Deputy Head of Primary (Pastoral) - Cherngtalay Campus - January 2027

School Details

At HeadStart, we aim to stimulate students’ minds and encourage them to push beyond perceived traditional academic boundaries. It is our intention that through employing dedicated, enthusiastic and inspiring teachers, we will enthuse all our students to reach their potential and exceed expectations. We deliver a well-rounded personalised educational experience. We pride ourselves on being a community school, emphasising individual learning.

HeadStart is based in the centre of Phuket Island and gained ‘International School’ status in 2010, and is a fully accredited International School with The Education Development Trust. In our most recent inspection, we were awarded the International Schools Quality Mark (ISQM) with accreditors recognising the school to be a ‘Good School with Outstanding Features’.

Our curriculum is based on the EYFS, an enhanced national curriculum of England, and we offer Cambridge & Pearson qualifications in secondary school, including iGCSEs, A Levels, and BTECs.

The school's main campus at Chaofah has over 1000 students and is oversubscribed in most year groups. In August 2025, we embarked on our ambitious plans, which will expand our Upper School site and provision to make 'HeadStart College' the premier educational institution in the South of Thailand.

Our Cherngtalay campus, opened in August 2023 in the north of the island. Having started as a one-form Foundation and Primary school, our Cherngtalay Campus is now a three-form entry Foundation, Primary and Secondary School (KS3 only) with over 500 students.

Deputy Head of Primary ( Pastoral) Cherngtalay Campus

We are seeking to appoint an experienced, dedicated and inspirational Deputy Head of Primary (Pastoral) to join our Foundation & Primary leadership team at the Cherngtalay campus from January 2027.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Head of Foundation & Primary and other senior leaders to lead and develop the pastoral vision across the Primary phase.

They will play a key role in ensuring that all pupils feel safe, supported and valued, while maintaining high standards of behaviour, attendance, safeguarding and well-being.

Our Primary School at Cherngtalay currently serves approximately 400 pupils from Year 1 to Year 6 and continues to grow as part of our expanding school community.

The role is a non-teaching position and provides an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to make a significant impact on the personal development, welfare and success of our pupils.

The Deputy Head of Primary (Pastoral) will have strategic responsibility for safeguarding, behaviour, attendance, pupil wellbeing and pastoral systems across the Primary phase. They will work closely with Year Leaders, Learning Support, EAL staff, teachers and families to ensure that every child receives the support they need to thrive both academically and personally.

The successful candidate will also lead key aspects of student leadership, pupil induction and transition, pastoral programmes, and staff well-being initiatives. They will support in the professional development of colleagues, and play an important role in driving school improvement through outstanding pastoral practice.

We are looking for a highly committed leader with drive, energy and compassion, who can build positive relationships with pupils, staff and parents. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent communication skills, emotional intelligence, sound judgement and the ability to remain calm and professional when managing challenging situations. A good sense of humour, resilience and an excellent work ethic are essential.

Requirements / Application Details

Essential Requirements:

• A proven track record of successful leadership within a Primary school setting (e.g. Year Leader, Phase Leader, Assistant Head, Deputy Head or equivalent)

• Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures

• Experience leading behaviour management and pastoral systems

• Experience leading or working closely with Year Leaders and pastoral teams

• Experience working closely with parents to support positive outcomes for children

• A thorough understanding of pupil well-being, inclusion and personal development

• Experience using pastoral, attendance and behaviour data to drive improvement

• Experience in planning and delivering high-quality staff training and professional development

• Excellent knowledge of the English National Curriculum at Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2

• Strong organisational, communication and administrative skills

• At least five years of successful teaching experience within a Primary school setting

• A Bachelor's degree from a recognised university

• A recognised teaching qualification: BEd, PGCE, iPGCE or equivalent

• Be a fluent English speaker

• Previous experience in an international school environment is preferable but not essential

  
  

Desirable Requirements:

• Leadership qualifications such as NPQSL, NPQH or equivalent

• Experience in working with a wide range of safeguarding, wellbeing and behavioural needs

• Experience in leading restorative approaches and positive behaviour strategies

• Experience in mentoring, coaching and developing staff

• Experience of working with external agencies and support services

• Knowledge of the English National Curriculum and its pastoral expectations

• Experience leading school improvement initiatives

Remuneration Package

(Full details of the salary package and terms and conditions will be sent to short-listed candidates)

• Private medical insurance

• 4-year renewable contract

• Significant end-of-contract bonuses

• School places for dependents

Application Process:

The closing date for applications is Friday, 25th September 2026; however, we encourage early applications and reserve the right to make an appointment with the ideal candidate before this date.

PLEASE NOTE: HeadStart International School is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All post-holders are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS (in the UK) or Criminal Records (Police Check) disclosure from their most recent country of residence.

Shortlisted candidates will be sent full salary details and be invited for an interview (via Google Meet).

Previous applicants are not required to reapply.

CANDIDATES WITHOUT A DEGREE AND A RECOGNISED TEACHING QUALIFICATION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

We do not accept applications from candidates with only a TEFL or equivalent qualification.