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 are looking for leaders and teachers who are driven to contribute to our thriving community of 200 students and 50 staff. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive school with a focus on academic excellence, consistently ranking in the top 10 IB schools in Switzerland. Our membership in the Swiss Group of International Schools reflects our commitment to quality education. We actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups in international education and are family-friendly, providing fully funded places for school-age dependent children.

We are searching for an inspiring, knowledgeable, and supportive individual to fill the role of Head of Primary School. This position is part of our Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and will include responsibilities as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the Primary School at ISR. We welcome candidates eager to make a long-term commitment to leading and developing the ISR Primary School while advancing the vision and mission of our growing institution. Our community is recognized as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School located in a stunning region of Switzerland.

• 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 of January 2026
• Preliminary Interviews: Monday, 26th of January 2026

We are looking for someone who:

• Is a qualified teacher (with qualified teacher status, or internationally recognized equivalent) with, at a minimum, a bachelor's degree.
• Has 3 to 5 years' experience as an international school leader.
• Will provide 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, equipped with the knowledge to develop and enhance effective systems.
• Is a passionate, evidence-informed leader with a proven track record, committed to partnering with the leadership team, staff, students, and the wider community.
• Has a passion for teaching and learning that values and supports every student's success.
• Desires to be a teaching head with a maximum teaching load of 8 lessons per week.
• Thrives in a growing and developing school environment, collaborating to lay foundations that will last for generations.

We will provide:

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

At ISR, we are dedicated to providing a safe, happy environment where children and young people can thrive and learn. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our pupils, regardless 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 or birth and any country of residence within the last 10 years.

How to Apply

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.