About This Role
Summary
The Head of Academic Services provides strategic leadership and oversight of the school’s academic support services, including Guidance, University & Career Guidance, Special Education Needs (SEN), and English as a Second Language / English Immersion Programme (ESL/EIP). This role will be responsible for ensuring compliance with local regulators and authorities.
This role ensures that all academic support programmes align with the school’s educational philosophy, regulatory requirements, and student success outcomes. This role works collaboratively with academic leaders, teachers, parents, and external stakeholders to support students’ academic, social-emotional, and language development needs.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership & Programme Oversight
Provide overall leadership and direction for Guidance, Special Education Needs (SEN), and English as a Second Language / English Immersion Programme ESL/EIP services.
Develop and implement policies, procedures, and frameworks to ensure effective academic support.
Align academic services with school improvement plans and accreditation standards.
Monitor programme effectiveness through data analysis, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
2. Guidance & Counselling
· Provide strategic direction for the school’s Guidance and Counselling programme, ensuring alignment with the school’s vision, safeguarding policies, and regulatory requirements.
· Oversee the development and implementation of counselling frameworks that support students’ academic, social-emotional, and behavioural development.
· Supervise and mentor Guidance Counsellors to ensure professional standards, ethical practice, and high-quality service delivery.
· Establish systems for early identification and intervention for students requiring academic or emotional support.
· Ensure accurate documentation, confidential record-keeping, and compliance with data protection and safeguarding standards.
· Monitor counselling caseloads, programme effectiveness, and student outcomes through data-informed evaluation.
3. Special Education (SEN)
Oversee identification, assessment, and support processes for students with learning needs.
Ensure Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are developed, implemented, and reviewed effectively.
Collaborate with teachers to ensure inclusive classroom practices.
Coordinate with external specialists and relevant authorities when required.
Ensure compliance with relevant educational regulations and safeguarding requirements.
4. ESL / EIP (English as a Second Language / English Immersion Programme)
Oversee placement, assessment, and progression of students in ESL/EIP.
Monitor curriculum alignment and effectiveness of language acquisition strategies.
Ensure clear transition pathways for students exiting ESL/EIP into mainstream programmes.
Support teachers with differentiation strategies for multilingual learners.
5. Team Leadership & Management
Lead, supervise, and mentor staff within Academic Services.
Conduct performance evaluations and provide professional development support.
Foster a collaborative and student-centred team culture.
Manage budgeting and resource allocation for academic support services.
6. Compliance & Quality Assurance
Ensure compliance with Cambridge/Canadian/IBDP, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Ontario inspection and accreditation requirements.
Maintain accurate records and documentation for audits and inspections.
Develop and review policies in line with regulatory standards.
Lead preparation for external inspections related to academic services.
7. Stakeholder Engagement
Serve as the primary liaison between Academic Services and school leadership.
Communicate effectively with parents regarding student support plans.
Collaborate with teachers and Heads of Department to ensure integrated support delivery.
Represent the school in meetings with external agencies where required.
Qualifications
Bachelor Degree in Education or Master’s degree in Education, Counselling, Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field.
Minimum 5–8 years of relevant educational experience, with leadership exposure preferred.
Experience in Guidance, Special Education Needs (SEN), and/or and English as a Second Language / English Immersion Programme (ESL/EIP).
Strong understanding of international school curriculum frameworks (e.g., Cambridge, Canadian and IBDP School(s).
Experience preparing for Ministry of Education and Ministry of Ontario inspections or accreditation processes is an advantage.
Proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin is preferred.
Core Responsibilities
- Deliver high-quality, engaging lessons aligned to the required curriculum.
- Create a supportive and inclusive classroom environment for diverse learners.
- Assess student progress rigorously and provide timely, constructive feedback.
- Participate actively in broader school life, including extra-curricular programs.
- Collaborate with departmental colleagues to elevate instructional strategies.
Candidate Requirements
- A recognized teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE, QTS, or equivalent).
- A minimum of 2 years verifiable post-qualification teaching experience.
- Demonstrable track record of excellent student outcomes.
- A bachelor's degree directly related to your teaching specialization.
- Clear criminal record check spanning the last 10 years of residency.