Head of Grade

We are seeking this role to start in July 2026, negotiable

Responsible to: Vice Principal (Senior School)
Responsibility Allowance Level: 3
Please Note: The ability to teach a discipline of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme would be seen as an advantage.

Main Working Relationships:

Vice Principal (Senior School), Assistant Principal (Safeguarding), Assistant Principal (IBDP Coordinator) Learning Coordinators, fellow Head of Grades, Tutors, Teachers, Students and Parents.

Overall Purpose of this Post:

To support all students to make appropriate personal and academic progress based on an individualised approach to holistic education.

Under the general direction of the Vice Principal (Senior School), the Head of Grade has responsibility for the pastoral care and progress of students within the four pillars of learning at SJI International - the academic programme, service, co-curricular activities and outdoor education.

Duties:

The duties outlined in this job description are in addition to those expected of a Classroom Teacher. It may be modified by the Principal, with your agreement, to reflect or anticipate changes in the job, commensurate with the salary and job title.

Staff Management

1. Lead a team of Tutors and chair team meetings.
2. Support the professional development of Tutors.
3. Review and develop the quality of pastoral care delivered by the team.
4. Ensure that Tutors facilitate effective Tutor Group and Enrichment Period sessions.
5. Update Tutors of changes to school policy.
6. Liaise with subject leaders (HODs/HOFs) to develop learning and student outcomes.
7. Be involved in decision making and policy development across the school.
8. Co - Lead expeditions in grades 7 to 9 or 10 to 12

Student Progress

1. Manage the Grade's reporting process. Supervise the team of Tutors in the production of reports ensuring that deadlines are met and that the reports are of requisite quality.
2. Monitor the academic progress of individual students by reviewing student reports and data, and following up, where required, with students, parents and teachers.
3. Monitor the participation and engagement of students within their Enrichment Programme, and ensure expectations are met with regards to commitment to Service, CCA and Outdoor Education
4. Take part in and lead organisation of Parent/Teacher Consultation evenings, and organise parent/guardian meetings and case conferences with appropriate personnel as required.
5. Ensure effective transitions between one stage of school life and the next. This may include the Elementary to High School transition / Selection of IGCSE subjects / Selection of IBDP subjects.
6. In conjunction with the Vice-Principal (Senior School) and the Senior Council students, organise the Orientation Programme for the relevant grade. Develop an Induction Programme for new students who are admitted late, ensuring the best possible integration into the student body.
7. Communicate specific student needs to all members of staff, as appropriate (including specific Learning Development needs, health issues etc).
8. Write and research references as requested.
9. Oversee the organisation of regular Grade assemblies.

Student Welfare

1. Get to know all students in the year group as well as possible.
2. Regularly communicate with parents/guardians of students in the year group, and develop positive working relationships with the Parent Support Group (Meeting regularly with the PSG).
3. Refer students to Assistant Principal (Safeguarding) and Deputy Safeguarding Lead when there is a need for counselling.
4. Work collegiately with the Learning Support Department, particularly regarding students with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties (hold regular Support Service Meetings).

Attendance

1. Promote and celebrate good attendance and punctuality.
2. Ensure that Tutors register effectively, and that they intervene with students/parentswhen absence within the Tutor Group becomes a concern.
3. Monitor Grade attendance and punctuality, and develop intervention strategies toaddress any problems identified.
4. Liaise with Learning Coordinators and the Vice Principal (Wellbeing & Achievement) concerning intervention for persistent absentees.

Student Behaviour and Engagement

1. Celebrate and recognise achievement within the year group, and organise celebratory assemblies or share information in newsletters etc.
2. Reinforce all aspects of the Behaviour for Learning Policy. In particular liaise with the the Vice-Principal (Senior School) and Tutors to ensure that high standards of behaviour and uniform are maintained, and oversee records of behavioural issues.
3. Implement monitoring arrangements of our most vulnerable students or those with a high frequency of behavioural issues (such as Report Cards or PSP).
4. Keep parents/guardians informed about any issues involving their child (positive or negative).
5. Provide opportunities for positive interaction within the Grade for example end of term socials.

Other duties and responsibilities
Be a positive professional role model.

1. Set high expectations.
2. Show diligence in resource allocation and deployment.
3. Show due care in Risk Assessment and Health & Safety procedures.
4. Promote cohesion and collegiality in the pastoral team.

Teaching and additional expectations as per normal expectations of a Teacher.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.