Head of Senior School

We are looking for a Head of Senior School for a bilingual school in Chengdu. This leadership role starting in August 2026 for the 2026–27 academic year.

About the school

Located in Chengdu’s Xinjin district, this international school offers a British-style education designed for Chinese students, combining academic rigor with character development and global awareness. With small class sizes and English as the main language of instruction, students benefit from a personalised and bilingual learning environment. The modern campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a wide range of co-curricular programmes that support holistic growth. The school is part of a well-established education group with campuses in the UK and across the world, providing students with access to a global network and international learning opportunities.

About the role

The Head of Senior School sits on the School Management Team and serves as the senior educational leader for the secondary phase. The role provides strategic and operational leadership across academics, pastoral care, student wellbeing, and staff development, working closely with the Head Master, Deputy Heads, and Heads of Department to ensure excellent teaching and learning, strong examination outcomes, and a positive school culture. The Head of Senior School ensures continuity and progression across year groups, supports university preparation pathways, and upholds high standards of safeguarding, behaviour, and professional conduct.

• Lead the Senior School academically, pastorally, and operationally; set vision, targets, routines, and year-level priorities.
• Drive teaching and learning quality, ensuring consistent standards across departments through monitoring, coaching, and line management.
• Oversee curriculum implementation (international programmes and any required Chinese curriculum elements), assessment policy, and reporting cycles.
• Track student progress and outcomes using data; implement interventions to raise attainment and support high performance.
• Ensure strong exam readiness and delivery (IGCSE/A Level or equivalent), including internal moderation and compliance processes.
• Lead university preparation pathways in collaboration with the relevant teams, supporting student guidance and post-16 readiness.
• Promote safeguarding, student wellbeing, and positive behaviour; ensure policies are understood and consistently applied.
• Lead and develop staff: appraisal, professional development, recruitment support, and onboarding of new teachers.
• Strengthen student engagement through enrichment, competitions, trips, and wider school life.
• Build strong parent communication and community relationships; represent the Senior School at key events (open days, information sessions).
• Work closely with boarding leads (if applicable) to ensure safe, compliant, and supportive Senior School boarding provision.
• Manage budgets, resources, timetabling priorities (as applicable), and accurate operational records; contribute actively to SMT decision-making.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or above in a relevant field (Master’s degree preferred).
• At least 3 years’ experience in a senior leadership / management role in a secondary school (e.g., Head of School, Deputy Head, Head of Secondary, Assistant Head).
• QTS or equivalent teaching qualification; experience in bilingual/international school settings.
• Strong knowledge of secondary curriculum and assessment systems (e.g., IGCSE/A Level, IB, AP, or equivalent).
• Proven ability to lead teams, improve teaching quality, and deliver strong student outcomes.
• Strong student-centred approach with a clear commitment to wellbeing, safeguarding, and staff development.

Salary and benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Monthly housing allowance of 3,500 RMB
• Air-ticket allowance of 11,000 RMB
• Public holidays
• Summer and Winter holidays
• Medical health insurance