Head of Secondary

About the School - The English Montessori School (TEMS):
Forover 50 years, The English Montessori School is an established British School that combines the benefits of a British education with aspects of the Montessori pedagogy. As well as our high academic standards, we have an exciting enrichment curriculum and a strong student leadership structure. This ensure our pupils are ready for life by being socially engaged, with a good level of emotional intelligence, independent and self-disciplined.

A reputation for academic excellence and an exciting opportunity to work within a global organization

Large campus in a great location in Madrid (Aravaca) with a state of the art campus being built for 2025

Confident, independent and welcoming pupils

Friendly and committed staff

Excellent professional development and career opportunities

The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Head of Secondary to join our fantastic team.

About Cognita:
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 86 schools in 21 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, "Thrive in a rapidly evolving world".

At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world, wherever they’re starting from. And each and every one of our schools is unique too.

We protect what’s special about them, while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger. We open their classrooms to the collective wisdom of over 86 schools in 21 countries, ensuring every child gets an education that’s, quite literally, world class.

It’s an individual approach that empowers every school, teacher and student to focus on what they do best and thrive.

About the Role:

This is a big role with real influence. Day to day, you will:

Set the direction. Lead strategy and operations for Key Stages 3–5, and drive the School Improvement Plan and three-year Strategic Plan as a core member of SLT.

Raise the bar on teaching and learning. Champion the Cognita Teaching Standards, observe lessons, share what works and make sure teaching is challenging, inclusive and consistently good.

Lead and grow people. Line-manage Heads of Subject, the Head of Sixth Form and the Examination Officer; coach middle leaders, run performance management and help recruit and induct new staff.

Own results. Track progress across IGCSE and A Level, run pupil-progress meetings, analyse mock, predicted and actual grades, and act fast where pupils need support or stretch.

Keep pupils safe and thriving. Uphold rigorous safeguarding, lead behaviour, attendance and wellbeing, and make sure pupils with additional needs get the right support.

Partner with parents. Build positive, proactive relationships, and guide families through IGCSE, A Level and post-16 and university pathways.

Guide every pupil's next step. Lead KS2–3 transition, subject choices, and Sixth Form planning for UCAS and universities in Spain, the UK and beyond.

Make school life bigger than the classroom. Champion a broad enrichment offer, trips and student leadership, and build partnerships with local organisations and universities.

Run a tight ship. Manage the Secondary budget, timetable, curriculum, calendar and compliance, and deputise for the Headteacher when needed.

Who We Are Looking For:

A recognised teaching qualification (PGCE, QTS or equivalent).

Experience in a British curriculum or international…