Principal

This is a fantastic opportunity to join our successful International school in Quito, Ecuador, as Principal from August 2022.

About the School

British School Quito (BSQ) https://britishschoolquito.edu.ec/ is Ecuador's only truly British international school, where the English National Curriculum is taught with strong links to local language and culture. We are proud of our joint British-Ecuadorian roots and have a very strong reputation in the local and international community resulting in growing numbers and opportunities for expansion.

BSQ is a foundation, with the sole purpose of providing education. We are an IB World School, accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools. We are licensed and accredited by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Education. 

The school is located in the beautiful Cumbaya valley to the East of Quito and 20 minutes from the airport.  The school has an ICT lab, science laboratories, art and music facilities, a cafeteria, playgrounds, swimming pool and a sports field.  We have a central library with an auditorium area for assemblies and productions and rich opportunities for outside play.  Academic standards are high with many graduates going on to study in the world’s top universities. 

About the Opportunity  We are seeking to recruit a highly motivated and experienced Principal, Head Teacher, or Senior School Leader, to lead the school through the next period of exciting development. The role is due to start from August 2022 and an excellent remuneration package is available.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an intelligent, ambitious, and energetic Senior Leader, to impact and shape the delivery of international education at a high-quality education establishment.

In the role of Principal, you will be responsible for working with the Orbital Leadership team and local stakeholders to drive the strategic direction of the school, in addition to overseeing the operational leadership of the Heads of School.

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

Interested candidates should also download the job profile and person specification for greater detail.

About the person

Applicants must have a relevant Bachelor’s degree from a reputable UK University (or equivalent), Qualified Teacher Status, with either a PGCE or BEd from the UK, and a minimum of 3 years whole school leadership experience in a maintained, independent or international British style school.

You will be a visionary, 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:  

• A proven track record of achievement in senior leadership positions at all-through schools (4-18 years)  
• Substantial experience of working in a British international school environment outside the UK in a multi-lingual multi-cultural setting  
• 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

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

Benefits of working at an Orbital Education School 

Orbital Education https://orbitaled.com/ focuses on delivering  the very best in British education to its students around the globe. It’s an expanding group with schools already in Spain, Hungary, Slovenia, China, Russia, Ecuador and the Middle East, with exciting plans to develop new schools across the globe. 

Key reasons to work at an Orbital Education School include:

1. Opportunities to collaborate with colleagues and students on an international scale.

2. Enhanced professional development opportunities, through partnerships with specialist learning providers to offer recognised and accredited professional development programmes.

3. Enhanced opportunities for future career development and movement within the group, providing opportunity to see the world whilst progressing an attractive and rewarding career.

Living and working in Quito

Quito, its Ecuador’s capital city.  At 2,850m above sea level it is the highest official capital city in the world and is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in South America. It’s stunning architecture that serves as a reminder of Ecuador’s history, sits alongside it’s beautiful landscape, nestled between the mountains of the Andes. 

The city has a relaxed, welcoming, and friendly environment, and a pleasant climate all-year-round because of its elevation and proximity to the equator.  Average afternoon temperatures are approximately 21 °C and average night-time lows of approximately 10 °C.

Quito is located within 20 kilometres of an International airport with regular flights to Europe, the US, and wider region.  Click here to find out more about the reasons to live and work in Ecuador. 

The Process and how to apply 

Your application 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.

Applications should submitted to recruitment@orbitaled.com, quoting “Principal Quito” in the subject line.

Closing date for applications is 15th December 2021 - However early applications are encouraged to avoid disappointment as we anticipate significant interest in this position.

Initial selection interviews with qualified candidates will take place virtually on a rolling basis as applications are received.  Arrangements for final stage interview will be shared with individuals ahead of final stage.

Due to anticipated levels of interest we regret that we will not be able to feedback to all candidates. Therefore, if you have not heard from us prior to 31st December 2021, please assume that on this occasion your application has not been successful.

Safeguarding – British School of Quito 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 / DBS / ACRO Child Protection certificate. The successful applicant will also be required to present the background checks outlined above, along with original and notarised copies of their qualifications.  The British School, Quito is an Equal Opportunities employer.