Deputy Head of Secondary

Wuxi Dipont School of Arts and Science (formerly Nanwai King’s College School) has been formed through a 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

Wuxi Dipont School of Arts and Science (DSAS) opened in September 2018 with 750 pupils and is now at just under 2,000 students as of September 2021. Remarkable numbers that are testament to the quality of the project, its exciting vision and the support of partners, parents and the wider community.

The facilities at DSAS 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 international 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 in time, our students, who are mostly Chinese, have grown accustomed to the holistic style of education which is very different from the traditional offering at local schools. They have shown real enjoyment in the inquiry-based pedagogy being employed. Every student is involved in co-curricular activities in areas of music and performing arts, service, sports or creative endeavours.

Our exceptional staff contribute significantly to the co-curricular programme, pastoral and house systems and demonstrate great commitment to the students in their care. An excellent CPD programme is available at the school that includes professional development workshops on a range of topics.

About the Role

As pupils enter the lower secondary school level in Grades 7-9, the Chinese curriculum is taught by subject specialists from both Chinese and international backgrounds. We have international teachers in English, Science, Drama, Art, PE and Music.

In grades 9 to 12, DSAS delivers a British-based curriculum that prepares pupils for university entry in the USA, Canada, England, Europe, Australia as well as other countries.

Reporting to the Head of Secondary School, the Deputy Head of Secondary School oversees the school’s academic strategy and curriculum development in collaboration with the Head of Secondary School.

As part of the extended senior leadership team, the Deputy Head of Secondary will contribute to lesson observations and the teaching and learning CPD for colleagues. The successful candidate will forge professional relationships with colleagues, students, parents and the community at large.

The Gifted Students Research Centre

A key additional responsibility for this role will be to take on the leadership of the Gifted Students Research Centre (GSRC). The GSRC is a new initiative designed to enhance and expand the provision for students with high academic abilities or particular talents in Sport, Arts or other areas.

In collaboration with internal subject specialists, external service providers, organisations and universities, the GSRC will develop individualised learning plans and fast-track courses for high achievers from grade 7 and up.

About Wuxi

With a history dating back more than 3000 years, Wuxi is one of the major cities in Jiangsu province. 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 in Binhu District, an area that preserves the historic character of canal-front public spaces, lake scenery and open parkland with high quality residential, business, retail 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.

Wuxi Dipont School of Arts and Science aims for world-class standards in teaching and learning, therefore salary and benefits packages are highly competitive, including high-quality housing, flights for employee and dependents, and medical insurance for employee and 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.

Application Process:

Early application preferred. To submit an application, please click here.   

For further information, please contact oliver.knapman@dipont.com

School website: www.nkcswx.cn