Executive Principal

Nanwai King’s College School is one of two new school development projects in China initiated through partnership between the highly successful Chinese education management group, Dipont Education, and the prestigious King’s College School, Wimbledon. A third partner in Wuxi is Nanjing Foreign Language School, one of China’s leading schools. At capacity, the whole school will serve over 3,100 students from 3 to 18 years of age.

About the School

The school opened in September 2018 with over 800 pupils enrolled, a remarkable starting number which is testimony to the quality of the project, its exciting vision and the support of partners, parents and the wider community. There is great interest in places for 2019/20 which will lead to significant further growth in student numbers.

The facilities at Nanwai King’s College School Wuxi are outstanding. We have successfully developed an educational environment that makes the most of our world-class campus and combines the best of Chinese and western approaches to learning and academic excellence, in a context of first-rate pastoral support and opportunities to excel outside the classroom.

In a very short space of time, our students, who are mostly Chinese, have embraced the holistic style of education and inquiry-based pedagogy being employed. Every student is involved in co-curricular activities whether they be areas of music and performing arts, service, sports or creative endeavors.
We have exceptional staff who also contribute significantly to the co-curricular programme, offering over 100 opportunities for our students. They demonstrate real commitment to the students in their care and have a great sense of collegiality and passion for the school.

About Wuxi

With a history dating back more than 3000 years, Wuxi is one of the major cities in Jiangsu province and located in the Yangtze River delta. Traditionally a canal town, it is a thriving city economically and developing further at a rapid pace with a resident population of around 6 million. Located only 45 minutes by train from Shanghai, it benefits from being part of the economic hub in East China but retains a sense of its long and rich history. The Taihu New City development is a 500 hectare site in Binhu that preserves the historic character of canal-front public spaces, lake scenery and open parkland whilst creating high quality residential, homes, business and recreational facilities. Local government has also moved to the Binhu District, and the city’s infrastructure, beautiful parks and recreational areas around the school are excellent and an easy place to live for families and single teachers alike.

About the Role

Accountable to the Board of Governors, the Executive Principal has overall responsibility for the management of all personnel - ensuring harmonious and collaborative working practices throughout the campus. This is achieved through:

• Visionary leadership and the effective management of a senior leadership team comprising of heads for each educational section and various pastoral, boarding and administrative staff.
• Fostering an ongoing culture of professional development for both Chinese and expatriate educators throughout the campus.
• Working closely with the Chinese Principal in order to respond effectively to Chinese cultural expectations and to ensure all government requirements are fulfilled.
• Respecting the high standards achieved by King’s College School, Wimbledon and Nanjing Foreign Language School and emulating their success within Nanwai King’s College School.

This exciting, challenging and high-level role commands a very attractive salary and benefits package commensurate with a position of this seniority. In addition to a highly competitive salary, benefits include: high quality housing, business class flights, bonus scheme and medical insurance for employee plus dependents. Full tuition support will be provided for any successful applicant with school age children. The position will be offered on an initial three-year contract term with annual renewal thereafter.

Applications are invited from candidates with:

• Significant previous school leadership experience in managing large scale schools and the vision to drive the school forward.
• The ability to view the campus as one entity and be highly visible and accessible in his/her management style.
• Excellent professional presence and well-developed people skills.
• The ability to create a team culture and to innovate and inspire.
• A passion for international educational development.

Application process

To submit an application, please email a CV and covering letter to Vanessa Cumbers, Recruitment Director: vanessa@explorecrs.com or please contact Ms Cumbers for an information pack and informal discussion. Early application preferred.

A start date of August 2019 is preferred, but a January 2020 start date could also be accommodated depending upon the availability of the successful applicant. 

Start date: August 2019 (or January 2020)

School website: www.nkcswx.cn