The German Swiss International School (GSIS) in Hong Kong is one of the city’s leading international schools, offering high-quality, holistic education to a diverse student body of approximately 1,300 students, supported by 240 dedicated faculty and staff. Established as a non-profit organisation, GSIS operates under a unique governance model with affiliation to the German government, reflecting its deep-rooted commitment to educational excellence and international cooperation. The school is structured into two distinct Streams—German and English— providing pathways to the German International Abitur and the I/GCSE & IBDP qualifications, respectively.
GSIS is a value-driven institution that empowers its multicultural community through a positive, inclusive, and academically rigorous environment. Rooted in both German and English educational traditions, the school nurtures global citizens who are well-prepared to thrive in an interconnected world. We are now inviting applications for the following position, commencing in August 2026.
The English International Stream (EIS) Principal is a pivotal senior leader, integral to school strategy. This role is responsible for spearheading the success and advancement of this dynamic stream. The GSIS EIS embraces an adaptation of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, followed by the British National Curriculum of England and Wales in Primary and Years 07 – 09 in Secondary which is modified to suit our students' selective and international nature. In Year 10 and Year 11, students will prepare for the British IGCSE examinations, and ultimately, complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma in Year 12 and Year 13. This involves inspiring pedagogical leadership focused on innovation and astute administrative oversight of the stream's smooth operation, achieved through deep collaboration with Heads of Department.
A key aspect of the role is cultivating a robust working relationship with the German International Stream Principal and other school section leaders. This alliance champions the "two streams – one school" philosophy, ensuring a cohesive and enriching experience for the entire school community. The ideal candidate is a seasoned, forward-thinking educational leader with visionary achievements and exceptional interpersonal skills that foster collaboration and build consensus.
Key Areas of Responsibility
In collaboration with the German International Stream Principal, deliver and advance the following strategic goals
- Ensure that an excellent curriculum and experience can be delivered to our students.
- Manage and enhance transitional arrangements from Kindergarten to Primary and from Primary to Secondary.
- Maintain external accreditation & quality audits for Council of International Schools (CIS), New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), International Baccalaureate (IB) and support Bund-Länder-Inspektion (BLI).
- Lead school-wide safety and crisis management, including plan development, procedure implementation, and regular drills.
- Coordinate the school's Professional Development programme.
- Ensure adherence to school rules by all community members and oversee the whole school fixture list.
- Develop a Dual Stream learning strategy (Hybrid/Remote) and technology integration in Curriculum.
- Facilitate internal and external school competitions.
- Represent and provide support at various school-wide events, both internal and external, to foster a strong sense of school spirit, increase the school profile and interact with school families.
- With the Head of Student Experience & Community, oversee the content and budget of Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs).
- Working alongside the Head of Student Experience & Community, ensure robust child protection and safeguarding procedures are in place and adhered to across the school.
Professional leadership and management within the English International Stream
- Lead curriculum development, continuity, review, and articulation for the entire English International Stream.
- Manage and develop pedagogical concepts and school policies specific to the English International Stream.
- Oversee student admissions in agreement with relevant internal stakeholders.
- Chair and/or participate in key pedagogical, class, and academic review conferences.
- Promote cross-stream, cross-departmental, and cross-language activities, and mediate in conflict situations.
People management, development and wellbeing within the English International Stream
- Consult with the Associate Head of School and Heads of Department on staff recruitment, leadership appointments, and probationary periods.
- Oversee, enhance and coordinate staff development with a focus on enhancing the stream’s Professional Development programme, lesson observations and performance management.
- Manage induction for new staff and for those taking on new responsibilities.
- Provide consultation and support to staff on pedagogical, organisational, and parental relations matters, mediate conflicts.
- On a need basis, participate in meetings with staff representatives alongside other school leaders.
- Oversee student and staff welfare arrangements within the stream and approve staff leaves.
Operational and financial leadership within the English International Stream
- Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the English International Stream, aligning with the school’s mission and strategy.
- Compile reports for the Associate Head of School and Boards and manage statistics for internal and external bodies.
- Oversee and be accountable for lesson allocation and the stream's fixture list.
- Manage and take responsibility for the English International Stream budget, consulting with the Associate Head of School, Chief Administrative Officer and Director of Finance.
- Coordinate induction week, Parents' Evenings, and other parent information events.
- Oversee preparation for IB Diploma, IGCSE, Deutsches Sprachdiplom examinations, and support the Admissions team.
Information, communication and representation within the English International Stream
- Foster cooperation and communication with parent representative bodies and manage general parent correspondence.
- Share information effectively with staff regarding procedures, events, and important updates.
- Participate regularly in Senior Leadership and Heads of Department meetings and engage with the Student Council.
- Contribute to school Public Relations through articles, representation at external events, and support of GSIS events.
- Learn from, and share practices, with other international and local schools.
Qualifications
- Master's degree (or higher) in Education/Leadership.
- A recognised teaching qualification.
- Certifications in educational leadership, IB programmes, and child protection.
Experience
- Minimum 7-10 years in senior leadership (e.g., Deputy Head, Head of Section) within a K-12 international school, with proven success managing a significant academic stream or department.
- Deep experience with IB Diploma Programme and IGCSE curriculum development, implementation, review, and fostering pedagogical excellence.
- Demonstrable track record in staff recruitment, appraisal, professional development, performance management, and fostering wellbeing.
- Significant experience managing school operations, departmental/stream budgets, resource allocation, and overseeing external examinations and major school events.
- Proven experience as a Child Protection Officer and in leading school-wide safety and crisis management initiatives.
- Current or recent experience teaching at an appropriate level within an international school context.
Competencies
- Strong ability to communicate, build relationships, and collaborate effectively with all stakeholders (students, staff, parents, leadership) in a diverse, multicultural setting.
- Excellent communication skills with fluency in English. German, Cantonese and Mandarin fluency would be advantageous given GSIS’ international environment.
Reporting lines
Reporting to the Associate Head of School, and direct supervisor of:
- Head of English Secondary Department.
- Head of English Primary Department.
- Deputy Head of Kindergarten (dual reporting line).
GSIS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Full background checks including employment history and reference checks, criminal record checks and child protection screening will be conducted to safeguard all student at GSIS. The successful candidate will also be required to attend in-house child protection and safeguarding training and sign a Code of Conduct.
What we offer
In addition to a competitive salary, GSIS offers benefits such as end of contract gratuity, medical health insurance, housing allowance, relocation allowance and education benefits. Staff bus transportation between Central and the Peak Campus (subject to availability), and meals at our in-house cafeteria, are offered at reduced prices.
Our employees work in an environment of high trust where they are afforded responsibility without unnecessary micro-management. Professional development and continuous learning are actively encouraged and financially supported. We welcome candidates who show a commitment to continuous development and are willing to contribute to wider school activities.
You will be working with excellent students with outstanding academic results. You can see the impressive results on our website at https://www.gsis.edu.hk/en/school-life/news-and-events/news/.
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