Head Teacher

A rare and exciting opportunity to lead a thriving, values-driven, not-for-profit school of over 200 pupils aged between 3 and 16, on the British Embassy grounds in Turkey’s vibrant capital, Ankara.

The British Embassy School was originally founded in 1959 and existed as a kindergarten school in two rooms of the British Council, attended by a small group of children. Since that time the school has moved twice, experiencing significant upgrades and expansion. The school has been on its present site on the diplomatic grounds of the British Embassy in Ankara since 1964.

The School is a member of BSME, COBIS, IAPS and the Black Sea Schools Group.

The current Head, Charlotte Molloy, is leaving to return to the UK for headship of a leading boarding school, having led the school with great success. The new Head will be inheriting a happy, oversubscribed, and high-functioning holistic school that operates under UK employment law. In some respects, the role comes with a higher profile than might be expected of a small school. The successful candidate will be representing country and embassy as well as BESA, so heightened communication, diplomatic, and social skills will be essential. 

For all BESA’s success, there will be opportunities for the new Head to make their mark. Along with the careful nurturing and balancing required within any transitory community, there will also be scope to create and direct new strategies, examine the business model and continually evaluate the education offer.

You will be an assured, capable, and experienced leader who can deal with the high expectations and attendant demands of a diverse parental community. You will also have the confidence to address difficult issues with compassion and authority while promoting the international mindset and inclusivity of which the school is rightly proud.

This role will commence in September 2025, and the position comes with accommodation and a competitive remuneration package.

Closing date: Friday March 7th at 10:00 (UK) / 13:00 (Turkey).

BESA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all its employees and volunteers to share this commitment. Safeguarding and child protection issues will be discussed throughout the appointment process and candidates must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including reference checks with previous employers and criminal records and social media checks.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

The safeguarding responsibilities of the role are indicated in the candidate information.

BESA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.