Deputy Head (Pastoral) – International School

About the role

The International School in Nairobi seeks a Deputy Head (Pastoral) to lead its pastoral care framework across Early Years, Primary, Secondary and A‑Level phases. Reporting to the Head of School, you will ensure the wellbeing, safety and holistic development of a diverse student body.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee and continuously improve the school’s pastoral care, safeguarding and child protection systems.
• Develop and implement policies on behaviour, attendance, wellbeing and inclusion.
• Supervise pastoral leaders, counsellors, safeguarding teams and student support staff.
• Coordinate interventions for students needing behavioural, emotional or learning support.
• Build strong partnerships with parents through proactive communication and engagement initiatives.
• Monitor pastoral data and trends to drive evidence‑based improvements.
• Lead crisis management and student welfare responses as required.
• Contribute to whole‑school strategic planning and policy development.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Counselling, Psychology or a related field (preferred) or a Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field.
• 7‑10 years of experience in education with significant pastoral leadership in an international or high‑performing school.
• Proven track record in safeguarding, behaviour management, wellbeing and inclusion programmes.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and collaborating with senior leadership.
• Strong understanding of international curricula and pastoral systems across multiple age phases.

Required skills

• Excellent communication, conflict‑resolution and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build relationships with students, staff and parents from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Safeguarding and child‑protection certification/training (strongly preferred).

What we offer

• Competitive salary Ksh 300,000 – 350,000 per month.
• Medical cover.
• 100 % tuition fee for one child and 50 % for a second child.
• Opportunities for training and professional development.