Head of Secondary – Aug 2026 – Hanoi, Vietnam

Head of Secondary
Aug 2026 | Hanoi, Vietnam
 
This school is a not-for-profit international school that blends the very best of a traditional British independent school education with Vietnamese values and principles. Built on 350 years of history and tradition, the school maintains very close ties with its sister school in the UK. As a well-established international school in Hanoi, the school benefits greatly from a strong reputation for educational excellence.
 
The school comprises the Secondary School, educating students aged 11-18, and the Preparatory School, educating students aged 3 to 11. The school is proud to be the first UK independent school brand in Vietnam to become a COBIS accredited school.
 
Above all, this school is a very happy place, a place where staff and students are valued, fulfilled and ambitious. This is a warm, respectful and inclusive community, where staff are passionate, welcoming and supportive, and our students are inquisitive, enthusiastic and kind.
 
Living and Working in Hanoi
 
The school is located in the vibrant city of Hanoi, the historically rich and chaotically energetic capital of Vietnam. The city’s many lakes, parks, museums, French colonial mansions and amazing food scene provide opportunities for countless activities, as well as access to a wealth of nearby areas to explore. Hanoi is a great base for seeing some of Vietnam’s most dramatic scenery, although you could spend a lifetime exploring the city and barely scratch the surface.
 
Role and Requirements
 
This is an exciting opportunity to join a rapidly expanding school in Hanoi, Vietnam. We are seeking an experienced Head of Secondary and Sixth Form, with day-to-day responsibility for Years 7 to 13, curriculum delivery, pastoral leadership, safeguarding oversight, and the quality of teaching and learning across Secondary and Sixth Form.
 
We expect the successful candidate to have a strong record of achievement and performance, and be a strategic thinker able to develop a strong vision, devise strategic plans, and show impact. The successful candidate would work alongside the Head of Primary, Education Director, and under the direction of the Headmaster.

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills with the ability to establish rapport with students, parents and colleagues. We welcome applications from experienced Head Teachers, including teachers for whom this would be their first overseas post.
 
Requirements
 
Essential

• Relevant degree and recognised teaching qualification
• Significant successful leadership experience in a secondary or all-through international school context
• Strong knowledge of secondary curriculum, assessment, reporting, pastoral leadership, and safeguarding
• Strong understanding of Key Stage 3, IGCSE, and wider secondary progression
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage change, and maintain high standards
  Strong written and spoken English, with excellent communication and relationship-management skills
• Ability to manage complex and high-stakes matters with sound judgement
• Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, professional conduct, and the ethos of the school
• Lead pastoral systems, student wellbeing, behaviour, attendance, and student culture across Years 7 to 13
• Work closely with the DSL and safeguarding team to ensure strong safeguarding practice
• Ensure a coherent and high-quality student experience across learning, guidance, enrichment, transition, and celebration of achievement
• Promote student leadership, pupil voice, and positive partnership with families

Desirable

• Experience of Head of Secondary, Deputy Head, Assistant Head, or equivalent leadership responsibility
• Experience of Cambridge leadership, IGCSE oversight, or related examination processes
• Experience of IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) leadership, implementation, candidacy, or curriculum development would be an advantage
• Knowledge of Vietnamese regulatory and school compliance requirements relevant to the role
• Experience of accreditation, inspection, or school improvement review processes
• Experience of leading events, parent engagement, or wider school community initiatives

Salary and Benefits

• Competitive salary in a low cost of living location
• Annual family flights
• Family medical cover
• Accommodation
• Work visas
• Free education for up to two dependent children