Head of Primary School / Headmistress of Primary School

About Us

As a 'small and mighty' not-for-profit international school, we offer a supportive environment and seek leaders and teachers who are committed to contributing to our thriving community of 200 students and 50 staff. We are an inclusive institution focusing on academic excellence and are ranked among the top 10 IB schools in Switzerland. Additionally, we are active members of the Swiss Group of International Schools, strongly embodying inclusivity while welcoming applications from underrepresented groups in international education. We pride ourselves on being family-friendly and provide fully funded places for school-age dependent children.

Job Opportunity

We are in search of an inspiring, knowledgeable, and supportive teaching professional for the role of Head of Primary School. This position is integral to our Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and involves serving as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the Primary School at ISR. We welcome interest from individuals eager to make a long-term commitment to leading and developing the ISR Primary School, advancing our vision and mission. Situated in a beautiful region of Switzerland, we are a community International Baccalaureate (IB) World School.

• Your Role: Head of Primary School
• Workload: 100% Full-Time Equivalent
• Start Date: 1 August 2026
• Location: International School Rheintal, Werdenbergstrasse 17, 9470 Buchs, Switzerland
• Closing Date for Applications: Wednesday, 14th January 2026
• Preliminary Interviews: Monday, 26th January 2026

We are looking for someone who:

• Is a qualified teacher (with qualified teacher status or internationally recognised equivalent) possessing at least a bachelor's degree.
• Has a minimum of 3 to 5 years' experience as an international school leader.
• Demonstrates professional leadership that reflects the vision and values of our school.
• Collaborates closely with teachers and the Leadership Team.
• Possesses the skills, knowledge, and expertise to inspire and promote the highest quality of IB teaching and learning.
• Models best practices with the ability to develop and enhance effective systems.
• Is a passionate, evidence-informed leader with a proven track record of partnership with staff, students, and the wider community.
• Has a fervor for teaching and learning where every student is valued and can succeed.
• Aims to be a teaching head with a teaching load of no more than 8 lessons per week.
• Thrives in a growing school environment, collaboratively laying foundations for the future.

We will provide:

• Happy, engaged, and enthusiastic students who enjoy learning.
• A committed, hardworking, and supportive team within the school.
• Support for your wellbeing to ensure your success as a leader.
• Central services for finance, HR, estates, and IT to enable school leaders to focus on teaching and learning.
• An excellent salary and benefits package.
• The opportunity to live and work in an area of outstanding beauty.
• The chance to make a significant impact on the future design and development of our school during a pivotal time in its evolution.

At ISR, we are dedicated to providing a safe and happy environment where children and young people can thrive and learn. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our pupils, irrespective of race, ability, religion, gender, or culture.

All post holders in regulated activity (having regular unsupervised contact with children) are subject to appropriate national and international vetting procedures, including satisfactory criminal record checks from both your country of residence/birth and any country of residence within the last 10 years.

How to Apply

Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.