Head of Early Years and Lower Primary

The British College of Andorra opened in September 2018 as a one-form entry school and the only British school in the small but beautiful Principality of Andorra, in the heart of the Pyrenees mountains. In September 2019, the Secondary School opened.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head of Early Years and Lower Primary to join our team this September. The role would suit an inspirational teacher who has the ambition to play an active part in the development of a forward-thinking school. Candidates from the UK seeking their first overseas position or international teachers with experience of a British curriculum are encouraged to apply. The leadership role would be combined with responsibility, as a co-teacher, for a Reception class (age 3/4).

Flexibility and adaptability will be fundamental to success as will experience, drive and a sense of humour. You would join a very happy team of teachers who have all helped create our wonderful school and who remain fully committed to the school’s future success.

We are looking for experienced teachers who have a developed understanding of the difference between performance and learning, a broad and knowledgable approach to assessment and feedback, a commitment to outdoor learning, and a research-informed 'playful pedagogy' aligned with the BCA definition of High Quality Learning, namely that effective learning:       

• is encouraged within authentic contexts;      
• is constructivist, and inquiry-based;      
• is cyclical and progressive;      
• is both individualised and collaborative;       
• fosters student agency;       
• promotes intercultural understanding.

Candidate Specifications:     

• Qualified Teacher Status - essential     
• Recognised Bachelor’s degree - essential     
• EYFS teaching experience - essential     
• Knowledge and understanding of English National curriculum - essential     
• Recognised Masters or postgraduate qualification - desirable     
• Experience teaching second language students - desirable     
• Strong commitment to collaborative planning, and experience of co-teaching strategies- desirable     
• Knowledge of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (BCA is a Candidate School)- desirable

The post offers a unique opportunity to live in the spectacular natural environment of the Pyrenees with outdoor pursuits such as skiing, cycling, climbing and mountain walking on your doorstep, and with low tax advantages. The school, which currently has almost 200 students, is situated just outside Andorra la Vella in a stunning mountainside location. We are 3 hours by road from Barcelona and Toulouse. In the future, the school will expand each year group in the Secondary School year on year until we reach Year 13, accompanied by a building programme to further expand the site.

The monthly net salary after social security and low tax deductions is approximately 2,300 Euros a month, significantly higher than an equivalent role in neighbouring Spain.  The cost of living in Andorra is more favourable than most major European cities or in the UK. The school offers excellent support in setting up accommodation (agency fees and deposit paid by the school) and the cost of your legal entry into Andorra is fully covered. Upon arrival in Andorra, a week in a city centre hotel is provided whilst you find an apartment to live.

Please apply via the TES Portal. Applications should include your full CV plus a letter of a maximum of 2 sides of A4 stating why you are suitable for the position and location. References will be taken up for short listed candidates and police certificates will be required from all previous countries of residence. Early applications are encouraged are encouraged and an appointment could be made for a suitable candidate before the closing date.