We are seeking an experienced and student-centered Head of Boarding to lead our residential community. This is a senior pastoral leadership role for someone who combines strong management skills with a genuine commitment to adolescent well-being, and who can build a boarding house that feels like a true home away from home for students from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Key Responsibilities

- Strategic Leadership: Set the vision and standards for the boarding program, ensuring it reflects international best practice in residential care and aligns with the school's mission and values.
- Student Well-Being & Safeguarding: Champion a protected, inclusive, and nurturing environment; ensure safeguarding policies are rigorously implemented and that all staff are trained to internationally recognized child protection standards.
- Staff Leadership & Development: Recruit, mentor, and develop House Parents and boarding staff; build a team culture of consistency, warmth, and professionalism across a 24/7 residential operation.
- Pastoral Oversight: Support students' emotional, social, and physical development, with particular sensitivity to the needs of students living away from home and adjusting to a new culture or country.
- Home–School Partnership: Maintain proactive, transparent communication with parents and guardians (including those overseas), keeping them informed of their child's progress, wellbeing, and any concerns.
- Community Life: Cultivate a vibrant boarding community through structured activities, cultural celebrations,



and events that build belonging and intercultural understanding.
- Crisis & Incident Management: Act as the senior point of contact for boarding emergencies and welfare concerns, making sound decisions under pressure in line with school protocol.
- Policy & Compliance: Develop, review, and enforce boarding policies in line with national regulatory requirements and international accreditation standards (e.g., CIS, safeguarding frameworks).

Qualifications & Experience

- Bachelor's degree in Education (required); Master's in Psychology, Social Work, Counselling, or a related field (strongly preferred).
- Significant leadership experience in a boarding/residential setting, ideally within an international school.
- Demonstrated understanding of adolescent development, cross-cultural transition, and the specific wellbeing needs of boarding and international students (including Third Culture Kids).
- Formal safeguarding/child protection training, or willingness to obtain certification.
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and cross-cultural communication skills.
- Ability to lead a diverse team and work collaboratively with school leadership, teaching staff, and families across time zones.

Cochin International School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All post holders are subject to background screening and reference checks in line with our Child Protection Policy. How to Apply: Send your CV and application to [email protected]

📌 Head of Boarding (Kochi)
🏢 COCHIN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
📍 Kochi