Assistant Head (Phase) - Early Years: Foundation Stage (Local or Expat Contract)

General

We are seeking a well-qualified, enthusiastic, committed and inspirational leader to join our Early Years team as Assistant Head (Phase). The successful candidate will bring strong leadership experience and a deep understanding of early childhood education, with the ability to inspire and support colleagues, foster a nurturing and stimulating learning environment, and ensure the very best outcomes for 160 children aged 3–5.

Their first experience of school, and the start of yours as one of our leaders. Most children at St. Paul’s start their journey in our Early Years. This is where curiosity takes hold, friendships form and a love of learning begins. We’re looking for a leader who will make those first years outstanding, with a particular focus on giving every child a firm foundation in English, where almost all our learners have it as an additional language.

Why now?

St. Paul’s is at a pivotal moment. A renewed Junior School vision, a new Early Years development plan and a fresh leadership team are shaping what the next chapter of the school looks like, and we want someone in the room who will help write it, not inherit it.

This is a rare chance to make your mark at the very start of this new chapter. The practices, culture and expectations you set in our Foundation Stage will help continue to shape the school our children grow into.

About us:

St. Paul’s was founded in 1926 and was the first school in South America to receive accreditation from the UK government as a British School Oversees. Fully coeducational, with about 1,000 pupils, aged from 3 to 18, it is a school with history and tradition, but which embraces innovation, contemporary values and the latest in digital learning. We are a world-class school, and an international member of HMC and IAPS, and a member of COBIS and the LAHC. We are proud of our local, national and international reputation and we constantly strive to improve the opportunities for our pupils and staff. Our recent BSO inspection judged us as a leading British School overseas, and you can download the report from our website. Our exceptional facilities place teaching and learning at the heart of the school.

School Values

All staff are expected to conduct themselves in line with the school’s values which are:

KINDNESS, INTEGRITY, ASPIRATION, INCLUSION, RESPONSIBILITY, ADVENTURE

Watch a video of the school:

More details about the school can be found at www.stpauls.br

Your Main responsibilities

• Lead the Phase. Set the strategic and day-to-day direction for teaching, learning and care across our Early Years, while keeping a class of your own.

• Build strong English foundations. Lead a rich, language-led Early Years approach so every child, whatever their home language, gains confidence in English.

• Shape the whole Junior School. Sit on the Junior Leadership Team and help build the Junior School Development Plan, policy and self-evaluation.

• Grow great people. Line manage, mentor and coach the Early Years team. Lead induction and professional reviews, and be the leader colleagues want to work for.

• Raise the bar further. Use observation, professional dialogue and assessment data to spot who needs a nudge and who needs a stretch, and act on it.

• Champion every child. Lead safeguarding, wellbeing and behaviour within the Phase, with particular care for children learning in a new language or settling into a new country.

• Own the Foundation Stage. Take responsibility for EYFS compliance, records and policy, so our youngest learners get the very best start.

• Bring it to life. Lead assemblies, presentations, events and enrichment that our families will remember.

Closing date 26 November 2026 at 5pm.

Start date: August 2027 for an expat requiring a work visa in Brazil or January 2027 for a local professional who does not require a work visa.

Application Details

Please ensure your entire application is in English. Applications will be reviewed as they arrive, and the school reserves the right to interview and appoint at any time.

Benefits to be confirmed based on the selected candidate’s status: expatriate or local.

For expatriate candidates, we offer comprehensive relocation support and the chance to live in one of the world’s most vibrant cities, if you’re not already here! For both local and expatriate candidates, we offer a competitive package and professional development opportunities.

“It only took a matter of months for me to fall in love with Brazil: the warmth of its people; their optimism and zest for life; their willingness to help strangers and their ever-readiness for a party! This, against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty, incredible wildlife and some of the best beaches I have ever seen make Brazil an unrivalled country to call home away from home. More locally, São Paulo is an elating metropolis to live in: I love how diverse it is demographically; how green and leafy it is; the excellent arts and culture options; the food offering is second-to-none and the nightlife is awesome. In all, São Paulo (and Brazil) are the best places to live if you value good people, fun, quality of life and heady adventure.” - Mr Jonathan Tarrant, Head of English in Senior School.

Safeguarding

St Paul’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and voluteers to share this commitment. All applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the job, including checks with past employers and other checks to ascertain their suitability to work with children.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

St Paul’s is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We recognise the value of diverse environments and strive to promote a culture in which all pupils, staff and members of the school community are welcomed and supported to fulfil their potential, regardless of their background or personal characteristics. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair treatment, embarrassment, discrimination, bullying and harassment.

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

• A recognised teaching qualification (Pedagogia, PGCE, QTS or international equivalent), with significant and recent successful classroom experience in Early Years.

• Experience supporting children who are learning English as an additional language (EAL).

• Confidence in using data and assessment to inform practice, while maintaining a strong focus on each individual child.

• A commitment to research-informed practice and continuous professional development.

• Previous middle or senior leadership experience is desirable.

Personal Attributes & Leadership Skills:

• A calm, reflective and resilient leader who is solution-focused and maintains a sense of humour.

• A warm and effective communicator who builds trusting relationships with colleagues and parents, including when navigating difficult conversations.

• Ambition, a clear vision for Early Years and the ability to inspire and support others are essential.