Deputy Head of School (With Primary School Focus)

PBISS International School – Thailand (Koh Samui)
Permanent | Immediate Start

We are looking for a skilled, thoughtful, and highly effective Deputy Head of School to assist the Head of School in both strategic leadership and daily management at our expanding international school, which accommodates approximately 650 students. This position carries comprehensive leadership responsibilities across the school, with an initial emphasis on the operational and educational aspects of the Primary School.

The ideal candidate will be instrumental in driving school improvement, enhancing staff development, and ensuring operational efficiency, all while focusing on delivering outstanding teaching, learning, and wellbeing outcomes for our Primary students.

The Role
The Deputy Head of School will collaborate closely with the Head of School and the Senior Leadership Team to provide robust professional leadership throughout the institution, directly overseeing standards, systems, and staff within the Primary School.

A primary objective of this role is to guarantee high-quality teaching and learning in the Primary phase, which includes curriculum development, assessments, inclusion, and the ongoing integration of STEM and innovative educational approaches. Additionally, the role involves contributing to the overall school strategy, policy formation, and operational leadership.

Key Responsibilities
Primary School Leadership
• Lead and manage the daily operations of the Primary School, ensuring exceptional standards in teaching, learning, assessment, behavior, and student wellbeing.

• Oversee the continuous development, review, and evaluation of the Primary curriculum, focusing on coherence, progression, and inclusion.

• Advocate for high-quality STEM integration within the Primary curriculum, fostering inquiry-based, cross-curricular, and technology-enhanced learning.

• Encourage innovative, student-focused teaching methods that align with best practices in international Primary education.

• Supervise assessment practices, tracking, and reporting systems to effectively monitor and support student progress.

Staff Leadership and Development
• Directly manage Primary teachers and support staff, offering mentoring, coaching, and professional development opportunities.

• Assist with the recruitment, induction, performance management, and retention of Primary staff.

• Cultivate a collaborative, reflective, and high-expectation professional culture within the Primary School.

Whole-School Leadership (Deputy Head Role)
• Act as a vital member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to strategic planning, development priorities, and policy execution for the whole school.

• Support the Head of School in operational leadership, including scheduling, staffing structures, systems development, and daily management of the school.

• Participate in budget planning, resource distribution, and the effective implementation of learning technologies and digital systems throughout the school.

• Ensure safeguarding, child protection, health and safety, and compliance with regulations across all school phases.

• Represent the Head of School when necessary, including leading meetings and acting as the school’s representative.

Community and Inclusion
• Establish strong, positive relationships with parents to ensure effective communication and engagement.

• Contribute to a positive whole-school culture that embodies the school’s values and international ethos.

• Promote inclusive practices and oversee provisions for students with additional learning needs and/or those learning English as an Additional Language within the Primary phase.

Person Specification
Essential
• Proven leadership experience in an international school setting.

• Experience in senior or middle leadership roles with responsibilities that extend beyond the classroom.

• Strong comprehension of Primary curriculum design, assessment, and inclusion strategies.

• Demonstrated ability to inspire, lead, and develop staff effectively.

• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

• Confidence in contributing to whole-school leadership and decision-making processes.

Desirable
• Experience or a keen professional interest in STEM education.

• Familiarity with integrating cross-curricular or inquiry-based learning methodologies.

• Previous experience in an international school, particularly in Southeast Asia or a similar context.

• Background in supporting school improvement efforts, digital systems, or strategic development projects.

We Offer
• A senior leadership position with a significant impact on Primary and overall school development, alongside opportunities for professional advancement.

• A supportive and collaborative leadership team.

• Medical insurance.

• Performance-related bonuses.

• The chance to live and work in Thailand, enjoying life on a tropical island within an international school community.