Head of School - Barcelona Montessori School
hace 1 día
Barcelona
About Barcelona Montessori School Barcelona Montessori School is an independent international school located in Barcelona, Spain. The school offers an authentic Montessori education to children from Early Years through Adolescence and continues to expand its programmes and facilities. Mission To provide an optimal environment for students to develop into prepared and fulfilled citizens of the world. Vision To be a reference for a holistic Montessori education program for the future benefit of all humankind. Values • Respect – as a means for a peaceful world, • Curious, Life Long Learning – encouraging practical and emotional skills that promote educational and social independence • Child Centred Approach – keeping children at the centre of decision making to support holistic development • Responsibility – for oneself, others, and the wider world, • Belonging – ensuring that staff, students, and parents feel connected and contribute to the school’s mission and vision The Role The Head of School is responsible for the overall academic and operational leadership of the school. The successful candidate will safeguard the integrity of Montessori pedagogy and the school’s values while ensuring that the curricular standards required for national and international accreditation are maintained. Working closely with the school’s leadership team, the Head of School leads the educational direction of the school across Early Years, Primary and Adolescent programmes. This includes supporting pedagogical excellence, monitoring teaching and learning, guiding curriculum development, and ensuring clear progression for students across the different stages of the school. The Head of School also oversees the day-to-day functioning of the school, ensuring that systems, policies, safeguarding practices, and operational procedures support a safe and well-organised learning environment. They support the professional development of staff, maintain strong and transparent relationships with families, and help foster a collaborative and reflective school culture. In collaboration with the school’s operational leadership and governance structures, the Head of School contributes to the strategic direction and financial sustainability of the school, ensuring that educational priorities are aligned with responsible resource management and long-term development. Key Responsibilities Educational Leadership • Safeguard and promote the integrity of Montessori pedagogy across all age groups., • Lead the development and implementation of the school’s curriculum from Early Years through Adolescence. • Promote high-quality teaching and learning through classroom observation, feedback, and professional development. • Oversee academic progress, pastoral care, and student wellbeing programmes., • Ensure curriculum delivery meets standards required for national and international accreditation. Operational Leadership • Oversee the day to day functioning of the school, ensuring effective systems, schedules, staffing, and learning environments. • Coordinate with operational teams to ensure the smooth running of the campus., • Ensure compliance with relevant educational, health, and safety regulations., • Support efficient administrative systems and data-informed decision-making. People Leadership • Line manage senior members of staff, including programme leads and safeguarding personnel. • Lead recruitment, induction, and ongoing professional development of staff., • Foster a collaborative and reflective professional culture aligned with Montessori values. Safeguarding and Student Wellbeing • Maintain senior accountability for safeguarding and child protection across the school., • Ensure safeguarding policies and procedures are regularly reviewed and implemented effectively. • Support Designated Safeguarding Leads and ensure appropriate staff training and record keeping. • Promote a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment for all students. Family and Community Engagement • Build strong and trusting relationships with families through open communication and community engagement. • Lead parent conferences, workshops, and school events., • Ensure transparent communication regarding student progress, wellbeing, and school developments. Strategic Development • Contribute to the long term strategic development and growth of the school., • Support accreditation processes and ensure alignment with relevant educational frameworks. • Work with leadership and governance to support responsible financial planning and sustainable development. Candidate Profile Essential • Recognised Montessori qualification (AMI, AMS, or equivalent)., • Qualified Teacher Status or equivalent international teaching qualification., • Significant leadership experience within Montessori and/or international school environments. • Strong understanding of Montessori pedagogy across multiple age groups., • Demonstrated ability to lead staff teams and support professional development., • Strong financial literacy and the ability to understand budgets, resources, and long term planning. • Up-to-date safeguarding knowledge and understanding of child protection responsibilities. • Excellent communication skills in English., • Strong organisational, interpersonal, and leadership skills. Desirable • Experience working with British or international curriculum frameworks., • Experience supporting adolescent or secondary programmes., • Experience with school accreditation processes., • Working knowledge of Spanish and/or Catalan., • Additional qualifications in educational leadership, safeguarding, or special educational needs. The Opportunity This role offers a rare opportunity to lead a growing and ambitious Montessori school in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. Barcelona Montessori School has developed rapidly in recent years and continues to expand its programmes and facilities, serving an international community of families committed to a holistic education. The successful candidate will play a central role in shaping the next stage of the school’s development, supporting the continued growth of programmes from Early Years through Adolescence while maintaining the authenticity of Montessori pedagogy. Beyond the school itself, Barcelona Montessori School aspires to become a Montessori hub for the city, supporting not only students but also families and educators through training, collaboration, and educational initiatives. This position is ideal for a leader who values both educational integrity and thoughtful institutional development and who is motivated by the opportunity to guide a school community with a strong sense of purpose. What We Offer • Competitive salary, • Private health insurance, • Daily meal provision and refreshments, • Relocation support where applicable, • Access to schooling for children of staff members, • Ongoing professional development opportunities, • The opportunity to contribute to the development of a growing Montessori school in Barcelona Safeguarding Barcelona Montessori School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants will be required to provide a recent criminal record check and professional references. How to Apply Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and motivation for the role to: *