Deputy Primary School Prinicpal (f/m/d)

The OPPORTUNITY

BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School is seeking an inspiring, collaborative and highly organised Deputy Primary School Principal to join our vibrant, internationally minded learning community.

Located between Berlin and Potsdam, BBIS brings together students, families and educators from more than 60 countries. Our community is shaped by diversity, curiosity, compassion and a shared commitment to ensuring that every student is known, valued and supported.

As we implement our Strategic Plan 2026–2028, we are looking for a Deputy Principal who combines a deep understanding of children and learning with strong organisational skills, emotional intelligence and a forward-thinking approach to leadership.

PURPOSE

Working in close partnership with the Primary Principal, the Deputy Primary School Principal supports the educational leadership, student experience and effective daily operation of the Primary School.

The position has particular responsibility for student support and wellbeing, supporting the implementation of our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), promoting a positive and engaging student life, and overseeing the day-to-day organisation of the Primary School.

Through these responsibilities, the Deputy Principal helps create the conditions in which students flourish, educators focus on high-quality teaching and learning, and families feel connected to a caring and responsive school community.

For further information to this position and BBIS please click here.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES

EDUCATIONAL AND STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP

• Work collaboratively with the Primary Principal to support the implementation of the BBIS mission, learning principles and Strategic Plan 2026–2028
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive and learning-focused culture that values relationships, collaboration, international mindedness and professional accountability.
• Support the Primary Principal and PYP Coordinator in strengthening teaching and learning, student agency and inquiry-based educational practices
• Use student learning data, assessment evidence, educational research and professional reflection to inform instructional practices, monitor progress and contribute to school improvement
• Encourage creativity, innovation and future thinking, helping the school anticipate and respond to the evolving needs of learners, educators and the international school landscape
• Support relevant IB, CIS and MSA accreditation and evaluation processes

STUDENT SUPPORT, MTSS, WELLBEING AND SAFEGUARDING

The Deputy Principal takes an active leadership role in student support services, promoting wellbeing and strengthening inclusive practices across the Primary School.

• Support the day-to-day implementation of MTSS within the Primary School, working collaboratively with Student Support Services and under the overall leadership of the Primary Principal
• Work closely with learning support specialists, EAL teachers, the counsellor, classroom teachers and Learning Assistants to ensure coordinated and responsive support for students
• Understand student support processes, including the identification of student needs, planning and monitoring interventions, reviewing individual learning and wellbeing plans, and ensuring appropriate follow-up
• Participate in student support meetings and facilitate effective communication and collaboration among teachers, families and relevant specialists.
• Lead day-to-day pastoral responses to student wellbeing and behavioural concerns, promoting restorative practices and developmentally appropriate approaches to behaviour
• Support the development and consistent implementation of positive behaviour expectations and practices across the Primary School
• Serve as an active member of the BBIS Safeguarding Team, contributing to the implementation and review of safeguarding policies and procedures and ensuring that concerns are appropriately identified, documented, reported and escalated
• Promote a strong culture of safeguarding across the Primary School, supporting staff in understanding and fulfilling their safeguarding responsibilities

STUDENT LIFE

The Deputy Principal contributes to a vibrant, inclusive and engaging Primary School experience in which students develop a strong sense of belonging, build positive relationships and participate actively in school life.

• Promote a positive and engaging Primary School experience that strengthens student belonging, wellbeing and community
• Coordinate Primary School assemblies, celebrations and community-building activities that recognise student achievement and reflect the BBIS mission and values
• Collaborate with the Whole School Leader of Athletics and Activities, PYP Coordinator and teachers to support meaningful learning experiences beyond the classroom, including co-curricular activities, service learning and outdoor learning
• Promote student voice, agency and leadership, creating opportunities for students to contribute to school life and make a positive difference
• Support the Primary School's Peacemakers programme and other initiatives that strengthen positive relationships and conflict resolution
• Support the transition and integration of new students in collaboration with Admissions, teachers and families
• Participate in school events, performances and community activities, including relevant events outside regular school hours

OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND DAILY ORGANISATION

The Deputy Principal has direct responsibility for coordinating the effective day-to-day operation of the Primary School, within the overall accountability of the Primary Principal.

• Coordinate Primary School timetables, schedules and supervision arrangements in consultation with the Primary Principal, PYP Coordinator and relevant colleagues.
• Manage daily staff cover, substitutions and staffing adjustments to ensure continuity of teaching and learning
• Coordinate the deployment and scheduling of Learning Assistants and substitute teachers, taking account of student needs and available resources
• Support the coordination of the Primary School calendar, including assemblies, events, trips and other activities
• Liaise with school-wide operational teams, including Facilities, Potsdam Bus, Catering, IT and Activities, to ensure the smooth running of the Primary School.
• Develop and maintain effective operational procedures and communication systems that promote efficiency, consistency and collaboration
• Anticipate and respond to operational challenges with sound judgement, flexibility and a solutions-focused approach, prioritising student safety, wellbeing and learning

PEOPLE LEADERSHIP, RELATIONSHIPS AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

• Build positive, trusting and respectful relationships with students, colleagues and families
• Lead and support the Primary School Learning Assistant team, promoting clear expectations, effective collaboration and professional growth
• Support the Primary Principal in staff supervision, appraisal, coaching and professional development, as delegated
• Foster a collaborative and trusting professional culture that encourages shared responsibility, distributed leadership and continuous learning
• Contribute to the recruitment, induction and mentoring of Primary School staff
• Model empathetic, principled and inclusive leadership, approaching challenges and difficult conversations with fairness, discretion and sound judgement

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY

• Develop strong partnerships with families, communicating clearly, respectfully and sensitively across cultural and linguistic differences
• Participate in parent meetings, workshops and community events, particularly in areas related to student support, wellbeing and Primary School life
• Represent the Primary School positively and professionally within the BBIS community and wider educational networks
• Champion diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and international mindedness, working collaboratively with colleagues across the school to strengthen a shared sense of community
• Deputise for the Primary Principal when required, maintaining professional confidentiality, following BBIS policies and procedures, and keeping the Primary Principal appropriately informed of significant matters
• Undertake other reasonable duties as agreed with the Primary Principal

YOUR QUALIFICATION

We are seeking a skilled and compassionate educator who combines strong interpersonal and organisational capabilities with a commitment to high-quality international education.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A recognised teaching qualification and substantial successful experience in primary education, including demonstrated leadership experience
• A strong understanding of inquiry-based teaching and learning, preferably within the IB Primary Years Programme
• Knowledge of inclusive education, student wellbeing and effective student support practices, including experience with MTSS
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to coordinate schedules, staffing arrangements and competing operational priorities
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively within a diverse international community
• A collaborative and empathetic leadership approach that values trust, coaching, professional growth and shared responsibility
• A strong commitment to safeguarding, positive student behaviour and creating a safe, caring and inclusive learning environment
• Curiosity, adaptability, resilience and a future-focused mindset, with enthusiasm for educational innovation and continuous improvement

Previous experience in an international school, formal school leadership, MTSS implementation or IB programme leadership would be advantageous.


AN INVITATION TO LEAD

At BBIS, we believe that strong relationships, thoughtful leadership and effective systems create the conditions for students and educators to flourish. We welcome applications from collaborative, compassionate and forward-thinking educators who are excited to work alongside a committed Primary Leadership Team and contribute to the continued development of our Primary School.

OUR OFFER

The successful applicant’s contract will start on 1 August 2027. The deadline for applications will remain open until 04 December 2026. Candidates should note, however, that in the event outstanding applicants are identified early in the search process, BBIS reserves the right to make an appointment. For this reason, it is important that interested candidates apply as soon as possible.

Salary and Benefits will be competitive with other international schools in Germany.

About us

BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School is an independent, state-approved, English-medium day and boarding school serving the internationally minded community of Germany's capital region and beyond. Committed to inclusion and a global outlook, BBIS is one of Europe's leading International Baccalaureate (IB) schools, proudly offering all three IB programmes – the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Diploma Programme (DP), from primary through secondary to university preparation. In the current school year, our school teaches around 900 students representing over 75 nationalities.


WORKING AT BBIS MEANS:

• Having an impact. With professional competence and enthusiasm, we are improving the educational level day by day – and you too can make a difference on this journey.
• Continuous growth. We provide professional training and induction to set you up for success in your role.
• Pushing boundaries. Everyone matters equally, taking on new challenges together alongside inspiring colleagues from all over the world.
• Having fun at work and beyond. Join our team events – there's always something to celebrate! Or make use of our fitness facilities to find your balance.
• Feeling at home. Enjoy our green campus, our relocation service, and our international, open-minded community.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND ANTI-RACISM

Inclusion is at the heart of our core values at BBIS, reflecting our mission to inspire every member of our learning community to become a responsible, compassionate global citizen. We actively welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including those who identify as BIPOC, those with (dis)abilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those traditionally underrepresented in the international school community.


SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

BBIS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We follow international 'Safer Recruitment' protocols. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including a 10-year employment history check, satisfactory references, and enhanced police checks (erweitertes Führungszeugnis) from all countries in which you have lived for more than 6 months during the last 10 years.


MANDATORY LEGAL CHECKLIST & SAFER RECRUITING

To comply with German legal requirements and our high Safeguarding and CIS accreditation standards, the following documentation is required before the start of employment:

• Work Permit: Valid German permit preferred; visa support available for long-term commitments.
• Measles Immunity: Medical proof (if born after 1970).
• Degrees: Original certificate + official proof of comparability.
• Background Checks: Police clearances from all countries of residence (needed early for mandatory Unterrichtsanzeige).
• Chronological CV: Complete professional history overview (CIS requirement).
• Safeguarding Training: Mandatory BBIS session (invitation follows).
  

YOUR APPLICATION PROCESS:

• Step 1: Submit your CV or professional profile (e.g. via Search Associates or LinkedIn) through our BBIS careers page. Please ensure your professional history is listed chronologically, in line with international safeguarding standards.
• Step 2: Join a first conversation via video call (approx. 45 minutes).
• Step 3: Visit our BBIS campus (approx. 60 minutes).
• Step 4: Provide contact details of at least two professional referees, including your current or most recent supervisor. Confidential vetting is a mandatory part of our safer recruiting process.
• Step 5: Complete the final verification of your documents from the Mandatory Legal Checklist, followed by official feedback and/or a contract offer.

We look forward to receiving your application!