Head of Upper School – Feb 2027 – Chongqing, China

Head of Upper School
Chongqing, China  |  February 2027
 
The School
 
This school in Chongqing is a leading international bilingual school and serves a growing student body from K-12, with a capacity for 1200 students including 100 boarders. It is supported by a diverse team of international and Chinese teaching and support staff.
 
As part of a prestigious family of British schools, it draws upon over 450 years of heritage, combining British educational traditions with the strengths of the Chinese National Curriculum. The school delivers a bilingual, bi-cultural programme, culminating in IGCSE and A-Level qualifications, and is designed to prepare students for entry into leading universities worldwide.
 
A purpose-built campus offers state-of-the-art academic, pastoral, and co-curricular facilities, supporting both day and boarding provision. A strong emphasis is placed on holistic education, with well-developed pastoral systems, leadership opportunities, and a broad co-curricular programme central to student development.
 
Chongqing
 
Chongqing is known for its dramatic mountainous cityscape, neon-lit skyline, famous spicy hotpot, and vibrant street life, with endless opportunities to explore, from river cable cars and multi-level city walks to bustling night markets and a growing live music scene. Chongqing offers easy access to nature, with mountains, rivers, and rural areas ideal for weekend hikes and short getaways.
 
While it has a smaller expat scene, making it better suited to those seeking a deeper cultural experience, it still has all the conveniences of a major Chinese city. Living and working in Chongqing is significantly cheaper than in larger hubs like Shanghai, allowing expats to live comfortably while maintaining a much higher savings potential. Although inland, Chongqing is well connected by high-speed rail, with major cities like Chengdu just 1-2 hours away.
 
The Role
 
The Head of Upper School role offers the opportunity to lead within a dynamic and expanding senior phase, shaping academic outcomes and student wellbeing. The Upper School encompasses key examination years, requiring strategic oversight of IGCSE and A-Level delivery, staff development, and student progression.

• Establish, evaluate and develop the academic aims and standards of the Upper School in partnership with students, staff, governors, personnel and parents
• Take responsibility for the leadership, and management of Upper School
• Assist the Head of School in establishing and maintaining a vibrant and thriving school
• Manage the performance of the Upper School teaching staff
• Ensure that quality educational programmes take place in a safe, positive and healthy learning environment
• Provide strategic direction and leadership of the Upper School, ensuring excellence in teaching and learning, pupil wellbeing and development, and the provision of co-curricular activities.

Requirements
 
Education

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher with a UK PGCE, or other recognised teaching qualification that permits QTS, from an accredited institution

 Experience

• At least 4 years senior leadership experience.
• Experience in teaching learners with diverse needs, especially EAL in the Upper
• Experience managing performance of staff, especially senior or middle level managers.
• Experience in highly effective relationship management with a variety of stakeholders.
• Experience or clear understanding of Upper School leadership in an international school environment.
• Knowledge of international accreditation, inspection and evaluation frameworks.
• A strong understanding of effective classroom pedagogical practice and pastoral care within a secondary level setting.
• Knowledge and understanding of positive behaviour management of students and evidence of effective practice in a range of settings.

Personal qualities

• The ability and willingness to inspire others; leading by example, role modelling the school’s vision statement: Leadership for a better world
• Be flexible and capable of managing change and instilling high standards
• Be highly motivated, ambitious and collaborative and willing to take the initiative
• Have high levels of honesty and integrity in aspects of their role
• Demonstrate empathy, humility and genuine care about staff and students, taking time to support, guide and motivate them
• Be able to think strategically and drive improvements in student welfare and their wider learning experiences
• Be flexible and able to manage change
• Have excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrate strategic leadership and the ability to lead and manage a team to deliver the school development plan effectively.

Salary and Benefits

• Competitive Salary, high savings potential in a lower-cost of living location within China
• Tuition for dependent children (bilingual environment)
• Flights
• Accommodation
• Medical Insurance

Please apply for a copy of the full job description and further school details