Head of School (Bilingual English /French) for IB school

Joining ICS Cote d’Azur at this time means leading the school at an exciting stage of the school’s development.  This will be a demanding but fulfilling role for a current Head of School or experienced, aspiring senior leader who has a global mindset, is passionate about building relationships, and who would enjoy contributing and fostering strong links within the ICS cluster of Globeducate schools.

The successful candidate will be a truly global citizen who has an international outlook. In the spirit of IB schools, flexibility, risk-taking and open-mindedness are essential for this role.

They will also be a skilled leader and manager in initiating and sustaining effective change, within a positive and motivating work environment that supports the pedagogical and admin teams. 

Responsible to: President of Globeducate, France

Candidate Profile 

The Head of School of ICS Cote d’Azur will be an inspirational and innovative leader who can secure the full engagement of staff and students in the delivery of the School’s strategic aims.

The successful candidate will have the following knowledge, experience and personal qualities:

Front of House

●  develops and communicates a clear and distinctive proposition for the school;

●  ensures that the admissions, marketing and communications are well managed;

●  ensures clear and timely communication with all members of the school community;

●  enjoys interacting with current and prospective parents so that they become advocates for the school.

Leader of Learning 

●  Oversees the curriculum framework and pedagogical approaches in line with the IB PYP and Globeducate values;

●  Sets high expectations for all students and ensures there is a rigorous process to track student performance, identify issues and intervene appropriately;

●  Ensures that this process is supported by a Culture of Care.

People Developer

The Head of School ensures that:

●  The teaching staff have the appropriate experience, knowledge and skills to fulfil the school’s educational offering;

●  The structure, rewards and development opportunities are effective, economic and allow all staff to give their best.

The successful candidate will:

●  Be a confident and impressive communicator who will command the interest and imagination of staff, children and parents;

●  Be an educationalist abreast of change with the capacity to inspire great learning and outcomes;

●  Spearhead marketing and public relations in all their facets;

●  Be a first-class manager who clearly prioritises and has excellent time management skills;

●  Be someone who appreciates the commercial imperative of school life including budgets and successful project management.

The Role

Effective Leadership

  ●  Ensure the values and ethos of the School and Globeducate are upheld, in particular, educational excellence, global outlook, cross-curricular depth and inclusivity;

●  Ensure the academic, personal, social, emotional, and physical welfare of all students;

●  Ensure that all parents and students are shown excellent care, feel valued and have their specific concerns addressed;

●  Inspire and motivate colleagues to adhere to the school’s mission and principles;

●  Ensure that all colleagues have the opportunity to learn and improve through continuous professional development.

Effective Management 

● Develop and maintain effective, efficient and clear systems to ensure the successful operational running of the school (HR, admin, facilities, admissions, marketing, finance);

● Ensure the effective management of the school’s budget;

● Use data meaningfully to understand the strengths and areas of growth of the School in order to bring about improvement;

● Hire, retain, lead and motivate a world-class body of staff.

Effective Communication with parents and the wider community 

● Nurture the welcoming, positive culture where all parents feel included and valued;

● Ensure effective communication and relationship building with parents, families and members of the wider community; 

● Foster links with parents, carers, and the local and international communities.

Maintaining and growing our student population 

● Ensure excellent standards and continue to strengthen the school’s reputation;

● Lead an efficient and productive admissions procedure, from enquiry to enrollment;

● Successfully market the school, including current and future initiatives;

● Build the school’s profile via contact with the press and active social media presence.

Qualifications and Experience

Essentials: 

●  A recognised teaching qualification.

●  A proven track record in senior leadership positions;

●  A global outlook; someone who has worked internationally in an IB school;

●  Bilingual French / English with a deep understanding of both the French and UK national systems;

●  Experience working with technology to support cutting-edge pedagogy;

●  Successful track record of improving standards; managing and monitoring student attainment data.

●  A proactive and hands on approach to leadership, skilled at performance management and using intervention when required;

●  Demonstrable execution of strategies that support parental and community engagement;

●  An understanding of and an ability to operate in a commercial environment;

Desirable

●  Masters degree in Education

●  Qualification in School Leadership

●  Experience working as part of a wider group structure

●  Experience in managing a P&L

●  Leadership experience in an IB School

About the school

Recognised as an IB World School since 2018, ICS Côte d’Azur welcomes students from around the world, offering an international education within the inquiry-based framework of the IB Primary Years Programme, whilst also integrating elements of the national curricula for England and France.

ICS Côte d'Azur was recognised with two awards for exceptional achievement at the Globeducate Leadership Conference in July 2022:  Regional School of the Year for France 2022 and Globeducate School of the Year 2022.

Application Process Applications are welcomed as soon as possible. The deadline for receipt of applications is January 10th 2023.

The selection process is as follows:

● Selected candidates will be invited to a long list interview via a Zoom call;

● Short list interviews will take place at the School;

● Candidates will be asked to bring with them the documents for a safeguarding check and the originals of their academic qualification certificates.

ICS Cote d’Azur is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.