Head of Primary Japanese - August 2026 start

The British School in Tokyo places a high priority on the safety and well-being of children. Candidates who are shortlisted will undergo thorough vetting, which includes reference checks with past employers and Disclosure and Barring Service (or equivalent) screenings.

Reports to: Head of Primary (or a designated member of the Primary School Leadership Team)

Responsibilities: Drive the advancement of the Primary Japanese Language Pathways in line with BST’s Strategic Direction 2035 and Languages Policy.

Offer professional guidance and support to the Japanese Languages team, collaborating with the Head of Asian Languages to ensure a unified, One School strategy and coherence across different phases.

The Head of Primary Japanese is responsible for both the strategic and operational growth of Primary Japanese at BST, emphasizing high-quality, inclusive language education. This position merges strong pedagogical leadership—especially in Japanese Language and Literature—with a dedication to collaboration, staff development, and transparent communication throughout the school.

The Primary Japanese Team consists of seven teachers and one Educational Assistant (EA). Every student engages with Japanese, following tailored pathways (Japanese Language Acquisition, Japanese Language & Literature, or Japanese as a Second Language).

The Head of Japanese supervises the Primary Japanese Coordinator, Japanese teachers, and the Japanese EA. The incumbent will report to the Head of Primary (or a designated PSLT member) and closely collaborate with the Head of Asian Languages in the Secondary School to ensure a cohesive, One School approach to Japanese language education. Working with Primary curriculum leaders is vital to ensure continuity, progression, and excellence across all year groups.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Outstanding Leadership

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In partnership with the Primary Japanese Team, articulate and execute a clear vision for delivering Japanese across the Primary School, aligned with best practices in language education and catering to the needs of all learners.

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Provide strategic leadership to guarantee high-quality teaching and learning in Japanese, resulting in excellent opportunities and outcomes for every student.

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Lead the design, implementation, and continuous evaluation of an inclusive, diverse, and challenging Japanese curriculum supported by a coherent assessment framework.

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Utilize relevant data and evidence to track student progress, inform teaching practices, and help set appropriate goals.

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Guide and develop the Primary Japanese Team, cultivating a collaborative and reflective professional environment.

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Offer coaching and professional feedback that acknowledges effective practices and supports advancement against ‘Professional Review and Development’ targets and the BST Teacher Framework.

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Delegate responsibilities efficiently within the team, including the Primary Japanese Coordinator, ensuring accountability and shared ownership of departmental goals.

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Engage with current research and advancements in Japanese language pedagogy, facilitating their implementation through departmental professional development.

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Keep the Primary School Leadership Team updated with regular, evidence-based reports on departmental successes, priorities, and areas needing attention.

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Lead the creation, implementation, and evaluation of the Japanese Development Plan, ensuring it aligns with BST’s Strategic Direction 2035.

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Supervise the judicious use of departmental resources and manage the department budget effectively.

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Ensure that safeguarding principles and inclusive practices are integral to the department, allowing all students to thrive.

Parental Engagement / Community Links

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Foster strong relationships with parents and the broader school community to support, promote, and celebrate Japanese language learning.

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Provide leadership in organizing Japanese language and cultural events, initiatives, and workshops that enrich the school community and enhance intercultural understanding.

Exceptional Teaching and Learning

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Demonstrate exemplary teaching and set a strong example, showcasing effective planning, organization, and high expectations for student achievement and behavior in line with the BST Way.

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Employ evidence-informed strategies and robust subject knowledge to plan and deliver lessons that foster engagement, progress, and suitable challenges for all students while effectively addressing misconceptions. Support students in reflecting on their learning, acknowledging their progress, and identifying their next steps.

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Deliver regular, constructive feedback through effective questioning, dialogue, and precise marking, encouraging students to engage with and act on feedback.

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Take responsibility for continually enhancing teaching through professional development and by seeking advice, feedback, and collaboration with colleagues.

Other Roles

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Contribute to the broader life of the school by leading or assisting in extracurricular and enrichment activities.

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Perform duties around the school as directed by the Primary School Leadership Team.

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Participate and engage actively in residential curriculum trips as required.

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Make a positive contribution to the ethos and wider life of the school community.

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Communicate effectively with parents regarding students’ achievements and well-being.

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Foster positive relationships with students based on dignity, trust, and mutual respect.

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Maintain the highest standards of safeguarding in accordance with school policies and statutory requirements.

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Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by the Head of Primary School or the Senior Leadership Team.

How to Apply

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For the complete job description, please refer to the attached document, and kindly submit your application via the provided link.

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Application deadline: April 12th 2026

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The British School in Tokyo encourages applications from suitably qualified individuals from all backgrounds.

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This position is subject to an enhanced DBS check or International Child Protection Check, and satisfactory background checks for any previous countries of residence.