Founding Head of Senior School
Salary: Not Disclosed
Country: Unknown
SPGS International School Bangkok - Primary
Job Description
# Head of Senior School
## About the Role
SPGS International School Bangkok is seeking an exceptional and forward-thinking **Head of Senior School** to lead the development and launch of its new Senior School in Bangkok.
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced educational leader to play a central role in establishing a world-class, co-educational Senior School inspired by the educational philosophy and standards of **St Paul’s Girls’ School in London**.
Although the Senior School is scheduled to open in **August 2027**, the successful candidate will join in **September 2026** to lead the pre-opening phase.
Working closely with the Head of School, the Head of Senior School will be responsible for establishing the school's strategic direction, recruiting and developing staff, shaping the curriculum and co-curricular programme, and creating a strong culture focused on student wellbeing, achievement, and holistic development.
## Key Responsibilities
### Strategic Leadership
* Work with the Head of School to translate the school's mission into a clear and measurable strategy.
* Lead the successful launch, growth, and development of the Senior School.
* Establish a strong school identity and sense of community.
* Provide visible, inspirational leadership to students, staff, and parents.
* Develop leadership capacity through professional development and performance management.
* Monitor policies, procedures, strategic plans, and school performance.
* Prepare the Senior School for inspection and accreditation requirements.
### Curriculum & Learning
* Lead the development of a forward-thinking and carefully sequenced curriculum.
* Ensure the curriculum reflects the school's mission, international outlook, and context in Thailand.
* Incorporate appropriate developments in educational technology and AI, including adaptive teaching.
* Monitor curriculum trends and make informed decisions about future provision.
* Ensure students are well prepared for sixth form and university.
* Promote high-quality teaching and learning across the Senior School.
* Maintain appropriate links with St Paul’s Girls’ School in London to support alignment of educational practices.
### Staff Recruitment & Development
* Recruit and retain outstanding teaching staff.
* Lead staff induction, professional development, and training.
* Establish effective performance management systems.
* Support staff wellbeing, morale, and professional growth.
* Develop a strong culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
* Respond effectively to staffing needs and provide teaching cover when required.
### Student Development & Wellbeing
* Place student wellbeing, achievement, and personal development at the centre of decision-making.
* Monitor student attainment and achievement using appropriate data.
* Develop effective systems to support students who are underachieving.
* Encourage student voice and leadership opportunities.
* Establish an educationally sound approach to homework and independent learning.
* Ensure students have access to appropriate reading and enrichment opportunities.
* Recognise and celebrate a broad range of student achievements.
### Co-Curricular Programme
* Develop a broad, inclusive, and engaging co-curricular programme.
* Promote student-led activities, leadership, and autonomy.
* Develop academic enrichment opportunities.
* Support music, drama, sport, exhibitions, concerts, and other school events.
* Encourage students to develop a rich range of experiences beyond the classroom.
* Contribute directly to enrichment activities and the wider life of the school.
### Safeguarding & Wellbeing
The successful candidate will play a key role in establishing a strong culture of safeguarding and student wellbeing.
Responsibilities include:
* Upholding high standards of safeguarding and child protection.
* Initially serving as the **Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)**.
* Developing safeguarding and wellbeing training.
* Ensuring students know how to access help and support.
* Establishing effective behaviour and wellbeing systems.
* Supporting students' physical, emotional, and social development.
* Ensuring compliance with school policies and Thai health and safety requirements.
### Parent Engagement & Communication
* Build strong and positive relationships with parents.
* Provide opportunities for open and effective communication.
* Maintain robust systems for reporting student progress.
* Help parents understand the school's mission, values, and educational approach.
* Support parent workshops and community events.
### Marketing & Admissions
* Work with the Head of School and Director of Marketing and Admissions to communicate the school's vision.
* Act as an ambassador for SPGS International School Bangkok.
* Support promotional events, communications, and social media activity.
* Develop appropriate admissions processes.
* Contribute to ambitious student recruitment and enrolment targets.
### Resource & Budget Management
* Work with the Head of School and Bursar to manage Senior School budgets.
* Ensure appropriate resources are available to support the curriculum.
* Monitor financial planning and forecasting.
* Plan for future staffing, physical, and educational resource requirements.
## Requirements
### Essential
* Bachelor's degree and relevant teaching qualification.
* Successful experience in senior leadership within a high-performing school.
* Strong experience in secondary education and an understanding of primary education.
* Ability to design and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate curricula.
* Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
* Strong organisational and time-management abilities.
* Commitment to safeguarding and student wellbeing.
### Desirable
* Master's degree in Educational Leadership or a related field.
* Previous experience as a Head of Senior School or Senior Deputy Head.
* UK secondary school experience, particularly in an international setting.
* Experience or understanding of British independent school education.
* Experience delivering the **IB Diploma Programme**.
* Experience working with EAL learners or in multilingual environments.
## Language Requirements
* Fluent English is essential.
* Knowledge of Thai, or willingness to learn, is advantageous but not essential.
## Personal Qualities
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
* Strong alignment with the school's values and mission.
* Empathy, patience, and a genuine passion for working with young people.
* Creativity, energy, and enthusiasm.
* A hands-on and collaborative leadership style.
* Commitment to holistic education and student development.
* A reflective approach and commitment to continuous improvement.
* Strong judgement and the ability to manage complex situations.
* High expectations for both students and staff.
* Excellent communication skills.
* A dynamic, positive, proactive, and solution-focused approach.
* The ability to lead with confidence, integrity, and good humour.
## Benefits
The school offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
* Competitive salary
* Annual bonus
* Flights at the beginning and end of the contract
* Summer flights to the employee's home country
* Relocation allowance
* Accommodation allowance and support
* International health insurance for the employee and immediate family
* Free school places for up to two dependent children
* Visa and work permit costs
* Access to school sports and fitness facilities
* Free lunch
* Professional development opportunities
* Professional development allowance
* Generous annual leave
## Important Information
This is a senior leadership appointment and is intended for **experienced educational leaders who meet the stated qualifications and person specification**.
The successful candidate will play a significant role in the **pre-opening and establishment of the Senior School**, with particular responsibility for recruitment, curriculum development, co-curricular planning, resources, and the creation of a strong school culture.
Posted on: September 7, 2026, 1:57 AM← Back to Jobs