Head of School and Head of Secondary (two roles) – Lumio Private School, Paphos

Two outstanding opportunities to become the Head of School and Head of Secondary respectively in a rapidly growing not-for-profit, holistic, international K-12 school, which opened in Paphos, Cyprus in September 2024.

These are exceptional opportunities to lead Lumio Private School, a new not-for-profit international school which opened in September 2024 in the stunning environs of Paphos, Cyprus. (Please note, the word “Private” must appear in the School’s title under Cypriot law). The founding Head is relocating to another international headship and leaves an expanding, thriving new School of immense potential. 

Eventually, Lumio will be a K-12 School of over 500 pupils. Currently it houses 170 pupils up to year 9 but is projected to double in size in September 2025. Lumio is a labour of love for its founders, themselves former academics, who are building a new school for families in Cyprus who seek an international, holistic, happy education that will culminate in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The 6.8 hectare campus in Acheleia, close to Paphos International Airport, is being constructed under the aegis of leading Cypriot architectural bureau Lazarou & Michael, and will include separate Primary (completed) and Secondary facilities with outstanding provision for academics, sport and the arts.  

Paphos itself is the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite. A coastal city of some 36,000 people (with closer to 100,000 in the metro area), it is blessed with beaches, a port, international airport and, most famously, an extraordinary and ancient heritage recognised by UNESCO and manifest in world famous archaeological and architectural treasures. The standard of living is high, and services and facilities are excellent. 

The Head of School and Head of Secondary will be warm, creative, flexible, open-minded professionals with a long-term vision for and commitment to the new school, its mission and community. This is a school where children – not the interests of a group or business – must come first. Experience of the IB will, for both roles, be essential.  

There is huge scope for imaginative leaders to create something quite unique in Cyprus. The School has enjoyed a very successful first year, and the incoming Head of School and Head of Secondary will arrive to an extant founding team of staff (teaching and non-teaching) who worked very hard to ensure the new community would thrive. So, while growing the School and community will be a vital aspect of the role, ensuring the current team is valued in a high-functioning and high-trust environment will be equally important.  

This is a special opportunity for two visionary, engaging leaders with excellent communications skills to lead a passion project that sits at the other end of the spectrum from many of the large school chains and groups. For the right people, Lumio may prove the opportunity of a lifetime. 

The roles will both commence in September 2025, and the positions come with a competitive remuneration package. 

For a preliminary, confidential conversation about either of the roles with Jean Sullivan, Head of International Search, please contact jeansullivan@rsacademics.com, attaching a copy of your CV. 

Applications for these roles will be considered as they are received. Please note that the quantity of applications already received are such that these positions will be pausing for any further applications in the near future. Applications by the end of Friday 13 June 2025 are therefore encouraged.

To apply, candidates should complete an application form electronically and submit it to RSAcademics, together with a letter of application and CV/résumé.  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 form.

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.

Lumio Private School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all its employees and volunteers to share this commitment. Safeguarding and child protection issues will be discussed throughout the appointment process and candidates must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including reference checks with previous employers and criminal records and social media checks.  

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 the role are indicated in the candidate information. 

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