About This Role
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 provide strategic and operational leadership for Years 7–13 at ICan School, ensuring high-quality teaching, learning, and pastoral care. The postholder will be responsible for developing a culture of academic rigour, responsibility, and personal growth, preparing students effectively for their IGCSE and A-Level examinations, while promoting the ethos and values of the school.
Key Responsibilities
1. Ethical Leadership & Professional Conduct
Serve as a role model of professionalism, integrity, and fairness.
Uphold safeguarding, child protection, and inclusion as top priorities.
Foster positive relationships with students, staff, parents, and the wider school community.
Ensure decisions are evidence-based, transparent, and accountable.
2. School Culture & Ethos
Establish and maintain a culture of high expectations, academic ambition, and personal responsibility.
Promote resilience, respect, and responsibility among students.
Encourage attendance, punctuality, and engagement in both academic and extracurricular life.
Contribute to the whole-school vision, values, and long-term strategic direction.
3. Curriculum & Teaching
Oversee the design, delivery, and evaluation of the Cambridge Lower & Upper Secondary, IGCSE OL, AS and A-Level curriculum.
Ensure breadth, balance, and consistency in schemes of work, assessment, and exam preparation.
Monitor and improve the quality of teaching and learning through lesson observations, learning walks, and departmental audits.
Ensure provision meets the needs of EAL and SEND learners.
Track student attainment and progress, implementing interventions as needed.
4. Behaviour & Attitudes
Lead the development and implementation of a consistent behaviour and discipline policy suited to secondary students.
Promote student ownership of learning and conduct, fostering a respectful and safe school environment.
Reduce incidents of poor behaviour and exclusions through proactive pastoral systems.
Ensure accurate record-keeping of attendance, punctuality, and behaviour data.
5. Professional Development of Staff
Provide clear leadership, direction, and support to Heads of Department and teaching staff.
Identify training needs and coordinate targeted CPD aligned with school priorities and staff development.
Build leadership capacity within the secondary team.
Conduct staff appraisals, monitor teaching standards, and provide constructive feedback.
6. Organisational & Operational Management
Lead and manage the organisation of timetables, assessments, reporting cycles, and examinations.
Oversee exam readiness, ensuring compliance with Cambridge International regulations.
Ensure smooth transitions for students at key stages (e.g., Year 9–10, Year 11–12, post-AL destinations).
Collaborate with administrative staff to ensure efficient communication with parents and stakeholders.
7. Working in Partnership
Build strong, effective communication channels with parents and carers.
Work closely with the Principal, SLT, and Heads of Faculty to ensure whole-school alignment.
Represent the school positively in the wider community and foster external partnerships.
Contribute to whole-school events, projects, and initiatives that enhance student experience.
Essential Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Education or subject-specialist degree with PGCE/QTS (or international equivalent).
Master’s Degree in Education or related field (school leadership, education leadership & management)
Minimum 5 years’ leadership experience in a Cambridge or British curriculum secondary school.
Proven track record of raising academic standards and improving student outcomes.
Strong knowledge of IGCSE OL, AS and A-Level curriculum and assessment requirements.
Experience in leading teams, managing change, and developing staff.
Skills & Competencies
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong organisational and time-management abilities.
Strategic thinker with the ability to balance vision with practical delivery.
Confident in using data to drive improvement.
Ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion, empathy, and fairness.
Personal Attributes
High levels of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
Inspirational leader who motivates staff and students.
Culturally aware, adaptable, and committed to international education.
Resilient, agile, proactive, and solution-oriented.
Salary & Benefits
Competitive salary (commensurate with experience).
Housing allowance and/or relocation package (if applicable).
Continuous professional development opportunities.
Opportunities for career progression within ICan School.
Apply exclusively via the WhatSchool platform.