Executive Head of Kindergarten

About the School

Wycombe Abbey School Hangzhou is a K-12 Coeducational Bilingual British style boarding and day school in Hangzhou, China. There are currently around 600 pupils on roll. The school opened in 2021. The school is an Accredited Member of COBIS and a member of the BSA.

Kindergarten follows the EYFS curriculum and from Year 2 to Year 10 there is an integrated curriculum. Pupils take IGCSE and A Level examinations in the Upper School.

Wycombe Abbey Hangzhou is one of three Wycombe Abbey Schools in the mainland of China, there is also a school in Hong Kong. The ‘mother’ school is Wycombe Abbey Uk.

The school is located about 30 minutes from the centre of Hangzhou. Hangzhou is the 4th largest city in China with a population of about 10 million. The 19th Asian Games took place in Hangzhou in September 2023. Hangzhou is one of the ancient capitals of China and has been a commercial and cultural centre since the 6th Century CE. Famous for its silk industry and the tourist attraction West Lake, the city is now a bustling tech hub. The HQ of Alibaba is based in the city. It is a modern forward looking and cosmopolitan city.

About the Opportunity

We are seeking to recruit a highly motivated Senior School Leader, to lead the school through the next period of exciting development. The role would ideally start from August 2024 onwards.

In the role of Executive Head of Kindergarten, you will be responsible for working with the Lower School Leadership team and the Executive Headmaster.

The successful candidate will have a demonstrable track record of outstanding senior educational leadership, preferably with experience in British style international schools.

This is a perfect opportunity for a middle leader wanting to experience all the wonders of China and Asia, alongside the opportunity to shape the delivery of international education at a high-quality education establishment. As a relatively small school setting, it would suit an ambitious and experienced middle leader seeking to step up Senior Leadership.

To find out more about us please take some time to look at our website. Interested candidates should also download the job profile and person specification for greater detail.

About the Person

You will be a clear thinking, strategic leader and a committed team player who demonstrates a collaborative approach to working with others. You should have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain strong and positive relationships with all of the school’s stakeholders. The ideal candidate for this exciting and challenging role will be able to demonstrate:

-      UK-based teaching qualifications and experience.

-      A proven track record of achievement in senior leadership at all-through schools (3-18 years)

-      Substantial experience of working in a British international school environment - outside the UK in a multi-lingual, multi-cultural setting is desirable but not essential.

-      A passion and a drive for excellence at all levels and developing teachers so that they deliver quality teaching and learning experiences for their students.

-      The ability to lead change and achieve sustained improvements through engagement with stakeholders and working collaboratively with colleagues towards the achievement of common goals.

Please note that candidates unable to demonstrate the key criteria outlined above will not be considered for this post.

Benefits of working for Wycombe Abbey Group

Wycombe Abbey Group is a small but ambitious group of schools educating some 2500 pupils in China and HK. Plans are well developed for an expansion into the Far East and South East Asia. Key reasons to work at a Wycombe Abbey School include: Opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across China and Asia, Enhanced professional development and opportunity for career development and movement within the group.

The Process and how to apply

Applications should be submitted by email and should include a CV along with a letter of application, detailing how you feel your skills and experience meet those contained within the role profile. You should also include the names and email contacts of three referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer.

Closing date for applications is 1st May 2023 

 Initial selection interviews with qualified candidates will take place virtually on a rolling basis as applications are received.

Safeguarding – Wycombe Abbey School Hangzhou is committed to safeguarding children and young people. As part of the school’s commitment to safeguarding, all post-holders are subject to background checks and will be required to present either a DBS certificate alongside a current update from the DBS service, or an International Child Protection Certificate administered by ACRO https://www.acro.police.uk/icpc/ (if ever worked or lived in the UK).

The successful applicant will also be required to present the background checks outlined above, along with original and notarised copies of their qualifications. 

Further Details:

Further details of job responsibilities are available at attached documents.

Full details of our school are available at www.waisgc.com.

Any queries should be forwarded to the Head of HR: Ms. Euroda Wan (careers@waishz.com).