Principal – Australian International School Malaysia

An outstanding opportunity for an innovative, outgoing and commercially minded leader to join a school that is already distinctive and is aiming to be a flagship for Australian education in the region.

This is an excellent opportunity for a committed school leader with experience as a Principal or an ambitious leader for whom this would be an opportunity to step up into the role.

For a start date of January 2026 which is the start of the school’s academic year.

Australian International School Malaysia (AISM) is a leading international school that has built up a strong reputation and distinctive tradition since its founding in 2000. Through its offering of the Australian curriculum and emphasising Australian culture and values, it has attracted a loyal and committed student and parent body. Located twenty kilometres South of central Kuala Lumpur, AISM enjoys a green and relaxed setting.

It is a school currently of 500 students but there is an immediate priority to grow this to the pre pandemic numbers of 650-700 and then with capacity for further growth to capacity of c1000. This provides an opportunity for creative working by the new Principal who will be exemplary in building partnerships with different stakeholder groups. Such a person will have an entrepreneurial spirit and a capacity for innovation. They will embrace the opportunity to understand and respond to the culture of the School. The Principal will have strong commercial and external instincts to seek new ways to promote the School within its existing and new markets.

The new Principal will embrace and affirm the school’s identity as a true Australian community school, invigorate its offer, recognise its reputation as a warm and inclusive community, and support it as a model for Australian international education in the region. There is no expectation that the Principal will be an Australian national and applications are invited from anyone who is passionate about the values and style of education offered by AISM.

AISM is part of the Taylor’s School Group, one of the most prestigious education providers in Malaysia and Singapore. This ensures access to a broad network of professional development, resources and opportunities for collaboration. The next Principal will need to be comfortable with a strong culture of accountability to the group but in an environment where Principals enjoy high levels of autonomy, The Principal is also responsible for fostering an environment where every learner becomes Relevant, Responsible, and Resilient – reflecting the commitment to the Taylor’s brand promise. 

Further information can be found within the introduction for candidates and the detailed 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 deadline for receipt of applications is Tuesday 15 July 2025 at 10:00 (UK)/ 17:00 (Malaysia)

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.

Taylors’ 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.