Deputy Headteacher - Secondary (Pastoral Leadership)
Rainbow International School Uganda
Kampala, UG
Full-time
Posted 2d ago
Job Description
Rainbow International School Uganda is a 2 – 18 years day and boarding coeducational school in Kampala, Uganda. We cater for both Primary and Secondary students on a shared site and the two sections are supportive of each other, served under the leadership of two Headteachers who report to the school’s Principal. The school serves a mixture of expatriate and Ugandan families. As one of the most established, reputable and largest international schools in the country, we deliver the EYFS and IPC curricula in our Early Years and Primary sections respectively, English National curriculum at Key Stage 3 and Cambridge IGCSE and Advanced Level in Key Stages 4 and 5. We also offer BTEC Level 3 courses as an alternative pathway to University.
The Post:
Rainbow International School Uganda is seeking an inspiring, approachable and forward-thinking Deputy Headteacher to lead and develop pastoral provision within our Secondary section. We are looking for a dedicated educational leader who is passionate about student wellbeing, safeguarding, inclusion and creating a positive school culture in which every student feels safe, valued and empowered to achieve their full potential.
The successful candidate will be an experienced member of a Middle Leadership Team (MLT) or Senior Leadership Team (SLT), with a strong background in pastoral leadership and a proven ability to support school improvement. They will be a visible presence throughout the school, building positive relationships with students, staff and parents while promoting high standards of behaviour, attendance, personal responsibility and academic achievement.
This is an exciting opportunity for a committed leader who can combine strategic thinking with a hands-on approach to pastoral care, staff development and student support. The post holder will work closely with the Headteacher and wider leadership team to strengthen pastoral systems, promote a culture of mutual respect and ensure that safeguarding and student welfare remain central to school life.
Key responsibilities:
• Lead and develop pastoral systems that promote positive behaviour, excellent attendance, student wellbeing and a strong sense of belonging.
• Support the effective implementation of safeguarding policies and procedures, working collaboratively with the Designated Safeguarding Lead and relevant colleagues.
• Monitor student progress, behaviour and wellbeing, implementing appropriate interventions to support individual needs.
• Build effective partnerships with parents and carers, communicating professionally and working collaboratively to resolve concerns.
• Support and develop colleagues through effective communication, coaching, mentoring and professional development.
• Contribute to whole-school strategic planning, school improvement initiatives and the development of a positive learning culture.
• Help coordinate the school's after-school enrichment programme, promoting students' interests, talents, leadership skills and wider personal development.
• Promote the responsible use of educational technology and AI to enhance learning, communication and student engagement.
The successful candidate must:
• Have proven experience in an MLT or SLT role, with a significant focus on pastoral leadership.
• Have experience working in an international school and a strong working knowledge of the British curriculum, including IGCSE, A-Level and BTEC pathways.
• Demonstrate excellent knowledge of safeguarding, student welfare, behaviour management, inclusion and pastoral intervention.
• Be an effective communicator who can motivate colleagues, build trust and establish positive relationships with students and families.
• Demonstrate strong organisational, strategic planning and problem-solving skills, with the ability to lead change and improve school systems.
• Be committed to high standards of teaching and learning and to the academic and personal development of every student.
• Be proficient in Google Workspace and educational technology, with an understanding of the responsible and effective use of AI in education.
• Be willing to contribute to the wider life of the school, including extracurricular activities and enrichment opportunities.
Qualifications:
• Applicants must hold a recognised teaching qualification, such as a Bachelor of Education, PGCE, PGDE or QTS, and be registered as a qualified teacher.
• Applications from candidates able to teach Modern Foreign Languages (MFL), BTEC, Geography or Business are particularly welcome. The ability to teach a specialist subject at an appropriate secondary level, including A-Level where applicable, would be an advantage.
The package:
• Competitive salary.
• Medical insurance in Uganda, with possible extension to East Africa.
• Family medical cover (for overseas hires)
• Three-year initial contract.
• Free furnished accommodation within the school's budget (for overseas hires).
• Annual flights (for overseas hires and their families).
• Baggage allowance for overseas hires (employee only).
Apply via Schrole. Complete the application form, attach an application letter (addressed to the Principal) and a detailed CV (with a passport photo on the top page) as well as the relevant qualifications mentioned above. Documents attached should be in PDF format.
The application letter should state how the candidate meets the points listed in the “Experience” sections.
In the CV, please include the names and contact details of three professional referees (employers/line managers), one must be your current/most recent Headteacher / Head of School.
Closing date: Thursday, 12th November 2026
*Early applications are encouraged. We reserve the right to appoint prior to the closing date.
Rainbow International School Uganda is a safer recruitment school and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate child protection screening and rigorous background checks (including contacting previous employers). The successful candidate must possess a valid passport (if non-Ugandan) or valid National ID card (if Ugandan) and will be asked to process an ICPC/Interpol check/Police Clearance certificate from the country of current residence/employment after the interview, copies of Police Clearance Certificates from Countries where the candidate has lived or worked in the past, birth certificate, recent notarised copies of relevant academic documents, yellow fever card and a pre-employment fit for work certificate (as well as any other documents that may be required by the immigration office for non-Ugandans and their family members).
We are an Equal Opportunities Employer (EOE)
The Post:
Rainbow International School Uganda is seeking an inspiring, approachable and forward-thinking Deputy Headteacher to lead and develop pastoral provision within our Secondary section. We are looking for a dedicated educational leader who is passionate about student wellbeing, safeguarding, inclusion and creating a positive school culture in which every student feels safe, valued and empowered to achieve their full potential.
The successful candidate will be an experienced member of a Middle Leadership Team (MLT) or Senior Leadership Team (SLT), with a strong background in pastoral leadership and a proven ability to support school improvement. They will be a visible presence throughout the school, building positive relationships with students, staff and parents while promoting high standards of behaviour, attendance, personal responsibility and academic achievement.
This is an exciting opportunity for a committed leader who can combine strategic thinking with a hands-on approach to pastoral care, staff development and student support. The post holder will work closely with the Headteacher and wider leadership team to strengthen pastoral systems, promote a culture of mutual respect and ensure that safeguarding and student welfare remain central to school life.
Key responsibilities:
• Lead and develop pastoral systems that promote positive behaviour, excellent attendance, student wellbeing and a strong sense of belonging.
• Support the effective implementation of safeguarding policies and procedures, working collaboratively with the Designated Safeguarding Lead and relevant colleagues.
• Monitor student progress, behaviour and wellbeing, implementing appropriate interventions to support individual needs.
• Build effective partnerships with parents and carers, communicating professionally and working collaboratively to resolve concerns.
• Support and develop colleagues through effective communication, coaching, mentoring and professional development.
• Contribute to whole-school strategic planning, school improvement initiatives and the development of a positive learning culture.
• Help coordinate the school's after-school enrichment programme, promoting students' interests, talents, leadership skills and wider personal development.
• Promote the responsible use of educational technology and AI to enhance learning, communication and student engagement.
The successful candidate must:
• Have proven experience in an MLT or SLT role, with a significant focus on pastoral leadership.
• Have experience working in an international school and a strong working knowledge of the British curriculum, including IGCSE, A-Level and BTEC pathways.
• Demonstrate excellent knowledge of safeguarding, student welfare, behaviour management, inclusion and pastoral intervention.
• Be an effective communicator who can motivate colleagues, build trust and establish positive relationships with students and families.
• Demonstrate strong organisational, strategic planning and problem-solving skills, with the ability to lead change and improve school systems.
• Be committed to high standards of teaching and learning and to the academic and personal development of every student.
• Be proficient in Google Workspace and educational technology, with an understanding of the responsible and effective use of AI in education.
• Be willing to contribute to the wider life of the school, including extracurricular activities and enrichment opportunities.
Qualifications:
• Applicants must hold a recognised teaching qualification, such as a Bachelor of Education, PGCE, PGDE or QTS, and be registered as a qualified teacher.
• Applications from candidates able to teach Modern Foreign Languages (MFL), BTEC, Geography or Business are particularly welcome. The ability to teach a specialist subject at an appropriate secondary level, including A-Level where applicable, would be an advantage.
The package:
• Competitive salary.
• Medical insurance in Uganda, with possible extension to East Africa.
• Family medical cover (for overseas hires)
• Three-year initial contract.
• Free furnished accommodation within the school's budget (for overseas hires).
• Annual flights (for overseas hires and their families).
• Baggage allowance for overseas hires (employee only).
Apply via Schrole. Complete the application form, attach an application letter (addressed to the Principal) and a detailed CV (with a passport photo on the top page) as well as the relevant qualifications mentioned above. Documents attached should be in PDF format.
The application letter should state how the candidate meets the points listed in the “Experience” sections.
In the CV, please include the names and contact details of three professional referees (employers/line managers), one must be your current/most recent Headteacher / Head of School.
Closing date: Thursday, 12th November 2026
*Early applications are encouraged. We reserve the right to appoint prior to the closing date.
Rainbow International School Uganda is a safer recruitment school and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate child protection screening and rigorous background checks (including contacting previous employers). The successful candidate must possess a valid passport (if non-Ugandan) or valid National ID card (if Ugandan) and will be asked to process an ICPC/Interpol check/Police Clearance certificate from the country of current residence/employment after the interview, copies of Police Clearance Certificates from Countries where the candidate has lived or worked in the past, birth certificate, recent notarised copies of relevant academic documents, yellow fever card and a pre-employment fit for work certificate (as well as any other documents that may be required by the immigration office for non-Ugandans and their family members).
We are an Equal Opportunities Employer (EOE)