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Founding Principal

Gordonstoun

Moray

  • Expired
Salary:
Competitive
Job type:
Full Time, Permanent
Start date:
01 September 2026
Apply by:
7 April 2026

Job overview

Gordonstoun Japan West

Founding Principal

For more than eighty years, Gordonstoun in Elgin, Scotland, has been the world leader in character education, with a curriculum which, unrivalled in its breadth, helps every child to achieve their full potential. The school’s motto, Plus Est En Vous - there is more in you, is as relevant today as it was when visionary educationalist, Dr Kurt Hahn, founded the school in 1934. This philosophy established Gordonstoun as a forerunner in independent education and the school continues to be a leader for the twenty-first century.
In alignment with its mission and educational philosophy, Gordonstoun now plans to open a network of schools around the globe. With a planned opening of September 2027, Gordonstoun’s second international school will be in Wakayama, Japan. Located in western Japan, near Osaka, Wakayama presents an ideal location for a Gordonstoun education, with both outstanding opportunities for sailing, expeditions and service learning as well as accessibility to Kansai International Airport.

Gordonstoun Japan West is not intended to be just another international school or a reproduction of what already exists in Scotland. The goal is to interpret ‘character education’ in the Japanese context; to build a school that reflects and embodies the local culture, values and expectations. Students will develop a deep understanding of what it means to be a responsible global citizen, with a powerful grounding in Japanese culture, and they will carry this with them throughout their future lives.
Developed in partnership between Osaka Christian College (OCC) and Gordonstoun International, Gordonstoun Japan West will cater for UK Years 7–13 (ages 11–18) as a co-educational boarding and day school, growing to a planned capacity of approximately 700 students. The student body will be a balanced mix of local, national and international families, reflecting both the school’s strong regional roots and its global outlook.

The Founding Principal will take up post in September 2026 to oversee the pre-opening phase. This is a unique opportunity for a forward-looking leader with a strong personal resonance with the principles of a Hahnian education who will set a clear vision for success whilst promoting the ethos and mission of Gordonstoun. The successful candidate will demonstrate deep intercultural awareness and sensitivity, a keen interest in Japanese culture, and a fundamental commitment to the key ideas that bind all at Gordonstoun: Challenge, Responsibility, Resilience, Service, Compassion, Achievement and Internationalism.

A candidate brief can be downloaded from https://www.odgers.com/94920.

A CV and covering letter should be submitted by 09.00 GMT Monday 12 January.

Gordonstoun is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the relevant authorities.










Attached documents

About Gordonstoun

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+44 1343 837837

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The School
Gordonstoun is known for the wide range of activities that it provides for girls and boys throughout the School's 6-18 age range. It has first-class facilities for these activities which include, in addition to all the normal subjects and many outdoor pursuits, expeditions, seamanship and a wide variety of rescue services.
The creative life of the School is vibrant and well developed, with Drama, Art, Music and Technology central to the life and ethos of Gordonstoun. There are opportunities for staff to contribute both in the role of expert or as an enthusiastic amateur.
Staff are deeply committed and, during term, work throughout the week, including weekends. The variety and range of our activities, coupled with a real commitment to work, indicate the School's aim to educate the whole person. 

Location
Gordonstoun stands in 200 acres of woodland, within walking distance of sandstone cliffs and sandy beaches on the beautiful coast of the Moray Firth in Scotland. Six miles away is the historic city of Elgin. Lossiemouth nearby is well known for its picturesque harbour, fine golf courses and Royal Air Force Station. The City of Aberdeen is about 90 minutes drive away, while an hour's drive takes you to the ski resort of Aviemore at the foot of the Cairngorm Mountains. Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, is forty miles away and is itself only about an hour away from London (Gatwick) by air.
 

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