Founding Head of Senior School

Please read the details below and download the PDF candidate pack in the documents tab before applying. We are expecting a lot of interest in this post and know how much time it can take to put in an application.

We will only be able to interview experienced candidates who meet the person specification and criteria.  Thank you for your understanding.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced forward-thinking educational leader with a global outlook to play a pivotal role in creating a world-class Senior School which aims to bring an authentic co-educational version of St Paul’s Girls’ School to Bangkok. Although the Senior School will not open until August 2027, as part of our commitment to excellence the Head of Senior School will start in April 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter, and play a leading role in the pre-opening stage of this part of the school. The postholder will report to the Head of School and be responsible for the successful launch, growth and stability of the Senior School including the appointment and development of a team of passionate educators. As well as the day-to-day operations during pre-opening and beyond, their vision, inspiration, and leadership will create a dynamic learning environment where students’ wellbeing and achievements are paramount. The Head of Senior School will collaborate closely with the Head of School to create and implement a strategic vision that delivers an outstanding educational experience true to our vision and mission and authentic to SPGS in London. They will need to inspire and challenge as an ambassador for the school whilst also being accessible to staff, students and parents. Creating a school of this calibre will require a person of distinct dedication, energy and commitment who will work tirelessly towards achieving this vision. There will be many challenges but also huge rewards for the right person. 

Key Responsibilities

The following responsibilities are not exhaustive but give an indication of the scope and accountabilities of the role. As the school grows, some of these will be managed through careful delegation and the postholder will be expected to develop capacity in their team, and middle managers, through a commitment to continuing professional development. In consultation with the post holder, this Job Description will be amended in the light of the changing needs of the school.

During the pre-opening stage, duties may be more wide-ranging and require significant flexibility. At this point the role will focus on setting up and establishing many of the areas covered in the sections below. The priority will be the recruitment of staff and the development of curriculum and co-curriculum as well as ensuring that the faculties and resources are in place for a successful first term.

Leadership

• Work with the Head of School to translate the mission into a strategy underpinned by measurable actions to support the growth of the school and SPGS standards

• Work collaboratively with leadership in other parts of the school to deliver a through experience where the Senior School’s identity is both distinctive and a part of the wider school

• Report to the board on the Senior School strategy, priorities and recommended developments

• Monitor the effectiveness of all strategic plans and adjust as required

• Foster a stimulating, motivational culture with a strong sense of school identity and community

• Be a visible, accessible and inspirational figurehead for pupils, staff, and parents, modelling the highest standards of teaching and leadership

• Create an open and accountable culture amongst all staff so that continuing professional development is evident at all times

• Create and monitor measurable objectives for the Senior Management Team and be proactive in developing their capacity and performance

• Monitor and review policies and procedures to ensure that they are actively promoted

• Prepare the school for any inspection or accreditation requirements

Curriculum

• Steer the delivery of a forward-thinking, innovative and carefully sequenced curriculum which is aligned with the mission and authentic to SPGS whilst taking account of the school’s international outlook and location in Thailand

• Be an informed advocate for changing technology and ensure that educational strategy includes the benefits of AI, including in adaptive teaching

• Understand the current trends and developments in curricula and be able to make reasoned decisions about a suitable curriculum for the school

• Ensure that students are prepared for the transition to sixth form and university

• As appropriate, teach a limited number of classes to model exemplary practice

• Undertake regular communication with SPGS in London and to ensure that Learning and Teaching practices are aligned where possible

Staff

• Take a leading role in staff training and continuous professional development

• Ensure that the school remains fully staffed by recruiting and retaining the best teaching staff

• With the Head of School, develop an effective performance management system which engages staff and identifies those who are underperforming

• Ensure measures are in place to support underperforming staff with targets that will inform decisions about contract renewals or early termination

• Oversee the staff induction and probation programme and respond accordingly to any concerns

• Be responsible for overall staff wellbeing and morale by engaging in regular communication including gathering feedback so that problems can be identified and rectified quickly

• Form positive relationships with all teaching and non-teaching staff throughout the school

• Cover for absent staff or staff shortages as required

Students

• Ensure that students’ wellbeing and development remains at the centre of all decisions

• Devise and monitor systems/data to capture and communicate student achievement and attainment

• Take a student-centred approach to supporting those who are underachieving including comprehensive communications with all stakeholders

• Devise and monitor a pragmatic and educationally sound homework policy

• Ensure that appropriate and accessible reading material is available in school

• Provide opportunities for student voice in school decision-making including student council

• Ensure that a wide range of student achievements are recognised to encourage a sense of community rather than competition

Co-Curriculum

• Develop and monitor a broad, rich and inclusive co-curricular programme

• Ensure that the programme encourages student led activities and opportunities for student leadership and autonomy

• Ensure that academic enrichment is a key part of the programme

• Work with Music, Drama and Sport staff to develop these areas as priorities

• Develop and monitor events, concerts, sports fixtures and exhibitions to motivate students

• Put systems in place to oversee student involvement as part of their holistic education

• Assist planning, organising or delivering school enrichment events and activities

• Plan, lead and deliver co-curricular activities as part of the school’s programme

• Take an active role in the wider life of the school, supporting students to develop a rich depth of experience beyond classroom learning

Safeguarding and Wellbeing

• Uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and child protection by pro-active attention to policies and procedures

• Take on the role of DSL in the first instance at the school’s opening

• Design, deliver and monitor regular training for all stakeholders including parents

• Make sure that all students can identify a trusted adult and know how to seek help or support

• Monitor school procedures and practices and report any concerns immediately

• Ensure the effective delivery of an excellent wellbeing programme considering the school’s context and ensuring students develop into happy, caring and resilient young people

• Establish practices that support the physical, emotional, and social development of every student

• Take a personal interest in each individual student’s development, both in the curriculum and co-curriculum, so that they feel noticed, valued and cared for

• Recognise that health and safety is everyone’s responsibility and comply with the school’s policies and procedures and the laws of Thailand

• Create a behaviour policy appropriate for the age and stage of the pupils and which aligns with the school’s values and ethos

• Create an environment where pupils achieve to the best of their ability and feel safe

Parental Engagement and Communication

• Recognise the importance of relationships with parents at the junior school and make time to listen to them, in particular as they begin their journeys as parents of school-age children

• Provide ample opportunities for open communication to ensure quality engagement

• Lead and actively engage with rigorous and robust reporting systems to keep parents fully informed of their child’s progress

• Find opportunities to engage with parents to ensure that they understand the school’s mission and values

• Design, and play a role in, parent workshops and events to help them support their child’s development

Marketing and Admissions

• Work closely with the Director of Marketing and Admissions and Head of School to develop a clear, consistent and compelling vision for the school in all marketing materials and media

• Demonstrate the energy, skills and desire to promote a new school and actively engage in all events and activities which promote the Senior School, including social media

• Work proactively to review ambitious and achieve student targets

• Devise and monitor admissions processes that are age and mission appropriate

• Be an ambassador and advocate for the school and SPGS International

• Ensure that marketing materials represent the Senior School appropriately as part of a through school by carefully checking in advance of distribution

Resource Management

• Work with the Head of School and Bursar to administer and monitor budgets to ensure the provision of a wide range of resources to support the curriculum

• Show an understanding of budgeting and financial forecasting so that the Senior School is on a sound footing financially and be able to respond to any queries

• Devise a system to allocate budgets so that budget-holders ensure an excellent range of resources are in place to support the needs of all pupils

• Plan for future financial and physical demands that will be needed to deliver the school’s mission

General

• To attend whole school and Senior School leadership and other meetings as appropriate

• Chair regular Senior School Senior Management Team meetings and one-to-one meetings with line reports

• Represent the school with students, staff and parents, working flexible hours as necessary

• Regularly review own practice, set personal development targets

• Maintain high professional standards of attendance, punctuality, appearance, conduct and positive relations with students, parents and colleagues

• Work within the school’s health and safety policies to ensure a safe working environment for all staff, students and visitors

• Teach and/or provide teaching cover, as and when required

• Deliver engaging assemblies and other whole school events

• Perform ad hoc duties as they arise from time-to-time

• Meet deadlines

THE PERSON

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Essential:

• Bachelor’s degree and relevant teaching qualification

• Success in  senior leadership in a high-performing school

• Success in delivering secondary education and understanding of the primary curriculum

• Ability to design and implement an engaging and developmentally appropriate curriculum and learning activities

• Strong interpersonal skills for building positive relationships with all stakeholders

• Excellent organisational and time management skills

• Ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of children

Desirable:

• Master’s degree in educational leadership

• Experience as a Head of Senior School or Senior Deputy Head in a high-performing school

• Previous background in UK secondary school education, with experience overseas 

• Experience or understanding of British independent school education

• Experience delivering the IBDP programme

• Experience with EAL learners or working in multilingual environments

LANGUAGES

• Fluent in English

• Knowledge of Thai or willingness to learn is advantageous but not essential

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Empathy, understanding, and alignment with the values and mission of SPGS International School Bangkok

• Patience, flexibility, and a genuine passion for working with young people

• Creativity and enthusiasm to foster a dynamic and stimulating learning environment

• People person who is willing to be hands-on and lead with passion

• Commitment to holistic education and child development in an international setting

• Open and reflective with a strong interest in continuous improvement

• Collaborative approach to leadership underpinned by personal conviction and strength of character so that conflict is not avoided but resolved

• Good judgement and able to balance conflicting and complex situations

• High expectations and ambitious for the school and every individual within it

• Articulate and confident in all communications

• Dynamic, engaging, with a sense of humour

• Proactive, positive, passionate, detailed, solution-focused and pragmatic

BENEFITS

There is a comprehensive range of benefits which will be confirmed upon appointment. They include:

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Flights from location at start of contract plus relocation allowance

Flights to home country for summer break during contract

Flights to home country at end of contract

Accommodation allowance and support

International health insurance for you and immediate family

Free places for up to two dependent children in the school

Visa and work permit applications costs covered

Access to school sports and fitness resources when school opens

Free lunch

Professional development opportunities and a personal allowance

Generous annual leave