Head of Secondary

Position: Head of Secondary
Location: ICan School, Cyprus
Reports to: Principal
Contract Type: Full-Time (40+ hours per week)
Curriculum: Cambridge Lower & Upper Secondary, IGCSE OL, AS & A Level
Year Groups: 7–13

The Head of Secondary will lead both strategically and operationally for Years 7–13 at ICan School, ensuring the delivery of exceptional teaching, learning, and pastoral care. The individual in this role will cultivate a culture of academic excellence, responsibility, and personal development, effectively preparing students for their IGCSE and A-Level assessments, while upholding the school's ethos and values.

Key Responsibilities

1. Ethical Leadership & Professional Conduct
- Act as a model of professionalism, integrity, and fairness.
- Prioritize safeguarding, child protection, and inclusion.
- Build positive relationships with students, staff, parents, and the wider community.
- Ensure that decisions are informed by evidence, transparent, and accountable.

2. School Culture & Ethos
- Establish and nurture a culture of high expectations, academic ambition, and personal accountability.
- Promote resilience, respect, and responsibility among students.
- Encourage attendance, punctuality, and active participation in academic and extracurricular activities.
- Contribute to the overarching vision, values, and long-term strategic objectives of the school.

3. Curriculum & Teaching
- Oversee the design, implementation, and assessment of the Cambridge Lower & Upper Secondary, IGCSE OL, AS, and A-Level curriculum.
- Ensure a comprehensive, balanced, and consistent approach to schemes of work, assessments, and exam preparations.
- Monitor and enhance the quality of teaching and learning through lesson observations, learning walks, and departmental evaluations.
- Ensure that the curriculum caters to the needs of EAL and SEND students.
- Track student achievement and progress, implementing necessary interventions.

4. Behaviour & Attitudes
- Lead the creation and application of a consistent behaviour and discipline policy tailored for secondary students.
- Foster student ownership of their learning and conduct, promoting a respectful and safe school environment.
- Diminish occurrences of poor behaviour and exclusions through supportive pastoral systems.
- Maintain accurate records of attendance, punctuality, and behavioural data.

5. Professional Development of Staff
- Provide clear leadership, guidance, and support to Heads of Department and teaching staff.
- Identify training needs and organize targeted continuing professional development aligned with school priorities and staff growth.
- Cultivate leadership capabilities within the secondary team.
- Conduct staff evaluations, monitor teaching quality, and offer constructive feedback.

6. Organisational & Operational Management
- Lead the organization of timetables, assessments, reporting cycles, and examinations.
- Ensure exam readiness in compliance with Cambridge International regulations.
- Facilitate smooth transitions for students at key stages (e.g., Year 9–10, Year 11–12, post-A Level paths).
- Collaborate with administrative staff to ensure effective communication with parents and stakeholders.

7. Working in Partnership
- Establish strong communication channels with parents and guardians.
- Collaborate closely with the Principal, Senior Leadership Team, and Heads of Faculty to ensure alignment across the school.
- Represent the school positively within the broader community and build external partnerships.
- Participate in whole-school events, projects, and initiatives that enrich student experiences.

Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Education or a subject-specialist degree with PGCE/QTS (or international equivalent).
- Master’s Degree in Education or a related field (school leadership, educational leadership & management).
- A minimum of 5 years’ leadership experience in a secondary school following the Cambridge or British curriculum.
- Demonstrated success in enhancing academic standards and improving student outcomes.
- Strong understanding of IGCSE OL, AS, and A-Level curriculum and assessment protocols.
- Experience in team leadership, managing transitions, and staff development.

Skills & Competencies
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Strategic mindset with the capability to align vision with practical execution.
- Proficient in utilizing data to drive improvements.
- Ability to address sensitive issues with discretion, empathy, and fairness.

Personal Attributes
- High levels of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
- Inspirational leader who energizes both staff and students.
- Culturally aware, adaptable, and dedicated to international education.
- Resilient, proactive, and solution-focused.

Salary & Benefits
- Competitive salary (commensurate with experience).
- Housing allowance and/or relocation package (if applicable).
- Ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Prospects for career advancement within ICan School.