Career opportunities

Current Vacancies

 

Key Stage 2 Class Teacher (Full Time)

Barlavento International School is seeking a warm, enthusiastic and inspiring Key Stage 2 Class Teacher to join our growing international school community from September 2026.

As we enter an exciting new phase of growth, including the development of our new campus and expansion into secondary education, we are looking for a teacher who combines creativity, strong teaching practice and a genuine passion for helping children flourish academically, socially and emotionally.

About the Role

The successful candidate will:

 
  • Deliver engaging, rich and differentiated learning experiences within Key Stage 2
  • Foster a warm, positive and purposeful classroom environment
  • Support children’s academic progress, confidence and emotional wellbeing
  • Build strong and professional relationships with pupils, families and colleagues
  • Contribute positively to the wider life and community spirit of the school
  • Embrace a holistic and internationally-minded approach to education

 

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will have:

  • Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an equivalent internationally recognised teaching qualification
  • Experience teaching within Key Stage 2 and a strong understanding of the English National Curriculum
  • Excellent classroom management and communication skills
  • A nurturing, child-centred and adaptable approach
  • Creativity, enthusiasm and a sense of humour
  • The ability to work collaboratively within a small and supportive school environment

Experience within an international or multicultural setting would be an advantage, although not essential.

 

What We Offer

 

  • A friendly, supportive and collaborative school community
  • Small class sizes and motivated pupils
  • A meaningful opportunity to contribute to the growth of a developing international school
  • A beautiful location in the Western Algarve, close to some of Portugal’s most stunning coastline
  • Competitive salary appropriate to a smaller independent international school in Portugal
  • The opportunity to make a genuine difference within a caring and ambitious school community

At BIS, we believe that happy children learn best. We are looking for a teacher who shares that philosophy and who will help our pupils continue to thrive.

 

To Apply

Please send:

  • A CV
  • A letter of application
  • Details of two professional referees

Volunteering

We are happy to welcome volunteers who want to share their expertise or wish to gain experience in a school environment. Volunteer activities include reading with children, intervention work and lesson support across the subjects.

If you are interested in volunteering with us or would like to send your information for future job opportunities, please complete and submit the form below, attaching your CV.

 

Safeguarding Information

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children in our care and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Volunteers must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and a criminal record check.

Internship Placements

 

We welcome applications from intern students who are studying towards, or who already hold, a teaching qualification. We can offer intern placements in both Key Stage 1 and 2 following the English National Curriculum adapted to life here in Portugal. We prefer candidates who can commit to at least 3 months.

The intern placement duties include assisting individual or small groups of pupils during lessons, supporting the teacher or team teaching, working towards increased whole class teaching responsibility and some supervisory duties around school.

The internship will allow you to experience day-to-day life in a dynamic education environment, in which you will:

– work alongside our experienced teaching staff
– work closely with your assigned mentor
– have regular lesson observations with feedback and growth opportunities
– have time to team teach and shadow experienced teachers across the school in subjects that are relevant to your course.

Accommodation

Intern candidates must make their own arrangements for board and lodging, but we are happy to help.

Application for an Internship

To apply for an internship, please complete and submit the form below, attaching your CV.

Safeguarding Information

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children in our care and expect all staff and interns to share this commitment. Interns must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and a criminal record check.

Intern Testimonials

“My 14-week Erasmus internship at Barlavento International Primary School was an unforgettable experience. From day one, I was warmly welcomed and felt fully integrated into the school team. I had the opportunity to actively participate in all activities and explore a variety of subjects, making my experience incredibly diverse. Each week, I had a feedback session with my mentor, who was not only very helpful and engaged but also provided me with valuable insights to further develop my skills. The school itself was extremely supportive, ensuring that I felt like a valued member of the teaching team. I would highly recommend it to anyone considering an international internship!”
Rinke – Howest University, Belgium

Application form

 

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