Deputy Head of Primary

Are you a dedicated educator with a passion for early years and primary education, combined with a talent for supportive leadership and a drive for continuous improvement? We invite you to apply for the position of Deputy Head of Primary at our school.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and caring leader to join our warm, collaborative, and forward-thinking community. The ideal candidate will have solid experience in primary education, proven leadership abilities, and a clear commitment to nurturing both academic progress and the holistic development of every child.

About the School

Britannica International School Shanghai is the only truly British owned and managed, British style, international school in Shanghai, and is part of the Orbital Education group. It offers learning and teaching experiences based on the Early Years Foundation Stage and English National Curriculum enhanced to meet the needs of its international student body. Secondary students are prepared for Cambridge University and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE and A Level examinations.

The school is accommodated in well-resourced and purpose-built premises that are situated in the high quality residential district of Gubei, which is within 20 minutes of the vibrant Former French Concession area. It has a capacity for 750 pupils from 18 months – 18 years of age, making it unique in the city with regard to its smaller school and family feel environment. The school currently has a student population of over 400 pupils. Class sizes are all under 22 pupils and often smaller.

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a Deputy Head of Primary to commence in August 2026. This role is ideal for educators with previous leadership experience, including current Deputy Heads of Primary in the UK or internationally, as well as experienced Key Stage Leaders or Primary Coordinators ready to advance into senior leadership.

Our vision is to sustain small class sizes and low teacher-to-student ratios, fostering a nurturing and personalised learning environment where every child is recognised and encouraged to flourish. The successful candidate will support the Head of Primary in guiding a committed team of teachers, promoting excellence in teaching and learning, and actively contributing to the dynamic and caring school community.

Benefits

- Teaching posts are initially offered as a two-year contract, with the possibility of renewal of contract at the end of this period.

- A remuneration package that includes a basic salary in excess of that offered in the UK, with low taxation, along with annual flights, a housing allowance, full medical cover and a relocation allowance to assist in settling in the city.

- A bonus is provided for every year taught along with annual remuneration increases based on performance reviews. The teaching year consists of 180 days, with good holidays spread throughout the academic year allowing staff to make the most of their time in Asia.

Qualifications

- We are seeking applications from individuals who have experience in a UK school or an international school teaching the English curriculum. Applicants must have a relevant bachelor’s degree from a reputable University and Qualified Teacher Status.

- As a British school specialising in the English National Curriculum to a diverse international student population, English as a First language is a crucial requirement for the candidate, and accordingly applications from native-level speakers of English will be preferred.

Britannica has already built its reputation on high quality and high standards and as such it has similar high expectations of its staff. The school therefore welcomes fully qualified, flexible, creative, child-centered teachers who will further enhance the quality of teaching and learning and also be prepared to contribute to the extra-curricular life of this busy school.

Britannica Teachers:

- are passionate about education, inspire their pupils through their engaging and demanding teaching,

- participate in all aspects of school life,

- create a warm and safe community, to which parents and pupils are proud to belong,

- are flexible and have a sense of humour,

- enjoy being part of a British owned and managed group of schools with all the consequent benefits this brings.

Orbital Education focuses on delivering the very best in British education to its students around the globe. It’s an expanding group with schools already in Spain, Albania, Hungary, Slovenia, China, Russia, Ecuador, Mexico and Qatar, with exciting plans to develop new schools across the globe.

Key reasons to work at an Orbital Education School include:

i) Opportunities to collaborate with colleagues and students worldwide

ii) Enhanced professional development opportunities, through partnerships with specialist learning providers to offer recognised and accredited professional development programmes.

iii) Opportunities for both career development and movement within the group, providing opportunity to see the world whilst progressing an attractive and rewarding career.

Living and working in Shanghai

Shanghai is one of the largest cities in China, but is probably its most diverse and cosmopolitan, with a huge International community choosing to travel, live, and settle here. Shanghai provides an excellent lifestyle, with a combination of western cultures mixed with the best of China’s past and present, making Shanghai’s local culture unique in the world. Shanghai is an extremely safe, welcoming, and modern city, with its friendly occupants known for their hospitality, and the ability to make you feel at home.

There are excellent education facilities, transportation, and amenities across the city, with two International airports providing excellent transport links across the world.

Applications

If this describes you and you are keen to join our excellent school and friendly, supportive and hardworking staff team, then we would welcome an application from you. Your application should be submitted by email and should include a CV with photograph, a letter of application and the names and email contacts of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Please submit your application to the Principal, Mr. Paul Farrell at Paul.Farrell@britannicashanghai.com

Safeguarding

Britannica International School, Shanghai is committed to safeguarding children and young people. As part of the school’s commitment to safeguarding, all post-holders are subject to background checks and an International Child Protection Certificate administered by ACRO ICP Certificates (if ever worked or lived in the UK),

Prohibition Checks where appropriate and/or Criminal Records (Police Check) disclosure from their most recent country of residence. Prior to employment employees will also be required to present original and notarised copies of their professional qualifications.