Head of Primary School

Cambridge International School seeks a qualified and experienced (UK curriculum), enthusiastic practitioner for the position of Head of Primary (reporting to the Director of School).  The role requires a UK primary trained teacher, preferably with experience in both the UK and international schools abroad.  Preference will be given to candidates with current senior management experience although we are willing to consider a significant middle-manager looking to make a move into a senior role.  The vacancy will arise when the current incumbent returns to the UK after 17 years in the Czech and Slovak republics.

We are an established but young school, and with new facilities to accommodate additional classes we aim to increase student numbers over coming years.  Classes are of a maximum 18 students of which we will have three in each year group from Year 2 to Year 5 and two in Year 6 from next September.  Future expansion will occur through the natural movement of three classes into each of Years 2 to 6 and possibly with the introduction of four form entry in the future.

We seek an experienced manager who wishes to bring their knowledge, skills and enthusiasm to a vibrant international school where every student is a happy learner within a real family community.  The person appointed as Head of Primary will  focus upon the day-to-day running of all aspects of the primary Years 2 to 6, in our growing school.  The appointee will work closely with our Head of Secondary to ensure seamless operation across the entire 6 to 18 age range.  Teaching and learning are the focus of the school, hence it is essential that you have a genuine passion for creating and maintaining the highest quality and standards; motivating and leading through enthusiasm, example and innovation.

We are a Cambridge Primary Curriculum (as well as IGCSE and A Level) school and experience with this curriculum is desirable though not essential.  What is essential is English National Curriculum knowledge and preferably practical experience.

All applicants must:

• be fluent English speakers;

• be UK qualified as primary teachers;

• have significant experience of the British education system preferably both within the UK and a British curriculum international school abroad;

• have a right of residency in the UK/EU.    

The outstanding qualities we are seeking for the post include:

• organisational skills;

• initiative;

• flexibility;

• independence;

• enthusiasm;

• a strong belief in a child-centred approach to education. 

A warm, friendly, happy disposition is a must as a harmonious family atmosphere lies at the heart of our ethos and is highly valued by our children, their parents and our staff.  

We are a selective school based upon English language and general academic performance as well as the suitability of each student and their family for our school community.  Students are generally from well-to-do local families or are the children of diplomats or expatriates working in Bratislava for international companies.  Half of our staff are from the UK with others from Slovakia and elsewhere around the world.   

The school is located 30 miles from Vienna in Bratislava, the safe and comfortable capital of Slovakia.  It is a very pleasant, historic, central European city with daily low-cost flights from several UK airports.  The city is as well resourced as any large British city with entertainment spots (multiplex cinemas, theatres, concert venues, sports arenas, international restaurants and bars), shopping centres (Tesco, Next and SportsDirect are all to be found) and a very attractive old town, as well as much, much more.  Bratislava’s location, being just an hour from Vienna, two hours from Budapest and three hours from Prague make it an ideal low cost spot from which to explore the major historic capitals of central Europe.  Other central, eastern and southern European countries can also easily be reached by budget airline from Bratislava’s new international airport.  

We offer a renewable contract, good financial package and excellent working conditions within a very spacious, well-equipped new building.  Apply by email, including a full C.V. and letter of application, making specific reference to how you believe you could make a real contribution to our school’s operation and future development.  Only personal and specific letters will be accepted – TES or other forms of standardised application will not be considered.  Submit your application to: recruitment@cambridgeschool.eu.  

Initial interviews will be held in the UK or by Skype – please provide a Skype name if you have one.

Visit the school web site at www.cambridgeschool.eu