Primary Vice Principal Discovery College

Job Summary

As part of its through-school identity Discovery College strives to provide a coherent aligned learning experience for every student across Year 1 - 13. The senior leaders of the College work together to ensure continuous improvement of this experience built around the Colleges vision mission outcomes and strategic direction. Primary - Vice Principal is responsible for supporting the Head of Primary to enact these in the Primary section working collaboratively with the principal deputising for the Head of Primary and leading the Primary staff.

Main Accountabilities: Curriculum and Learning

• Translate the Colleges strategic direction into Primary practice with a strong datadriven mindset supporting the Head of Primary and ensuring tangible improvements in student outcomes.
• Co-lead with the Primary team the design and ongoing refinement of a coherent curriculum that meets all learners needs within and beyond Primary; be accountable for delivery milestones and impact in fulfilment of the Colleges vision and intended educational outcomes.
• Facilitate alongside middle leaders effective progression and transition within and between programmes and phases relevant to Primary.
• Establish and maintain data systems in collaboration with staff to source track analyse and act on student data; ensure students receive timely feedback and clear next steps enabling students to know how well they are doing and what they need to do to maximise their learning.
• Set and uphold high expectations coaching and supporting staff to implement creative and rigorous pedagogy; monitor enactment and address barriers to implementation.

Main Accountabilities: Pastoral (Wellbeing Behaviour Inclusion)

• Co-lead student support wellbeing and behaviour ensuring inclusive practices for EAL and diverse needs; be accountable for impact.
• Foster a safe positive and nurturing environment that promotes student agency belonging and holistic development.
• Embed consistent behaviour and wellbeing practices and proactive early intervention through coaching oversight and timely adjustment.

Main Accountabilities: Partnerships and Community

• Collaborate over parent partnership with key members of staff for the Primary sector to maximise student outcomes.
• Address parent and student concerns with professionalism and diplomacy ensuring alignment with the Colleges vision and educational outcomes and closing the loop on actions.
• Cultivate strong relationships with external stakeholders (e.g. PTA local community) to strengthen learning and community engagement alongside relevant middle leaders.
• Support sector-specific communications and contribute to the Colleges admissions strategy; oversee Primary admissions in collaboration with the Admissions Manager and key staff.

Main Accountabilities: Operations Standards and Practices

• Monitor evaluate and share the sectors progress and impact with relevant stakeholders following through on agreed improvements and lines of communication.
• Alongside the Head of Primary maintain clear systems and routines for effective Primary operations with transparent roles timelines and expectations.
• Alongside the Head of Primary coordinate staff Professional Reflection and Development (PRD) and Professional Learning (PL) to grow capacity and impact.

Main Accountabilities: Foundation Policy and Alignment

• Support the Head of Primary on foundation policy work and implementation in line with ESFs vision and strategy.
• Help maintain alignment between Primary practice and foundation-wide developments by coordinating inputs and reporting on progress.

Deputising Responsibilities

• Deputise fully for the Head of Primary in their absence providing calm decisive leadership; ensure continuity of operations safeguarding teaching and learning and stakeholder communications.
• Lead key meetings respond to urgent matters and represent the Primary section at cross-school forums as required.

Other Leadership Responsibilities

A variety of strategic and operational responsibilities in the relevant sector as determined according to need including:

• Line-manage staff/teams including through PRD and fostering collaborative working practices.
• Participate in recruitment as appropriate to the role.
• Lead the transition of Year 6 to Year 7 and the induction of Year 1.
• Assist with the development of the Primary timetable with relevant leaders.
• Lead and administer key processes (e.g. Primary admissions) as assigned.
• Contribute to Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) approaches and practices.
• Lead or contribute to special projects developments and innovation.
• Undertake other duties and accountabilities as agreed.
• Teaching responsibilities as appropriate to the role.

Minimum Typical Education

• Teaching Qualification: Bachelors degree (postgraduate qualifications preferred)

Minimum Typical Experience

• Experience of a range of curricula and frameworks
• Experiences in a range of different schools and/or a school with a well-developed international outlook
• Senior leadership experience in a similarly sized school is desirable

Notes

• Two-Year Finite Contract

All teachers are expected to:

• Contribute to the schools extra-curricular programme throughout the year.
• Participate in key school and PTA events on identified evenings and weekends.
• Contribute to the Education Outside the Classroom Programme (EOTC) including by leading residential excursions in urban locations in Hong Kong or overseas as required.

Click here for more details about the role

For enquiries please contact Rashmi Tandonat .

Click here for more details about Discovery College

Teaching in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a premier destination for expatriate and local teacher. ESF Teachers enjoy a lucrative salary package and a high standard of living overall in an exciting and vibrant world city. The teaching profession is highly respected student motivation and outcomes are excellent and all teachers receive considerable support from ESF with settling into Hong Kong as well as with their professional development. Please feel free to contact us in advance about life in Hong Kong if you feel a conversation on this topic would be helpful.

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

By applying for this position your application may be considered for other opportunities (senior-level roles head of department etc.) within ESF.

ESF is an Equal Opportunities Employer

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is fully committed to providing equal employment opportunity. ESF will not discriminate on the basis of age race colour 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.

Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with the ESFs Personal Data Policy a copy of which will 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 upon an interview identity verification criminal background checks (including ICPC SCRC and other international background checks as appropriate) assessment of social media presence and positive references.

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

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