Head of Junior School
The British School in Colombo
Sri Lanka
- Quick apply
- Expired
- Salary:
- Internationally competitve
- Job type:
- Full Time, Fixed Term
- Start date:
- August 1st 2022
- Apply by:
- 18 October 2021
Job overview
Head of Junior School - from August 2022
On the promotion of the current post holder to the role of Principal, the Directors of the British School in Colombo (BSC) Sri Lanka are now seeking a new Head of Junior School to start in August 2022.
A. THE SCHOOL
BSC was founded in 1995 and has a current population of 1300 students of 48 nationalities with 170 academic staff. BSC offers the EYFS Curriculum for England and for children in Years 1 – 6 the school provides the English National Curriculum, developed to suit our international context. GL Standardised assessments (CAT4, Progress Tests, PASS) are used alongside robust formative assessment practices.
The school is highly popular with waiting lists for students to join the school in most year groups.
The school is an active member of FOBISIA.
The school is located in the Borella suburb of Colombo, adjoining the Royal Colombo Golf Club, one of the oldest golf clubs in Asia. The school buildings are fully air-conditioned and provide excellent facilities, including a wonderful auditorium, excellent science labs, a drama studio, specialist music rooms, a swimming pool, and extensive sports facilities. The school has high-quality internet throughout the entire campus and all children from Year 5 to Year 13 use a laptop at school every day. The school provides Chromebooks for children in Years 3 and 4.
Sri Lanka is a beautiful, green paradise: with year-round good weather, friendly people, and magnificent flora and fauna. It is an island steeped in history, it has amazing World Heritage sites and fabulous beaches and hotels. It has frequently been voted as one of the world's best tourist destinations.
For further information about the School and living in Sri Lanka, please see https://britishschool.lk
B. THE HEAD OF SCHOOL - RESPONSIBILITIES
The Head of Junior School is responsible for providing a challenging, effective, well-rounded international educational experience for all junior school children. The Head of Junior School works closely with the Principal and the Head of Senior School to provide the leadership and management needed to ensure the success of the school in fulfilling its mission.
C. THE HEAD OF SCHOOL – PERSON SPECIFICATION
BSC is seeking to appoint a leading educationalist with the drive, energy, vision and dedication needed to lead the junior school in the next step of our development. We will be seeking accreditation under the British Schools Overseas framework and familiarisation with BSO standards would be an advantage. The successful candidate will have outstanding professional skills and personal qualities, with a proven track record of success in school leadership.
We are seeking someone who
• Has a university degree and preferably a postgraduate qualification
• Has experience of school leadership, international experience would be an advantage.
• Understands the importance of happiness in building effective schools
• Has a good understanding of the vital connection between primary and secondary education.
D. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE APPOINTMENT
The initial contract offered to the successful candidate will be for three years, renewable thereafter by mutual agreement. The attractive compensation package will be commensurate with the responsibilities of the position.
Key benefits for the successful candidate will include
• Free accommodation
• Free medical cover for employee and family
• Free schooling
• Free annual return flights to home country
• Relocation allowance
• End of contract gratuity
• Provision of a car for personal and business use
E. THE APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Suitably qualified candidates should complete the TES online application form and upload a letter of application (no more than two pages) outlining why the candidate believes their experience and qualifications will enable them to be successful in this challenging role.
Closing date: Monday 18th October 2021
Video interviews are scheduled to take place during the week beginning Monday 25th October. However, BSC reserves the right to invite selected candidates for interview in advance of this schedule.
Attached documents
About The British School in Colombo
The British School in Colombo is one of the leading British schools in the subcontinent and has an enviable reputation for providing high-quality education in a caring and nurturing environment. Sri Lanka is a wonderful country, rated as one of the best tourist destinations in the world. The country has a tangible sense of optimism and this is reflected in our school. We are enthusiastic about our future and BSC will be an exciting place to work and develop professionally in the coming years.
There will be challenge and rewards here for teachers at all stages of their careers. We realize that teachers will apply to BSC for a number of possible reasons. However, what is the case is that successful teachers here usually have many things in common. First and foremost, they are enthusiastic and flexible. Teachers need to be willing to rise to a challenge of adapting both culturally and socially to a new and very different environment. Of course, Colombo provides a wonderful base from which to explore and travel both Sri Lanka and the wonderful richness of south and east Asia. However, successful teachers also recognize that the school provides an outstanding opportunity for them to develop professionally through not only their own work but by helping others to develop professionally too.
Education is vitally important in Sri Lanka and therefore, teachers are held in high esteem. Within our community, it is vital to be enthusiastic about teaching and learning and to recognize that successful teaching is a collaborative activity. Colombo is a somewhat chaotic and busy city, with a hot and humid tropical climate. Nevertheless, it is a culturally and socially vibrant place, boasting a wide range of cuisine and it is a wonderful centre from which to explore the sub-continent and South East Asia.
Before applying to any international school it is important to think carefully about whether the environment is right for you: this is no different in Colombo. Those who arrive in this wonderful city with their eyes open and a willingness to take full advantage of what Sri Lanka has to offer will thoroughly enjoy their stay and, like many BSC colleagues, will wish to remain in the area for much longer than an initial contract.
We are proud to be members of FOBISIA and teachers enjoy the many benefits that membership delivers.
Teachers are provided with
- a generous tax-free salary
- fully-furnished accommodation (no pets are allowed)
- a utilities allowance
- flight at start and end of the contract
- an annual return flight to home country
- full medical cover within Sri Lanka
- freight allowance
- an end-of-contract gratuity.
If you are interested in working with us, please complete the TES application form and attach a Letter of Application which should outline your teaching philosophy and explain why you would like to work at BSC.
Please note that you are wholly responsible for fact checking in respect of the information provided by schools. Please also check for the latest visa and work permit requirements that may apply. Tes is not responsible for the content of advertisements or the policies adopted by advertising schools. Tes asks that all schools follow Tes' Fair Recruitment Policy.