Executive Head

Wycombe Abbey School Nanjing

Applications are invited for the position of Executive Head at Wycombe Abbey School Nanjing (WASNJ).

Opened in 2021, Wycombe Abbey School Nanjing (WASNJ) is one of four co-educational Wycombe Abbey International schools currently operating in China, with sister schools in Changzhou (2012), Hong Kong (2019) and Hangzhou (2021). The Wycombe Abbey International schools began after Wycombe Abbey in the UK partnered with BE Education in 2016.

WASNJ is a growing school offering a premium education within a world-renowned brand: the incoming Head will deliver the inspirational leadership expected and required of the Wycombe Abbey name as the target enrolment moves towards capacity of over 2,000 students in the years to come.

With world-class facilities in one of China's largest and most impressive UK-branded school campuses, WASNJ promotes academic excellence within a strong holistic and boarding programme designed to foster a love of learning that will last a lifetime. The school is located in Tangshan, Jiangning District, Nanjing, about 20km east of the downtown area. Stunning facilities include state-of-the-art teaching classrooms and laboratories, an Engineering Design & Technology Centre, five libraries, a world-class 600-seat theatre, a Traditional Cultural Centre and separate Upper and Lower School boarding houses. With its vision to ensure that “Every Child Can Excel”, WASNJ fosters a culture of intellectual curiosity, global-mindedness and compassion.

Enjoying considerable autonomy but benefitting from collaboration within the group, the new Head will oversee outstanding provision for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 (Year 13), offering an integrated bilingual curriculum base, which blends elements of the Chinese National Curriculum with the Cambridge International Curriculum, and prepares students to take IGCSEs and A Levels. The first A Level students will graduate in summer 2025.

Succeeding the current Head who is retiring after a sterling career, this is a unique and exciting opportunity for a visionary educator to lead one of China’s top international schools and make a lasting impact. Reporting formally to BE Education, the Executive Head will collaborate closely with the Management Committee, providing regular updates, progress reports, and keeping members informed on school operations. They will also seek the committee's advice and guidance when necessary to ensure the school’s continued success. The successful candidate will be a dynamic and passionate leader, driven by innovation and a commitment to educational excellence. Exceptional communication skills and the gravitas to serve as an ambassador to diverse audiences will be essential, as well as strong commercial acumen and a deep alignment with the school’s ethos and philosophy.

For further information, please visit the school’s website: https://wycombeabbeyinternational.com/schools/nanjing-china/#overview

A candidate brief is available from https://www.odgers.com/92360          

Letters of application and CVs should be sent by the closing date, 9.00am GMT on Monday 4 November.

Wycombe Abbey International Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers.