deputy head (academic) - jan 2026 - guangzhou, china.

Harrow International School Guangzhou
AISL Harrow 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 AISL Harrow School in the Greater Bay Area, it welcomes 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 HIS Guangzhou will develop into a flagship school for the AISL Harrow 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.

HIS Guangzhou 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 development

Examinations & 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 administration

Timetabling & 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 budget

Whole-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