Head of Primary School

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The Post

The British School of Ulaanbaatar seeks a fully qualified new Head of Primary School to commence in August 2024.

Applicants should -

• Have a passion for learning, with experience of current best practice including child-led learning;
• Be committed and hard working, with high expectations of themselves and the children in their care;
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills;
• Be able to incorporate IT in their practice;
• Possess humour, energy, flexibility and a positive outlook;
• Have UK or equivalent teaching qualifications;
• Have at least 3 years teaching experience;

Responsibilities

• Be an energetic, innovative and enthusiastic professional with experience of leading a successful team.
• Lead and manage the Primary team, ensuring that staff are motivated, well-trained, and committed to delivering high-quality education to our students.
• Can work effectively with other school leaders, helping to promote and embed the school’s mission and vision statements.
• Will be responsible for managing all staff, Programme/curriculum content and assessment for the school and will also support in the academic management of the school.

This is for an initial contract period of two academic years from August 2024 to July 2026 with the opportunity to renew thereafter. Prior training in the delivery of the National Curriculum of England and Wales is essential, and previous employment in the UK or international schools following a British-style curriculum is highly desirable.

In addition to the teaching commitment commensurate with this post, BSU has an active extra-curricular activity programme to which all teachers are expected to contribute. We particularly welcome applicants with a desire to play an active role in the community of UB and beyond.

Please see the attached the calendar for Academic Year 2024-25 for additional details.

The School

Founded in 2012, the British School of Ulaanbaatar is one of the leading schools in Central Asia, with a shared vision of providing our students from the ages of three to eighteen with an education for the world, encompassing academic excellence and personal growth through challenge. We are proud of our academic record and the range of educational experiences provided for our students of all ages. The School follows curricula provided by Cambridge International, preparing students for IGCSEs and A-Levels. The vast majority of our graduates matriculate to international universities of high standing across the globe. The School welcomes expatriate and Mongolian families alike whilst retaining a family and community atmosphere.

BSU is a member of the Association of British Schools Overseas (AoBSO) the Council of British International Schools (COBIS), gaining Patron’s Accreditation in 2018 and full BSO accreditation in 2022. We are also a member of the UNESCO Associated Schools Network and achieved membership of the Council of International Schools (CIS) in June 2023.

The Location

Mongolia’s capital city, Ulaanbaatar, is where a modern cityscape lies adjacent to ancient lamaseries and ger districts. The city supports a diverse social life where local and expatriate communities mix freely and easily. Direct flights to several global hubs including Seoul, Tokyo, Frankfurt and Istanbul are available, and additionally to more remote domestic destinations.

Ulaanbaatar is surrounded by striking landscapes in easy reach with opportunities to enjoy outdoor pursuits and unique cultural experiences. The freedom to participate in trekking, riding, skiing, cycling and camping enables the more adventurous to explore the lakes, forests, mountains and deserts of this beautiful country.

The climate in Mongolia is one of extremes, but the low humidity makes both summer and winter far more bearable than the temperatures would otherwise suggest. Frequent periods of high pressure give rise to clear, blue skies which allow colleagues to enjoy the dramatic scenery. Severe air pollution which once blighted Ulaanbaatar has improved considerably in the last six years due to government initiatives concerning the use of smokeless fuels.

Terms and Conditions

The initial contract period will start on 12th August 2024 at the outset of the induction and onboarding period for new colleagues. Salaries are competitive and based on experience. Other benefits include full remission of tuition fees at the School for dependent children, medical insurance, and flight and luggage allowances at the start and end of the contract period. Furnished accommodation on or near the School campus is available and is the preference of the majority of expatriate staff. Full details of terms and conditions will be provided following successful interviews.

How to apply

To apply for this position, the following information is required.

• A completed TES online application form, with full details of your qualifications, professional training and all prior employment, and a letter of application detailing your interest in and suitability for the position including all skills and attributes you wish to bring to our attention;
• The contact details of a minimum of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer (Head of School/Principal or Chair of the Governing Body).

All required documents should be submitted to the School via the TES Portal. The closing date for applications is Friday 5th April 2024. Early submissions are welcomed as interviews will take place online as soon as possible and the School reserves the right to appoint candidates before the above deadline. The recruitment process will take place online and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The British School of Ulaanbaatar is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment. The School’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and Whistleblowing Policy are included in this advertisement, and we advise all interested parties to read them prior to application.

Those applicants successful in the interview process must expect to be subject to full background and reference checks and the provision of personal and medical information as required for entrance to Mongolia. Referees will be asked to certify applicants are not subject to any ongoing safeguarding or disciplinary investigations and are unaware of any factors that preclude working with children. Applicants from the U.K. will undertake a vetting and barring check prior to arrival in Mongolia, with equivalent checks made for those of other nationalities. Additionally, copies of certificates of good conduct will be required from all countries of prior residence and employment. Applicants must understand any form of prior criminal activity or convictions held on their permanent record will bar them from employment with BSU and residency in Mongolia.