Vice Principal (Academics) – UWC Changshu China

China

A fantastic UWC leadership opportunity - at a fascinating moment to see the UWC mission and values through the lens of China.

From August 2025

For a visionary senior leader, passionate about making a meaningful impact in education, joining a UWC college offers a very special opportunity. Taking on this role in China – at a time when the future is likely to depend on China’s relations with the rest of the world – elevates the Vice Principal (Academics) position at UWC Changshu to an extraordinary level.

UWC Changshu China was founded in 2015 with the explicit objective of exploring UWC’s mission – to make education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for a more peaceful and sustainable future – in a Chinese context. The college occupies a stunning campus in the city of Changshu, about 45km from Suzhou and a 90-minute drive from Shanghai. The campus harmoniously blends the natural environment of its lakeside location with world-class learning and living facilities.

UWC Changshu has accomplished a great deal in its first decade. With 630 students across three years – three-quarters enrolled in the IB Diploma Programme and the rest in a one-year Foundation Programme – it stands as one of the largest international boarding schools in Asia, with all students living on campus. The college welcomes students from more than 90 countries, embracing diversity as a core element of UWC’s transformative educational model. At UWC, diversity extends beyond nationality, encompassing a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds, supported by an extensive scholarship program. The college community is further enriched by more than 90 faculty members and 75 support staff.

The Vice Principal will focus on the academic aspects that are integral to life at UWC Changshu. Under the leadership of Principal Simon Head, the college is committed to adopting a more holistic approach to the student experience. The aim is for learning to be experienced as a cohesive whole, supported by more integrated leadership responsibilities. The Vice Principal will be educationally-focused while also eager to collaborate closely with other members of the leadership team.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of leadership, ideally within an IB environment, and a strong interest in curriculum, pedagogy and innovation. They will demonstrate a deep commitment to UWC’s mission and values and a genuine enthusiasm for exploring UWC’s relevance and impact in China, ensuring this is meaningfully integrated into the student experience.

The successful candidate also will embrace the idea that Chinese expectations for academic excellence and an international school’s emphasis on a broad-based education can harmoniously coexist. They will possess the ability to develop a shared educational vision that takes a truly holistic approach to student life and learning.

Additionally, they will be inspired by the opportunity to join a global movement of 18 schools and colleges, supported by a national committee system that selects students from diverse communities and cultures around the world

This position will be ideal for an experienced leader currently serving as a Vice Principal or in an equivalent role, or for someone ready to step up from another senior leadership position. The recruitment process will prioritise candidates who demonstrate not only relevant experience but also creativity, commitment, innovation, emotional intelligence, and a deep understanding of – and enthusiasm for – the transformative potential of a UWC education.

The position is available from August 2025.

For a preliminary, confidential conversation about the role with Jean Sullivan, Head of International Search, please contact JeanSullivan@rsacademics.com with a copy of your CV/résumé.

The deadline for applications is Friday 21 February 2025 at 10:00 (UK) / 18:00 (China)

Preliminary interviews with RSAcademics may commence before the applications deadline and the school reserves the right to appoint a candidate in advance of the intended timeline; early applications are therefore encouraged.

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.

 

UWC Changshu is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all the students in our care and expects all applicants to share this commitment. We follow safe recruitment practices which are aligned to the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection. We hold ourselves to a high standard of effective recruiting practices with specific attention to child protection. All appointments are subject to an interview, identity checks, criminal record checks, and reference and social media checks.

The safeguarding responsibilities of the role are indicated in the candidate information.

Safeguarding and child protection issues will be discussed throughout the appointment process.

The school is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We actively encourage all qualified applicants to apply regardless of race, religion, gender, national origin, age or disability

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

 

Key Dates

The deadline for the receipt of applications is Friday 21 February 2025 at 10:00 (UK) / 18:00 (China)

Preliminary interviews with RSAcademics colleagues will take place in the week commencing 24 February 2025 (preliminary interviews may also take place before the applications deadline).

Candidates considered for long list interview may be asked to submit a short video as an additional part of their application.

Long list interviews will take place by video call with members of the UWC Changshu team in late February/early March.

Final stage interviews will depend on the circumstances of candidates but are likely to involve a mix of in-person and online interviews.