Head of Secondary
Status
Actively Hiring
Date Listed14 January 2026
ContractPermanent
PlatformW5_SYNC
About This Role
Lanna International School is on the lookout for a passionate and committed Head of Secondary to become an integral part of our Premium International School team starting in August 2026. The Head of Secondary will oversee the leadership, organization, and advancement of the Secondary School, upholding high standards in academic achievement, student welfare, and professional practices. This position plays a vital role in shaping our whole-school strategy while offering robust operational and instructional leadership for the Secondary phase.
In this role, the Head of Secondary will guide the Secondary School towards realizing our vision of Academic Excellence in a Caring Community. Responsibilities encompass ensuring that teaching, learning, systems, and relationships are optimized to support the success of both students and staff. Key duties include:
Strategic Leadership, Operations, and School Development.
- Provide strategic and operational direction for the Secondary School while contributing to the overall goals of the school.
- Lead the Secondary School in accordance with the school’s vision, values, and strategic objectives.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate policies and procedures for the Secondary School.
- Collaborate with the Secondary Leadership Team (SLT) on both short- and long-term planning.
- Organize and lead Secondary leadership structures, including Heads of Department and regular meetings.
- Participate in Academic Leadership and Senior Executive Team meetings.
- Oversee performance management and professional growth initiatives for Secondary staff.
- Ensure high-quality professional development opportunities, including induction and orientation for new hires.
- Manage Secondary budgets, resources, and assets to promote effective and efficient usage.
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative culture within the Secondary School.
- Perform any other reasonable duties as assigned by the Head of School.
Student Experience and Academic Affairs
- Ensure students benefit from high-quality learning experiences, effective support, and a safe, nurturing environment.
- Supervise the admissions and placement processes for new Secondary students.
- Ensure the Secondary curriculum is broad, balanced, and rigorous while embracing innovative curriculum design to cater to our students' diverse needs.
- Monitor academic progress and oversee assessment, reporting, and tracking processes.
- Promote a safe, caring, and inclusive educational atmosphere.
- Advocate for student voice and leadership through initiatives like the student council, peer mentoring, and feedback mechanisms.
- Maintain consistent communication with Secondary families.
- Collaborate with the Head of School and SLT on graduation and transition planning.
- Develop and disseminate internal examination schedules.
- Work closely with the Examinations Officer to organize external and mock examinations.
Staff Leadership
- Lead, support, and organize staff to ensure the smooth operation of the Secondary School.
- Ensure effective communication via meetings, briefings, and written updates.
- Collaborate with our PTO (Parent Teacher Organisation) to enhance community engagement.
- Oversee the Secondary timetable, coordinating with Primary for shared staff or facilities.
- Manage cover arrangements for absent teachers.
- Direct the recruitment, selection, and hiring process for new Secondary teaching staff.
What we are looking for:
- A fully qualified teacher (PGCE or equivalent) with a proven track record in Secondary education.
- A Bachelor's degree is required, and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership or NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship) is preferred.
- Relevant senior leadership experience within a UK or British international curriculum environment.
- A leader who embodies warmth, integrity, and emotional maturity, building trust and strong relationships with students, staff, and families.
- A firm commitment to safeguarding, student wellbeing, and positive, restorative approaches to behavior management.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, along with a calm, reflective, and collaborative leadership style, especially in complex or high-pressure situations.
- A genuine passion for working with young people, coupled with curiosity and openness in professional practice.
Please note: Candidates without a full teaching qualification and a relevant degree will not be considered.
- The chance to lead and be part of a supportive and collaborative Secondary Leadership Team.
- A school culture that emphasizes both academic excellence and student wellbeing.
- Highly motivated students and engaged families.
- A competitive international remuneration package.
Why Join Us?
- Join a supportive environment that values excellence and innovation in teaching.
- Be part of a community that prioritizes student engagement and holistic development.
- Access opportunities for professional advancement, including pathways into leadership roles.
We are deeply committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, expecting all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All candidates must demonstrate their suitability for working with children and a strong dedication to safeguarding, including ongoing participation in safeguarding training.
All applicants will undergo thorough and standardized safeguarding checks, which include:
- Three professional references, verified by phone. For teaching positions, at least two must come from Head Teachers within the past six years, including the most recent Head Teacher from the last school. Referees may be contacted before the interview.
- Verification of identity and qualifications.
- Enhanced criminal background checks, along with police clearances from any country where the applicant has resided for more than six months in the past ten years.
- A complete review of employment history, with any gaps needing to be clearly explained and addressed during the interview process.
Due to the high number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will receive a response.
If you are eager to make a significant impact and contribute to an outstanding learning community, we would love to hear from you. Apply now and help shape our students' future!
In this role, the Head of Secondary will guide the Secondary School towards realizing our vision of Academic Excellence in a Caring Community. Responsibilities encompass ensuring that teaching, learning, systems, and relationships are optimized to support the success of both students and staff. Key duties include:
Strategic Leadership, Operations, and School Development.
- Provide strategic and operational direction for the Secondary School while contributing to the overall goals of the school.
- Lead the Secondary School in accordance with the school’s vision, values, and strategic objectives.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate policies and procedures for the Secondary School.
- Collaborate with the Secondary Leadership Team (SLT) on both short- and long-term planning.
- Organize and lead Secondary leadership structures, including Heads of Department and regular meetings.
- Participate in Academic Leadership and Senior Executive Team meetings.
- Oversee performance management and professional growth initiatives for Secondary staff.
- Ensure high-quality professional development opportunities, including induction and orientation for new hires.
- Manage Secondary budgets, resources, and assets to promote effective and efficient usage.
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative culture within the Secondary School.
- Perform any other reasonable duties as assigned by the Head of School.
Student Experience and Academic Affairs
- Ensure students benefit from high-quality learning experiences, effective support, and a safe, nurturing environment.
- Supervise the admissions and placement processes for new Secondary students.
- Ensure the Secondary curriculum is broad, balanced, and rigorous while embracing innovative curriculum design to cater to our students' diverse needs.
- Monitor academic progress and oversee assessment, reporting, and tracking processes.
- Promote a safe, caring, and inclusive educational atmosphere.
- Advocate for student voice and leadership through initiatives like the student council, peer mentoring, and feedback mechanisms.
- Maintain consistent communication with Secondary families.
- Collaborate with the Head of School and SLT on graduation and transition planning.
- Develop and disseminate internal examination schedules.
- Work closely with the Examinations Officer to organize external and mock examinations.
Staff Leadership
- Lead, support, and organize staff to ensure the smooth operation of the Secondary School.
- Ensure effective communication via meetings, briefings, and written updates.
- Collaborate with our PTO (Parent Teacher Organisation) to enhance community engagement.
- Oversee the Secondary timetable, coordinating with Primary for shared staff or facilities.
- Manage cover arrangements for absent teachers.
- Direct the recruitment, selection, and hiring process for new Secondary teaching staff.
What we are looking for:
- A fully qualified teacher (PGCE or equivalent) with a proven track record in Secondary education.
- A Bachelor's degree is required, and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership or NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship) is preferred.
- Relevant senior leadership experience within a UK or British international curriculum environment.
- A leader who embodies warmth, integrity, and emotional maturity, building trust and strong relationships with students, staff, and families.
- A firm commitment to safeguarding, student wellbeing, and positive, restorative approaches to behavior management.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, along with a calm, reflective, and collaborative leadership style, especially in complex or high-pressure situations.
- A genuine passion for working with young people, coupled with curiosity and openness in professional practice.
Please note: Candidates without a full teaching qualification and a relevant degree will not be considered.
What we offer
- The chance to lead and be part of a supportive and collaborative Secondary Leadership Team.
- A school culture that emphasizes both academic excellence and student wellbeing.
- Highly motivated students and engaged families.
- A competitive international remuneration package.
Why Join Us?
- Join a supportive environment that values excellence and innovation in teaching.
- Be part of a community that prioritizes student engagement and holistic development.
- Access opportunities for professional advancement, including pathways into leadership roles.
Safeguarding
We are deeply committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, expecting all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All candidates must demonstrate their suitability for working with children and a strong dedication to safeguarding, including ongoing participation in safeguarding training.
All applicants will undergo thorough and standardized safeguarding checks, which include:
- Three professional references, verified by phone. For teaching positions, at least two must come from Head Teachers within the past six years, including the most recent Head Teacher from the last school. Referees may be contacted before the interview.
- Verification of identity and qualifications.
- Enhanced criminal background checks, along with police clearances from any country where the applicant has resided for more than six months in the past ten years.
- A complete review of employment history, with any gaps needing to be clearly explained and addressed during the interview process.
Due to the high number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will receive a response.
If you are eager to make a significant impact and contribute to an outstanding learning community, we would love to hear from you. Apply now and help shape our students' future!