Head of School – Forest City International School, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

An exciting opportunity near the Malaysia/Singapore border to lead a growing international day and boarding school in the CATS Global Schools organisation.

Start Date January 2026 

CATS Global Schools (CGS) seek a new team-orientated Head of School to lead the Forest City International School from January 2026. The School, housed in a spectacular purpose-built campus, is NEASC accredited and a member of EARCOS. 

The role will suit an academically focused leader who is ready to lead a growing community. The successful candidate will be committed to STEAM initiatives, innovation, and global leadership programmes. With the support of CGS, the new Head will elevate further student outcomes while preserving all that makes Forest City International School so special. Over the coming years, in a measured and strategic way, Forest City International School is looking to quadruple in size and reach a capacity of 1,200 pupils.  

The new Head will be results-orientated, self-driven, entrepreneurial and decisive while always being community minded. Experience of working in Southeast Asia is desirable but not, for the right candidate, essential. The once all-American curriculum (a result of the Phoenix Tree founding group originally partnering with the American SSM Educational Services) is now being enhanced by the introduction of A level, so understanding and knowledge of the latter will be essential.  

It is easy to see why over 70% of staff have been with Forest City International for over three years. Located only 15 minutes’ drive from Singapore, and 40 minutes from Singapore’s Changi Airport, the green campus is stunning in form and content. Facilities are exceptional and include: a STEM innovation centre, smart classrooms and laboratories, an Olympic sized pool, an 850 seat theatre, indoor golf with AI technology, multiple sports courts and more besides. 

The role will suit an academically focused, team-orientated leader who can work for and with a community as it looks to grow and thrive as part of the CGS group.  

Further information can be found within the candidate information brochure. 

For a preliminary, confidential conversation about the role with Hannah Green, International Appointments Consultant, please contact hannahgreen@rsacademics.com with a copy of your CV/résumé. 

Applications for this role will be considered as they are received and there will not be a fixed applications window. Candidates are therefore encouraged to submit their applications at the earliest opportunity. 

To apply, candidates should complete an application form electronically and submit it to RSAcademics, together with a letter of application, CV/résumé, and completed data sharing agreement. Please click the Apply Now link on the right side of this page. You will be taken to an online portal where you will be able to download the application materials. Please follow the instructions provided to complete your application. Guidance on the letter of application can be found in the candidate information. Please make sure your letter is tailored to this role; an application letter that is largely generic is discouraged and may lead to your application not being considered. 

Should you have any queries relating to uploading your application documents, please contact Alison Hooper, Project Coordinator, at applications@rsacademics.com. Alison can also be reached by calling +44 (0) 204 6269 791.

Forest City International School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be prepared to undergo stringent child protection screening including checks with past employers, and an enhanced DBS (or equivalent) is required. 

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. 

The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure. 

RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.