Head of Pastoral Care
Description
Head of Pastoral (Designated Safeguarding Lead) The British School of Geneva (BSG)
Full-time, Permanent | Senior Leadership Role | Commencing January 2026
The British School of Geneva (BSG) seeks an outstanding Head of Pastoral to join its Senior
Leadership Team. The successful candidate will also serve as the Designated Safeguarding
Lead (DSL), providing strategic direction for all aspects of pastoral care, wellbeing, safeguarding
and personal development across the school.
BSG provides premium education programmes for local and international students aged 3–18.
Our vision is to be the school of choice in Geneva, where students achieve academic
excellence and develop the life competencies required to thrive in an evolving world.
The Head of Pastoral will lead the school’s pastoral and safeguarding strategy, overseeing the
House and Tutor Systems, the Life Competencies Curriculum, and the Behaviour and Conduct
Policy, ensuring that every student is known, supported and inspired to reach their potential.
We are seeking a leader who:
Has substantial experience in pastoral and safeguarding leadership in a British
independent school or international setting
Demonstrates excellent judgement, empathy and professionalism
Can inspire staff, engage students and build trusted relationships with families
Embodies our core values:
Integrity – acting with honesty, fairness and moral courage
Respect – valuing self and others, celebrating diversity
Ambition – setting high standards and striving for excellence
Resilience – showing determination and self-discipline through challenge
Service – contributing positively through compassion and responsibility
Curiosity – approaching learning with enthusiasm and creativity
Why Join BSG?
A purposeful, caring and internationally minded community
Extensive professional growth opportunities within the International Schools Partnership
(ISP)
The opportunity to shape and strengthen the school’s pastoral and safeguarding culture
A key leadership position within the Senior Leadership Team
Strong alignment with the Mission, Vision and Values of The British School of Geneva
Job Description
Purpose of Role
The Head of Pastoral provides whole-school leadership for pastoral care, wellbeing,
safeguarding and personal development.
As the Designated Safeguarding Lead, the postholder ensures that the highest
standards of child protection, compliance and professional practice are upheld
throughout the school.
The role also leads the House and Tutor Systems, the Life Competencies Curriculum,
and the Behaviour and Conduct Policy, ensuring that every student experiences the
school’s Mission, Vision and Values in daily life.
ISP Principles
Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of
what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both
essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying
potential safeguarding and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all
concerns appropriately.
Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace
similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.
Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and
will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody
the shared ideas of our community.
Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs
of the children, students and our schools.
Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with
personal and professional development and school improvement.
Alignment with Mission, Vision and Values
Mission
The British School of Geneva provides premium education programmes for local
and international students, aged 3-18. Students are immersed into high-quality
teaching and learning, developing their knowledge, skills and experience as they
grow into well-rounded, harmonious individuals.
Vision
The school of choice in Geneva, where students achieve academic excellence and
develop the necessary life competencies through personalised learning and
outstanding international opportunities, in a multilingual environment. As a result,
our graduates secure their chosen future pathway; prepared for the journey ahead
and the challenges of the evolving world.
Values
1. Integrity – We act with honesty, fairness and moral courage in all that we do.
2. Respect – We value ourselves and others, celebrating diversity and
individuality.
3. Ambition – We set high standards, striving for excellence in every endeavour.
4. Resilience – We persevere in the face of challenge, showing determination
and self-discipline.
5. Service – We contribute positively to our community through compassion,
leadership and responsibility.
6. Curiosity – We approach learning with enthusiasm, creativity and an open
mind.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
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Lead the development and implementation of the school’s pastoral and
wellbeing strategy.
Serve as a senior leader contributing to the strategic direction and
accreditation readiness of the school.
Foster a culture in which all students feel safe, respected and motivated to
achieve their best.
Analyse pastoral and wellbeing data (attendance, behaviour, safeguarding) to
drive continuous improvement.
•
Collaborate with academic and operational leaders to ensure coherence
between academic progress and personal development.
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
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Act as the school’s DSL in accordance with Swiss legislation, ISP standards and
BSG policy.
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Lead the identification, management and reporting of all safeguarding
concerns via MyConcern and SAI360.
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Liaise with external agencies, local authorities and families as appropriate.
Ensure all staff receive initial and annual safeguarding training.
Chair the Safeguarding and Child Protection Committee and report regularly to
the Executive Principal.
House and Tutor Systems
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Lead and develop the House System as a vehicle for belonging, pride and
student leadership.
Oversee the Tutor System, ensuring consistent, high-quality daily care for
every student.
Work with admissions and academic staff to assess and identify student needs
both at entry and throughout enrolment.
Coordinate inter-house activities and assemblies that promote teamwork,
service and competition.
Train and mentor tutors and House Leaders to deliver effective pastoral and
Life Competencies sessions.
Behaviour, Conduct and Attendance
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Lead and implement the Behaviour and Conduct Policy, ensuring restorative
and consistent practice.
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Monitor attendance and punctuality, taking action where concerns arise.
Promote positive behaviour and celebrate achievement through whole-school
recognition systems.
•
Support staff in managing classroom behaviour and fostering a respectful
learning climate.
Life Competencies Curriculum
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Design and oversee the Life Competencies Curriculum, focusing on resilience,
empathy, leadership, digital citizenship and global awareness.
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Ensure the curriculum is integrated across tutor time, assemblies and
enrichment.
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Provide staff training and guidance to ensure confident, consistent delivery.
Evaluate and update the programme annually to maintain relevance and
impact.
Community and Partnerships
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Build strong relationships with parents and carers on matters of wellbeing,
behaviour and safeguarding.
Collaborate with external professionals to coordinate comprehensive support
for students.
Represent the school in relevant local and international networks, including
the International Schools Partnership (ISP) Swiss Group of International
Schools (SGIS).
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Promote the school’s pastoral ethos through events, publications and
outreach.
Person Specification
Essential
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Degree and recognised teaching qualification
Proven leadership in pastoral or safeguarding contexts
Deep understanding of safeguarding frameworks and wellbeing practice
Excellent communication, organisation and interpersonal skills
Experience leading teams, tutors or houses
Strong alignment with the Mission, Vision and Values of The British School of
Geneva
Desirable
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Further qualification in pastoral leadership, counselling or child protection
Experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead
Experience in an international or multilingual context
Familiarity with reporting systems such as MyConcern and SAI360
Experience designing or leading Life Competencies or PSHE programmes
Experience in a British independent or international school setting
Skills & Attributes
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Strong leadership and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple
priorities.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to build trust and
collaboration with all stakeholders.
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Deep understanding of inclusion, SEN, and personalised learning strategies.
Data-driven approach to monitoring student progress and evaluating impact.
Commitment to safeguarding, child protection, and promoting the wellbeing
of all students.
ISP Leadership Competencies
You consistently demonstrate and role-model the ISP Leadership Competencies in
all that you do.
1. Collaboration. Takes an active part in leading their school or region; is cooperative
and a genuine team player, developing positive, supportive relationships with
colleagues to solve problems and maximise opportunities.
2. Learning & Getting Better. Continually demonstrates personal commitment and
passion for learning and getting better using evidence and feedback, supporting
others in their continual learning, development and growth.
3. Innovation Leadership. Is good at creating an environment where ideas for learning
initiatives and services are generated and is able to motivate and inspire others
through the process of creation through completion.
4. Outcome driven. Can be counted on to find solutions. Is consistently looking to
exceed goals and is focused on KPIs.
5. Resilience. Can deal with setbacks and challenges calmly and effectively.
6. Community Focus. Is committed to meeting and exceeding the needs and
expectations of our students and their families.
7. Planning & Decision Making. Makes decisions on the best course of action and then
plans, organises, prioritises and balances resources to achieve the desired outcome.
8. Diversity & Equity. Has the sensitivity, awareness and skill to understand the values,
behaviours, attitudes and practices across cultures that supports all children and
adults to learn and work effectively.
ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles
ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young
people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online
due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or
equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.
ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring,
developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender,
ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status,
neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics.
Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to
the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.