Deputy Head of Academics
Guangzhou, China | August 2026
This school group in China and Asia is affiliated to a prestigious private school in the UK, and looks to the 450-year old heritage to anchor its guiding principles, drive progressive initiatives and inspire a vision that seeks to produce leaders for tomorrow. The international schools offer exceptional education to prepare students with diverse background and abilities for a life of learning, leadership, service and personal fulfilment.
This brand new international school Guangzhou is scheduled to open in September 2026, with a planned capacity of 1,530 students across 65 classes and approximately 300 boarding spaces. As the fifth school for the group in the Greater Bay Area, it will welcome foreign children aged 2-18 from expatriate families and residents of Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, and Taiwan, opening doors to unparalleled opportunities. It is expected that the Guangzhou school will develop into a flagship school for the Group.
The school will embody the essence of British education, combining academic excellence with the dynamic spirit of STEAM innovation. Students will benefit from exceptional educators and state-of-the-art facilities that empower their growth and foster innovation, as they become internationally competitive individuals ready to excel in science and technology.
This provides an excellent opportunity for experienced educators to establish an excellent school and to join a well-established, ambitious and expanding family of international schools.
Role and Responsibilities -
full job description and candidate pack available
The successful candidate will be a part of the start-up team, laying the foundations for the opening in 2026
Whole School Academic Leadership
Design, develop and implement the strategic vision for the development of the Curriculum and Teaching and
Learning across the School
Drive the strategic development of academic standards across the School
Design and implement innovative curriculum frameworks
Evaluate teaching quality through rigorous observation and feedback systems
Analyse teacher performance data to inform PPR decisions
Present academic standards reports to the Governing Body
Guide the Heads of Subjects on curriculum implementation
Direct the Head of Teaching and Learning on pedagogical developmentExaminations & Assessment Oversight
Govern all GCSE and A-Level examination processes
Authorise access arrangements for public examinations
Monitor pupil progress data to implement targeted interventions
Convene academic parent consultations at critical progression points
Provide directions to the Head of Sixth Form on university preparation programs
Oversee examination and assessment administrationTimetabling & Academic Operations
Review and finalise the master timetable
Integrate new pupils into appropriate academic streams
Oversee subject option processes for all year groups
Allocate teaching staff resources across all academic programs
Sixth Form Academic Leadership
Provide directions to the academic program for Years 12-13
Enhance university application success rates
Champion the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Elevate Oxbridge/Ivy League candidate preparation
Refine predicted grades processes
Academic Policy & Development
Pioneer cutting-edge pedagogical approaches for secondary education
Align curriculum with the School's leadership development vision
Revise academic policies and staff handbooks annually
Manage the Upper School academic resources budgetWhole-School Leadership
Advise Head of School on academic staff recruitment as well as pupils
Direct team to maintain the academic profile through digital platforms
Provide guidance and insight on the scholarship program development
Qualifications and Experience
Bachelor's Degree or above in any field.
Possess a UK PGCE, or other teaching qualification, giving QTS, from a recognised institution.
Inspire, motivate and support pupils and colleagues
A proven track record of leadership, impacting on whole school outcomes
A proven track record of delivering academic performance
A proven track record of suitability for working with children and young people, including the ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries
Experience of collaborating with colleagues
Experience of analysing whole school data and using it to inform whole school planning and development
Salary and Benefits Package
The remuneration package is very generous and includes the following;
A competitive salary package
An annual bonus of 10% of salary, subject to appraisal
Full health insurance coverage for teachers as well as cover for dependents
Onsite full-furnished accommodation provided for teachers in their first two years with the option of living offsite in second and subsequent contracts
Return Airfare and baggage allowances for teacher and dependents
100% remission on tuition fees for up to two (2) dependent children attending the School. 50% remission on tuition fees for 3rd dependent child onward.
The cost of all working visas, dependents' resident visas and work permits costs paid for by the school