencies in

all that you do.

1. Collaboration. Takes an active part in leading their school or region; is cooperative

and a genuine team player, developing positive, supportive relationships with

colleagues to solve problems and maximise opportunities.

1. Learning & Getting Better. Continually demonstrates personal commitment and

passion for learning and getting better using evidence and feedback, supporting

others in their continual learning, development and growth.

1. Innovation Leadership. Is good at creating an environment where ideas for learning

initiatives and services are generated and is able to motivate and inspire others

through the process of creation through completion.

1. Outcome driven. Can be counted on to find solutions. Is consistently looking to

exceed goals and is focused on KPIs.

1. Resilience. Can deal with setbacks and challenges calmly and effectively.

2. Community Focus. Is committed to meeting and exceeding the needs and

expectations of our students and their families.

1. Planning & Decision Making. Makes decisions on the best course of action and then

plans, organises, prioritises and balances resources to achieve the desired outcome.

1. Diversity & Equity. Has the sensitivity, awareness and skill to understand the values,

behaviours, attitudes and practices across cultures that supports all children and

adults to learn and work effectively.

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young

people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online

due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or

equivalent covering the previous 10 years' employment history.

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring,

developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender,

ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status,

neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics.

Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to

the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.