Deputy Head Teacher - Pastoral

Job title

Deputy Head of Secondary – Pastoral

Location

Kampala, Uganda

Salary range and package detail

Net salary ~$3,500 per month, Accommodation provided, School places, Annual flights, Medical insurance

All figures are net, making this a highly competitive package in the context of Kampala’s very affordable cost of living.

Start date

Flexible for the right candidate

About the school

This is a well-established, highly regarded K–12 international school in Kampala, with a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and a warm, inclusive community. The school serves a diverse international student body and delivers a rigorous, internationally recognised curriculum in English, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and character to succeed at leading universities and in life beyond school.

The school places great importance on the holistic development of every student. Pastoral care, student wellbeing, and enrichment are central to its identity — not an afterthought. The Deputy Head of Secondary – Pastoral will play a key leadership role in the Secondary School, working closely with the Head of Secondary, Year Heads, Heads of Department, and the wider Secondary Leadership Team to ensure that every student feels known, supported, and inspired to grow beyond the academic curriculum.

Key areas of responsibility include student voice, enrichment and extracurricular provision, assemblies, celebration and event days, Year 10 work experience, student wellbeing, and the ongoing development of a positive, inclusive school culture. This is a role that combines strategic leadership with hands-on pastoral practice — and it will suit someone who loves both.

Who will thrive here?

This school will particularly suit educators who are genuinely passionate about the whole-school experience and the difference that outstanding pastoral care makes in young people’s lives. You will thrive here if you bring warmth, high expectations, and the organisational drive to turn good intentions into great outcomes. Leaders who enjoy being visible and present in school life, who are energised by events, student voice, and community-building, and who can balance the demands of leadership with the rewards of continued classroom teaching, will find this a deeply fulfilling place to work. The school’s international community is welcoming and collaborative, and it rewards people who bring initiative, creativity, and genuine care.

Life in Kampala

Kampala is one of East Africa’s most vibrant and energetic cities — a place of seven hills, warm hospitality, and a growing international community that makes settling in remarkably easy. English is the official language of business and education, which means day-to-day life is accessible from day one. The city offers a surprisingly varied social scene, with a wide range of international restaurants, live music, markets, and cultural events, alongside a close-knit expat network built around schools, sports clubs, and community organisations.

One of Kampala’s greatest draws is its affordability — a comfortable, high-quality lifestyle is very achievable on an international teacher’s salary, particularly when accommodation and school places are included. Beyond the city, Uganda is breathtaking: home to mountain gorillas, vast national parks, and the shores of Lake Victoria, it offers weekend adventures that few postings can rival. For educators who want to live well, give back, and experience something genuinely different, Kampala is a compelling choice.

Required qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status or an equivalent recognised teaching qualification
• A minimum of five years’ teaching experience in an accredited international secondary school or a UK-based school
• A minimum of two years’ experience in a formal middle or senior leadership position
• Demonstrable experience of pastoral leadership or significant pastoral responsibility

Essential skills

• Strong organisational and project-management skills, with the ability to lead initiatives from planning through to implementation
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive and productive relationships with students, staff, and families
• A deep commitment to student wellbeing and personal development across the full secondary age range
• Experience organising events, programmes, or extracurricular activities at a school level
• The ability to work collaboratively within a leadership team while taking clear ownership and accountability for designated areas of responsibility
• Flexibility and a genuine willingness to contribute to school life beyond normal teaching hours when required
• A strong understanding of the varied needs of students across different secondary year groups

Safeguarding skills and qualities required for international teachers

The safety and wellbeing of every student is of the highest priority. All candidates must be able to demonstrate:

• A thorough understanding of child protection principles and a commitment to maintaining a safe school environment at all times
• The ability to recognise indicators of abuse, neglect, or welfare concerns, and to respond appropriately and without delay
• Cultural sensitivity and an awareness of how safeguarding responsibilities present across diverse international contexts
• A willingness to engage in ongoing safeguarding training and to remain up to date with best practice
• Sound professional judgement and clear boundaries in all interactions with students and families
• A commitment to reporting concerns promptly and working fully within the school’s safeguarding policies and procedures

Who we are – chk Education

chk Education is a leading boutique search firm specialising in international education recruitment. We work with a carefully selected portfolio of outstanding schools worldwide, connecting exceptional teachers and educational leaders with opportunities that genuinely match their ambitions and values. We take a personal, expert approach — taking the time to understand both our candidates and our client schools — and we hold ourselves to the highest standards in service quality and safeguarding.

How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a covering letter to:

rachael@chkeducation.com

If this role isn’t quite right for you, but you are looking to secure an international teaching or leadership position, please reach out to Rachael with your preferences and she will be able to explore other opportunities with you.

Due to the number of applications we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

In some of the countries where our client schools operate, there are upper age restrictions related to the issuance of visas and work permits. If you have any questions regarding this, please do not hesitate to ask.

chk Education utilises safer recruitment procedures to ensure compliance with child protection requirements in all employment processes. The policies for safer recruitment are aligned with best practice and the International Taskforce for Child Protection. We hold ourselves to a high standard of effective practices in relation to child protection and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We expect all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject, but not limited to, various background and security checks including receipt of satisfactory references, proof of qualifications, identification and police checks, including overseas checks.

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