Secondary School Principal

Position Title: Secondary School Principal

Location: Akita, Japan

School: Knightsbridge House International School

Reports To: Founder / Group COO

Contract Type: Full-Time, 2-Year Renewable

Start Date: June 2026

About Knightsbridge House International School (KBH)

Knightsbridge House International School (KBH) is a progressive international school group with campuses across Asia, including Singapore and Japan. Our vision is to nurture confident, creative, and compassionate global citizens through an inquiry-driven education based on the Cambridge International Curriculum and global best practices.

The new Akita Campus represents KBH's commitment to bringing world-class international education to Japan, offering a stimulating learning environment where academic excellence meets cultural understanding.

Role Summary

The Secondary School Principal will provide academic and operational leadership for the Secondary Division (Years 7–13). The incumbent will oversee teaching quality, student welfare, curriculum delivery, and community engagement — ensuring that the school maintains its reputation for excellence and aligns with KBH Group standards.

This role is suited for an experienced, globally minded educational leader who can work effectively in a bilingual (English–Japanese) setting.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership and Strategy

2. Lead and inspire the secondary school team to achieve high academic and operational standards.

3. Translate the school's vision and strategic goals into actionable plans for teaching and learning.
4. Foster a culture of respect, inclusion, innovation, and continuous improvement.

5. Serve as a visible and approachable leader to students, parents, and staff.

6. Academic and Curriculum Management

7. Oversee the implementation of the Cambridge Lower Secondary, IGCSE, and A-Level programmes.

8. Monitor academic performance and drive improvement initiatives across departments.
9. Ensure teaching practices are aligned with international standards and 21st-century pedagogy.

10. Coordinate internal and external assessments, examinations, and accreditation processes.

11. Staff Development and Management

12. Recruit, develop, and retain qualified and passionate teachers.

13. Conduct regular performance appraisals and classroom observations.
14. Facilitate ongoing professional development and mentorship opportunities.

15. Promote collaboration, shared leadership, and a growth mindset among staff.

16. Operations and Compliance

17. Manage school operations, including timetabling, budgeting, facility use, and compliance with Japanese education authority requirements.

18. Liaise with KBH's central administration on HR, finance, and operational policies.

19. Ensure a safe, inclusive, and well-managed school environment.

20. Community and Parent Engagement

21. Strengthen relationships with parents and guardians through open, proactive communication.

22. Represent the school at events, conferences, and community outreach initiatives.
23. Promote a positive school identity within Akita and the wider KBH network.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Education or related discipline (Master's preferred).
• Minimum 8–10 years' experience in teaching and leadership, preferably in an international or bilingual school.
• Proven experience with Cambridge International Curriculum or similar.
• Strong knowledge of curriculum development, student support, and staff management.
• Prior experience in school start-up or accreditation is advantageous.

Language Requirements

• Fluent in English (spoken and written) – essential.
• Conversational to fluent Japanese – preferred (for communication with local authorities and parents).

Core Competencies

• Visionary and culturally adaptive leadership.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Commitment to academic excellence and student well-being.
• Integrity, professionalism, and collaborative approach.

Remuneration and Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Housing allowance and relocation support.
• Annual leave, child education subsidies, repatriation, and other staff benefit per KBH Group policy.

How to Apply

Interested candidates may submit the following to

• Cover letter expressing interest and suitability for the role
• Updated CV with recent photograph
• List of referees with contact information

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Contract length: 24 months

Pay: $7,000.00 per month

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Company car
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking
• Health insurance

Work Location: In person