Head of School – HD Beijing

An outstanding opportunity to lead HD Beijing, a 1,000 + K-12 school in the HD Schools group, on a transformative journey from a UK-centric curriculum to a more holistic and innovative US curriculum.

The first of the HD Schools opened in August 2014 in the city of Ningbo, and the group now also comprises of schools in Shanghai, Beijing, Qingdao and Nanjing. The group is leading the way in what it believes to be one of the most exciting educational projects of our time – its unique mission is cultivating globally-fluent Chinese who lead, innovate and impact. HD Schools is respectful of the need for academic rigour, but also recognises that education is broader than this: so it provides opportunities for students to develop new skills and interests outside the core academic curriculum in a happy, creative environment where critical thinking is nurtured. HD Schools offers a broad, balanced, and caring character-developing approach.

HD Schools is now seeking to enhance and evolve its curriculum structure to foster a more comprehensive, vibrant, and innovative educational experience, moving from the current exam-centric model to one that embraces truly personalized learning and a holistic educational approach. Starting from September 2023 at the historic Ningbo campus, the first US four-year high school program was launched, with the Beijing Secondary campus introducing the same program in September 2024. The US curriculum will include both the school’s standard curriculum and Advanced Placement (AP) options.

The role will suit a kind and charismatic leader, experienced in the US system and international education, who shares HD Schools’ belief in innovative, bilingual-bicultural education, and who can deliver on a transformative journey that offers holistic education as a core value. The Head of School will work in partnership with the Chief Academic Officers and the Board in realizing HD Schools’ mission through forward-looking and inspiring educational leadership of the highest caliber.

Further information can be found within the candidate brief.

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.

The closing date for applications is Thursday 13 March 2025 at 10:00 UK / 18:00 China.

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)1858 383163.

HD Schools are 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.