Founding Head of School

FOUNDING HEAD OF SCHOOL
MERCHISTON CASTLE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SHENZHEN, CHINA

The opportunity     

The opening of Merchiston Castle International School Shenzhen (MCISS) in September 2018 creates an exciting opportunity for an exceptional educational leader to shape and then lead a new co-educational boarding school in Shenzhen, Southern China.

Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh

Merchiston Castle School was founded in the centre of Edinburgh in 1828 by Mr Charles Chalmers. In 1833, under the name of Merchiston Castle Academy, the School moved to its second location, the old Merchiston Tower (now part of Edinburgh Napier University) with a total of 30 boys. In 1930, the School moved to its present site, a 100 acre campus situated on the southern edge of Edinburgh, in the conservation village of Colinton; the buildings are surrounded by beautiful parkland which includes extensive playing fields.

School ethos

In today’s School, traditional Scottish elements, such as the wearing of the kilt for formal occasions, are very prominent, and the Pipe Band features frequently in school life. Rugby is played enthusiastically throughout the School, and indeed the annual fixture against The Edinburgh Academy, which has now been played continuously for over 150 years, is the longest established inter-club match in existence anywhere in the world.  The School’s ethos is based on people and relationships, and particular importance is attached to the development of personal character and moral values in the pupils. The atmosphere, although in some respects formal, is also one of pleasant and relaxed collaboration between pupils and staff and is encapsulated in the School’s motto  ‘Ready ay Ready’.

Merchiston Castle International School Shenzhen

MCISS will offer a rigorous British independent co-educational school curriculum, culminating in IGCSE and GCE A Level for international students aged 7 – 18. The campus will be purpose built, designed to evoke the ethos and values of Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh, while creating the kind of innovative learning spaces in which a truly 21st century education can take place. There will be a significant boarding facility on site for older students.

The successful candidate will have a global perspective and proven record of relevant leadership in education.

How to apply

Applications should consist of a letter explaining your suitability for and interest in the position, a three hundred word statement of educational philosophy and your current résumé. Applicants should also provide the names and full contact details of three referees, one of whom should represent their current employer. Short listed candidates must be able to provide a recent DBS/PVG check, police clearance certificate or similar record of non-criminality demonstrating that there is no reason why they cannot work with children.

The application should be addressed to Mr. Paul Cabrelli of Consilium Education, who are conducting the search on behalf of the School and sent to info@consiliumeducation.com no later than Monday June 26th  The subject of the e-mail should be MCISS Head.

Interviews of short-listed candidates will be held in the United Kingdom and Shenzhen in July.