Enter a job title or keyword
Whole School Head of Boarding (mfd)
Job Location:
Monthly Salary:
Posted:
21 August 2026 (19 days ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
18 November 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
General
Job Start:The start date is flexible and can be agreed within the coming months. A start date in August 2027 can also be accommodated if preferred.
Contract:full-time (40 hours / week)initially fixed-term for 2 years followed by the option of a subsequent employment contract with an infinite duration
Location:KönneritzstraßeLeipzig Germany
Contract:full-time (40 hours / week)initially fixed-term for 2 years followed by the option of a subsequent employment contract with an infinite duration
Location:KönneritzstraßeLeipzig Germany
The Head of Boarding provides strategic and operational leadership for the Leipzig International School Boarding House creating a home away from home where every boarder feels safe known supported and able to thrive.
Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team and colleagues across the school the Head of Boarding ensures that boarding is an integral part of the learner experience at LIS. The role fosters a culture of belonging wellbeing independence and personal responsibility while ensuring the Boarding House operates safely effectively and in accordance with all relevant legal safeguarding and regulatory requirements.
Leipzig International School is a learning community where people feel known and there is a genuine sense of belonging. Learning and the experience our learners have each day sit at the heart of everything we do.
The Boarding House extends this commitment beyond the school day providing a supportive residential community where learners develop independence build meaningful relationships and experience a true home away from home.
Your tasks and responsibilities
Leadership and Culture
- Lead the strategic development and day-to-day operation of the Boarding House.
- Foster a residential culture built on belonging wellbeing inclusion respect and personal responsibility.
- Ensure boarding reflects the mission vision values and educational philosophy of Leipzig International School.
- Promote continuous improvement through collaboration reflection and evidence-informed practice.
Student Wellbeing and Safeguarding
- Provide overall leadership for the residential experience creating a home away from home where every boarder feels safe known supported and able to thrive. The Head of Boarding assumes overall responsibility for the welfare safety and wellbeing of all learners while they are living in the Boarding House acting at all times in their best interests.
- Lead the schools residential safeguarding and wellbeing practices in collaboration with counselors nurses safeguarding leads and school leadership.
- Promote positive behaviour through restorative relationship-based practices that encourage responsibility accountability and respect.
- Ensure all boarding operations comply with safeguarding requirements German legislation and school policies.
Boarding Life and Student Experience
- Develop a balanced boarding life programme that supports wellbeing community cultural engagement and personal growth while respecting students independence and the diverse ways they choose to spend their free time.
- Create appropriate evening and weekend opportunities that encourage recreation social connection exploration of Leipzig and intercultural understanding without over-programming students time.
- Encourage student voice and leadership enabling boarders to contribute meaningfully to the life of the Boarding House.
- Support learners in developing the independence resilience and practical life skills needed to flourish away from home and prepare for university and adult life.
Operations and Compliance
- Ensure the safe effective and efficient operation of the Boarding House.
- Develop implement and regularly review boarding policies procedures and residential practices.
- Oversee staffing student records travel arrangements residential systems facilities emergency planning and regulatory compliance.
- Work collaboratively with operational teams to maintain a safe welcoming and well-resourced residential environment.
People Leadership
- Recruit develop lead and support the Boarding House team.
- Foster a collaborative caring and accountable team culture.
- Promote professional learning coaching and continuous development while ensuring appropriate staffing and supervision.
Family and Community Partnerships
- Build strong partnerships with parents and guardians through open timely and transparent communication.
- Work collaboratively with teachers principals counselors and support staff to ensure a coherent learner experience.
- Strengthen connections between the Boarding House and the wider LIS community.
Financial Stewardship
- Manage the Boarding House budget responsibly and ensure resources are used effectively to support learners and the ongoing development of boarding.
Professional Expectations
The Head of Boarding will:- Model the mission vision and values of Leipzig International School.
- Demonstrate integrity professionalism sound judgement and discretion.
- Build positive relationships with learners colleagues families and the wider community.
- Maintain the highest standards of safeguarding confidentiality and professional conduct.
- Engage in ongoing professional learning and contribute positively to the life of the school.
- Undertake other duties reasonably assigned by the Head of School or Commercial Director that support the effective operation of the Boarding House and the wider school.
Your profile
Essential
Desirable
- Bachelors or Masters degree in Early Childhood Education Child Care Social Work Social Pedagogy or a comparable qualification such as State Approved Educator.
- Experience leading a boarding residential pastoral wellbeing or comparable educational environment.
- Experience leading and developing teams.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
- Excellent leadership communication organizational and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to build an inclusive caring and culturally responsive residential community.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
Desirable
- Experience in an international school.
- Knowledge of German boarding regulations and safeguarding requirements.
- Experience using boarding management systems.
- First Aid qualification or willingness to obtain one.
- B2 level German would be of advantage.
What we offer
- A vibrant diverse and supportive school community.
- Opportunities for professional growth in a globally connected environment.
- A chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our learners as they grow into confident internationally-minded individuals.
- A dynamic and diverse workplace that continues to develop best teaching and learning practice
- The chance to engage in the life of the International School in the beautiful city of Leipzig; a historic green vibrant university city that is safe well-connected and in the cultural heart of Europe
- Company benefits such as company pension scheme supplementary health insurance moving allowance JobRad leasing financial support for a German language course etc. (Awarded the designation of a Socially Responsible Employer)
About us
Leipzig International School GmbH (LIS) is a warm and vibrant non-profit educational community dedicated to fostering learning growth and global citizenship. Serving nearly 1100 students from local and international families our school offers an enriching experience from kindergarten through secondary school including integrated before- and after-school care. Guided by our motto Learning to be a citizen of the world we celebrate diversity internationality and inclusivity providing a nurturing environment where students thrive academically socially and personally.
Supported by a dedicated team of 250 staff members from 37 nations LIS ensures a stimulating and supportive learning journey for every child from their first steps into education to achieving university entrance qualifications. Our symbol the lion reflects the courage strength and resilience we nurture in our students qualities that empower them to embrace challenges and transform their lives. At LIS we are proud to inspire a brighter future through education and to foster a community where every individual belongs and grows.
LIS is an inclusive learning community and does not discriminate on the basis of race skin colour religion gender gender expression age national origin ancestry disability marital status or sexual orientation.Required Experience:
Director
About Company
L eipzig International School GmbH (LIS) is a warm and vibrant non-profit educational community dedicated to fostering learning, growth, and global citizenship. Serving nearly 1,100 students from local and international families, our school offers an enriching experience from kinderga ... View more
