Head of secondary

A Private School is seeking an experienced and inspirational Head of Secondary to lead our Cambridge Lower & Upper Secondary, IGCSE, and A-Level programmes (Years 7–13).

Contract Type: Full-Time (40+ hours per week)

Curriculum: Cambridge Lower & Upper Secondary, IGCSE OL, AS & A Level

Year Groups: 7–13

Key Responsibilities

1. Ethical Leadership & Professional Conduct

- Serve as a role model of professionalism, integrity, and fairness.

- Uphold safeguarding, child protection, and inclusion as top priorities.

- Foster positive relationships with students, staff, parents, and the wider school community.

- Ensure decisions are evidence-based, transparent, and accountable.

2. School Culture & Ethos

- Establish and maintain a culture of high expectations, academic ambition, and personal responsibility.

- Promote resilience, respect, and responsibility among students.

- Encourage attendance, punctuality, and engagement in both academic and extracurricular life.

- Contribute to the whole-school vision, values, and long-term strategic direction.

3. Curriculum & Teaching

- Oversee the design, delivery, and evaluation of the Cambridge Lower & Upper Secondary, IGCSE OL, AS and A-Level curriculum.

- Ensure breadth, balance, and consistency in schemes of work, assessment, and exam preparation.

- Monitor and improve the quality of teaching and learning through lesson observations, learning walks, and departmental audits.

- Ensure provision meets the needs of EAL and SEND learners.

- Track student attainment and progress, implementing interventions as needed.

4. Behaviour & Attitudes

- Lead the development and implementation of a consistent behaviour and discipline policy suited to secondary students.

- Promote student ownership of learning and conduct, fostering a respectful and safe school environment.

- Reduce incidents of poor behaviour and exclusions through proactive pastoral systems.

- Ensure accurate record-keeping of attendance, punctuality, and behaviour data.

5. Professional Development of Staff

- Provide clear leadership, direction, and support to Heads of Department and teaching staff.

- Identify training needs and coordinate targeted CPD aligned with school priorities and staff development.

- Build leadership capacity within the secondary team.

- Conduct staff appraisals, monitor teaching standards, and provide constructive feedback.

6. Organisational & Operational Management

- Lead and manage the organisation of timetables, assessments, reporting cycles, and examinations.

- Oversee exam readiness, ensuring compliance with Cambridge International regulations.

- Ensure smooth transitions for students at key stages (e.g., Year 9–10, Year 11–12, post-AL destinations).

- Collaborate with administrative staff to ensure efficient communication with parents and stakeholders.

7. Working in Partnership

- Build strong, effective communication channels with parents and carers.

- Work closely with the Principal, SLT, and Heads of Faculty to ensure whole-school alignment.

- Represent the school positively in the wider community and foster external partnerships.

- Contribute to whole-school events, projects, and initiatives that enhance student experience.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

- Bachelor’s degree in Education or subject-specialist degree with PGCE/QTS (or international equivalent).

- Master’s Degree in Education or related field (school leadership, education leadership & management)

- Minimum 5 years’ leadership experience in a Cambridge or British curriculum secondary school.

- Proven track record of raising academic standards and improving student outcomes.

Strong knowledge of IGCSE OL, AS and A-Level curriculum and assessment requirements.

- Experience in leading teams, managing change, and developing staff.

Skills & Competencies

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

- Strong organisational and time-management abilities.

- Strategic thinker with the ability to balance vision with practical delivery.

- Confident in using data to drive improvement.

- Ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion, empathy, and fairness.

Personal Attributes

- High levels of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.

- Inspirational leader who motivates staff and students.

- Culturally aware, adaptable, and committed to international education.

- Resilient, agile, proactive, and solution-oriented.

Salary & Benefits

- Competitive salary (commensurate with experience).

- Housing allowance and/or relocation package (if applicable).

- Continuous professional development opportunities.

- Opportunities for career progression within ICan School.