Head of Early Years

A member of the Latin American Heads’ Conference (LAHC), International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) and the Round Square Organisation, Markham College, Lima, is one of the leading independent schools in South America.  Markham College is a not for profit organisation governed by a Board of Governors.

With over 2200 pupils (3-18) and 360 staff across two campuses, the College has recently opened a new Nursery, a state-of-the-art Science Centre and is currently underway with a multi-million dollar plan to include the construction of world-class facilities for the Visual and Performing Arts and Sport.

Academic results at both IGCSE and IB level are amongst the best internationally.  The Public Examination results over the last five years were particularly outstanding and are available to view on the College’s website.  In 2012 three students were recognised by the Cambridge International Examinations Board for achieving the highest marks in the world in Co-ordinated Science, Computer Studies, Geography, History and Spanish Literature and in 2013 and 2014 one student was recognised for similar success in Physical Education and Food Science respectively. The majority of students take up places at leading universities in Peru and around the world including Stanford, Princeton, Columbia, Cambridge, Imperial College, University College London and The London School of Economics. Over the past two years four students have secured Oxbridge offers.

Working in tandem with Nottingham University in the UK, the College also offers colleagues the opportunity to participate in the Markham Initial Teacher Training Programme (MITT Programme). This innovative one year programme includes a week of induction with Markham College staff and members of the Faculty of Education at Nottingham University and offers local and international teachers an in-house programme of study, on-going training and mentoring leading ultimately to the award of the PGCEi for successful trainees.

The College now seeks a Head of Early Years in succession to Mrs Lorna Nicoll who will be moving on after 10 years of outstanding service. Candidates should be qualified to degree level, preferably hold a teaching qualification and have significant overseas experience in a leadership role. The post holder will have shared responsibility for over 500 students, a large number of local and overseas staff and a significant budget.  He/she will report directly to the Head of College but will have considerable autonomy in the day to day running of the Early Years Section. The Head of Early Years sits on the College’s Senior Management Team and chairs the Early Years Management Team.

An understanding of the Round Square movement would be an advantage. Spanish language ability is desirable but not essential. The successful candidate should be able to commit to the College for a period of not less than six years although the initial contract will be for a period of three years. A highly competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with the seniority of the position will be offered.

As a member of the College’s Senior Management Team the Head of Early Years will lead the development of this section of the school as well as contributing to school-wide strategic planning.  The Head of Early Years sits on the College’s Admissions Committee.  (See below for a full Person Specification and Job Description).

The time line for this appointment is as follows but may be subject to change:

• Closing date for applications Monday June 13th
• Long list by Friday June 17th
• First round interviews will be held via Skype or in Lima from late June
• Second round interviews for short-listed candidates will be held at mutually convenient dates via Skype in late June or early July
• Finalists will be invited to Lima for final interview 

To apply, a covering letter and CV of no more than 3 pages should be sent to the Deputy Head (Staffing), Nathan Eades, at nathan.eades@markham.edu.pe
and to the Head of HR, Katrina Roper, at humanresources@markham.edu.pe