Student Support Services Adviser - ESF Centre

The Adviser – Student Support Services plays an essential role in advancing ESF’s Vision 2030 by nurturing Belonging, Engagement, and Personalisation across all ESF kindergartens and primary schools.

As part of the Student Support Services team, the Adviser boosts system capacity to foster inclusive, neuro-affirming, and high-quality learning environments where every student can engage, access, and thrive. This role collaborates extensively with school leaders and learning diversity teams to promote inclusive cultures, implement effective tiered support systems, and establish sustainable practices for students from Kindergarten through Year 6.

The Adviser plays a strategic role in the ongoing enhancement of ESF’s inclusion framework, ensuring alignment between policies, moderation processes, funding models, and school practices.

Key Responsibilities

System Leadership and Strategy:

- Assist in formulating, implementing, and evaluating ESF policies and procedures related to inclusion, student support, learning diversity, and well-being from Kindergarten to Year 13.

- Support the ongoing development of ESF’s inclusive education model in line with Vision 2030, the ESF Early Years Strategy, and Inclusion Evolution priorities.

- Prepare reports, briefings, and strategic communications for the Head of Education – Student Support and ESF Senior Management as necessary.

School Partnership and Capacity Building:

- Build strong, trust-based partnerships with ESF schools and kindergartens to enhance leadership capacity in inclusive practices and tiered support systems.

- Guide and assist schools in developing and implementing personalized learning approaches, including Universal Design for Learning, differentiated curriculum pathways, and evidence-based interventions.

- Provide consultative support to schools in planning for students needing additional assistance, advocating for inclusion within mainstream settings whenever possible.

- Contribute to the implementation and continuous enhancement of ESF’s internal moderation processes for Levels of Adjustment, helping schools apply descriptors and guidance consistently, transparently, and professionally.

- Assist schools in aligning their practices with ESF policy expectations and commitments to inclusive language.

Transition and Placement:

- Improve system-wide transition processes, particularly from K2 to Year 1 and Year 6 to Year 7, ensuring clarity, equity, and alignment with the appropriate school model.

- Support the execution of Enhanced Transition Plans in partnership with schools and families.

- Work collaboratively across schools to facilitate appropriate placement decisions and successful transitions, guided by ESF’s inclusive values.

Professional Learning and Network Leadership:

- Co-facilitate the Learning Diversity Network across ESF and lead associated working groups.

- Design and implement professional learning initiatives in accordance with Vision 2030 and Inclusion Evolution priorities.

- Lead projects and initiatives that foster inclusive school cultures and promote evidence-based practices.

Collaboration and Communication:

- Act as a key liaison between schools and the Head of Education – Student Support.

- Cultivate effective working relationships among schools, central teams, and relevant external partners.

- Communicate complex policy developments and system changes clearly, sensitively, and transparently.

Requirements

- Recognized teaching qualification with considerable school-based experience in Kindergarten and/or Primary.

- A supplementary qualification in special education, inclusive education, learning diversity, or a related discipline is highly preferred.

- A minimum of four years of experience leading inclusive education, special education, or student support services within a Kindergarten and/or Primary context.

- Experience in system improvement, policy implementation, or leading change initiatives is advantageous.

Knowledge

- Philosophy and contemporary practices of inclusive education.

- Tiered support systems and personalized learning frameworks.

- Curriculum accommodations and differentiated pathways.

- Student well-being, safeguarding, and child protection frameworks.

Abilities

- Strategic planning and execution.

- Development, implementation, and monitoring of system-wide processes.

- Facilitation of professional learning and effective meetings.

- Data-informed decision making and record management.

- Navigating complexities and leading change among multiple stakeholders.

Demonstrates the ability to:

- Promote inclusive education with moral integrity and professionalism.

- Build relationships founded on trust, respect, and collaboration.

- Engage effectively with diverse stakeholders across schools and central teams.

- Listen attentively and respond clearly and confidently.

- Balance professional challenges with relational sensitivity.

- Manage and resolve conflicts constructively.

- Maintain optimism, proactivity, and strategic thinking in complex and evolving environments.

Closing Date: 12 Apr 2026

For inquiries, please contact Karen Ng at karen.ng@esfcentre.edu.hk.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and offers may be made prior to the job closing date.

By submitting your application for this position, you may also be considered for other roles (senior-level positions, head of department, etc.) within ESF.

ESF is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities. ESF prohibits discrimination based on age, race, color, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, religion, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, creed, citizenship, or any other status protected by local laws or regulations.

The personal data provided by applicants will be utilized strictly in accordance with ESF's Personal Data Policy, a copy of which can be provided upon request.

ESF is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students in our care and expects all applicants to uphold this commitment. We adhere to rigorous recruitment practices, with all appointments contingent on interviews, identity verification, criminal background checks (including ICPC, SCRC, and other relevant international checks), assessment of social media presence, and securing positive references.

In line with the Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 guidelines, ESF may conduct online checks for all shortlisted candidates prior to the interview.

About Us
The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is the largest English-medium international school organization in Hong Kong. Our 22 schools and extensive extracurricular programs are designed to maximize every student’s potential through a personalized learning approach that fosters curiosity.

With over 18,000 students from 75 different nationalities across ESF kindergartens, primary, secondary, and all-through schools, our environment is rich and diverse.

About the Team
The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is a modern, well-managed educational organization devoted to providing an international education to students from over 70 countries. We take pride in being at the forefront of Hong Kong's educational landscape, fully leveraging the opportunities presented by this vibrant city, which serves as Asia’s world city and a gateway to China.

Our curriculum, culminating in the International Baccalaureate, is tailored to meet the needs of Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region. ESF’s 1,100 educators are highly qualified, bringing diverse experiences from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, the UK, and various other international education systems. All our schools offer a wide array of extracurricular activities both locally and internationally.

With over 18,000 students, our culture emphasizes joy in learning and pride in achievements. Most of our students pursue the IB Diploma and gain admission to universities worldwide. ESF has a longstanding commitment to support children with individual needs and is the primary provider for English-speaking children with special educational needs in Hong Kong. For more information about ESF, please visit our website.