Head of Secondary

Lanna International School is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Head of Secondary to join our esteemed Premium International School team in August 2026. The Head of Secondary will be responsible for the leadership, organization, and development of the Secondary School, maintaining exemplary standards in academic performance, student welfare, and professional practices. This pivotal role involves influencing our overall school strategy while providing strong operational and instructional leadership for the Secondary level.

In this capacity, the Head of Secondary will steer the Secondary School towards achieving our vision of Academic Excellence in a Caring Community. Responsibilities include ensuring optimal teaching, learning, systems, and relationships to foster the success of students and staff alike. Key responsibilities entail:

Strategic Leadership, Operations, and School Development.

- Offer strategic and operational guidance for the Secondary School while aligning with the school's overarching goals.

- Lead the Secondary School in line with the institution’s vision, values, and strategic aims.

- Formulate, implement, and assess policies and procedures for the Secondary School.

- Collaborate with the Secondary Leadership Team (SLT) on both immediate and long-range planning.

- Organize and facilitate Secondary leadership structures, including Heads of Department and regular meetings.

- Participate in Academic Leadership and Senior Executive Team meetings.

- Oversee performance management and professional development initiatives for Secondary staff.

- Ensure high-quality professional development opportunities, including orientation and induction for new employees.

- Manage Secondary budgets, resources, and assets to ensure effective and efficient utilization.

- Cultivate a positive, inclusive, and collaborative culture within the Secondary School.

- Perform any other reasonable duties assigned by the Head of School.

Student Experience and Academic Affairs

- Guarantee that students benefit from high-quality learning experiences, effective support, and a safe, nurturing environment.

- Supervise the admissions and placement processes for incoming Secondary students.

- Ensure the Secondary curriculum is comprehensive, balanced, and challenging, incorporating innovative curriculum design to meet our students' varied needs.

- Monitor academic progress and oversee assessment, reporting, and tracking systems.

- Foster a safe, caring, and inclusive educational environment.

- Promote student voice and leadership through initiatives such as the student council, peer mentoring, and feedback mechanisms.

- Maintain regular communication with Secondary families.

- Collaborate with the Head of School and SLT on graduation and transition planning.

- Develop and distribute 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 seamless functioning of the Secondary School.

- Ensure effective communication through meetings, briefings, and written updates.

- Collaborate with our PTO (Parent Teacher Organisation) to enhance community involvement.

- Manage the Secondary timetable, coordinating with Primary for shared staff or facilities.

- Oversee arrangements for covering absent teachers.

- Guide 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 history 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 setting.

- A leader who demonstrates warmth, integrity, and emotional maturity, fostering trust and strong relationships with students, staff, and families.

- A strong commitment to safeguarding, student well-being, and positive, restorative behavior management approaches.

- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, along with a calm, reflective, and collaborative leadership style, particularly in complex or high-pressure situations.

- A genuine passion for working with young people, combined with curiosity and openness in professional practice.

Please note: Candidates who do not possess a full teaching qualification and a relevant degree will not be considered.

What we offer:

- The opportunity to lead and be part of a supportive and collaborative Secondary Leadership Team.

- A school culture that prioritizes both academic excellence and student well-being.

- Highly motivated students and engaged families.

- A competitive international remuneration package.

Why Join Us?

- Become part of a supportive environment that values excellence and innovation in teaching.

- Join a community that focuses on student engagement and holistic development.

- Access professional advancement opportunities, including pathways into leadership roles.

Safeguarding

We are deeply committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, expecting all staff and volunteers to uphold this commitment. All candidates must demonstrate their suitability for working with children and a strong dedication to safeguarding, which includes ongoing participation in safeguarding training.

All applicants will undergo comprehensive and standardized safeguarding checks, which consist of:

- Three professional references, verified by phone. For teaching roles, at least two must come from Head Teachers within the last six years, including the most recent Head Teacher. Referees may be contacted prior to the interview.

- Verification of identity and qualifications.

- Enhanced criminal background checks, along with police clearances from any country where the applicant has lived for more than six months over the past ten years.

- A thorough review of employment history, with any gaps needing to be clearly explained and addressed during the interview.

Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

If you are excited about making a significant impact and contributing to an exceptional learning community, we invite you to apply now and help shape the future of our students!