Head of Boarding

ROLE SUMMARY:

The Head of Boarding at PaRK International School Alfragide will hold high-level responsibility for the leadership, administration, and pastoral care of our boarding community.

Working closely with the Head of School, the successful candidate will foster a safe, inclusive, and vibrant residential environment that aligns with PaRK IS's values of innovation, academic excellence, and holistic student development. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Pastoral and Administrative Leadership 

• Legal & Safeguarding Knowledge: Maintain and further develop a thorough working knowledge of relevant international and Portuguese legislation regarding child protection, health and safety, and children's rights. 
• Visible Presence: Ensure a highly visible and active presence within the residential community to build strong, trusting relationships with all boarders. 
• Communication & Collaboration: Keep the Head of School and senior leadership informed of pastoral issues, managing day-to-day student welfare in conjunction with the Deputy Head / Pastoral Coordinator. 
• Discipline & Wellbeing: Manage serious student breaches of discipline or conduct in consultation with senior leadership, maintaining accurate records of both commendations and disciplinary actions. 
• Medical Coordination: Oversee the appropriate management of student health and medical matters, liaising closely with the school’s medical staff, the sports department, parents, and legal guardians. 
• Record Keeping: Ensure flawless registration, attendance, and absence records for all boarders, including strict sign-in/out procedures and tracking student whereabouts during weekends and leave periods. 
  
  

Operations and Community Life 

• Activity Programming: In collaboration with the Boarding Team, design and participate in a rich programme of weekend activities, trips, and social events that enhance the student residential experience. 
• Safety & Compliance: Execute regular fire drills during boarding hours, maintain meticulous compliance logs, and conduct risk assessments to guarantee the ultimate safety and security of the residence. 
• Facility Management: Partner with House Parents, the Site Supervisor, and Housekeeping teams to ensure the boarding house is maintained to the highest standards. 
• Student Voice: Guarantee that boarders’ insights and feedback are regularly captured through questionnaires and Boarders’ Council Meetings. 
• Staff Recruitment & Development: Lead the appointment, training, and management of boarding staff in conjunction with the Head of School. 

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

Qualifications and Experience 

• Academic Background: A solid honors degree in a relevant academic discipline, with the capability to teach within the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) or international curriculum frameworks. 
• Leadership Experience: Proven track record of success in a residential boarding role with significant management and leadership responsibilities. 
• Standards Awareness: Deep understanding of global safeguarding benchmarks, international boarding standards, and health and safety regulations. 
  
  

Skills and Attributes 

• Vision & Agility: Innovative thinker with a flexible, solution-oriented approach to residential life. 
• Interpersonal Excellence: Outstanding communication and emotional intelligence, capable of inspiring confidence in students, staff, and prospective families. 
• Crisis Management: Exceptional ability to remain calm, efficient, and structured when working under pressure or handling emergencies. 
• Cultural Competence: Adept at managing a diverse, multicultural student body with a friendly and professional demeanor. 
• Digital Literacy: High proficiency in utilizing digital platforms and school management technology for administrative efficiency. 
• Commitment: Full alignment with PaRK IS’s ethos, along with the stamina and willingness to work flexible, non-traditional hours (evenings, weekends, and holidays) during term time. 
  
  

Additional Expectations

• School Life Integration: Active support of whole-school events, including parents' evenings, Open Days, and major calendar celebrations. 
• Teaching Commitment: A light teaching timetable will be assigned upon appointment and reviewed annually based on school needs and the demands of the boarding role. 
• Campus Residency: The successful candidate is required to reside on campus to ensure emergency cover and share on-call duty responsibilities with the boarding leadership team. 

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT:

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.