Head of Psychology (Starting August 2026) South Island School

Head of Psychology South Island School August 2026

Key Responsibilities:

South Island School seeks to appoint an outstandingHead of Psychology for August 2026. Experience delivering theIB Diploma Psychology courseandthe (I)GCSE Psychology course is highly desirable. There could also be opportunities to teach other subjects including but not limited to IGCSE Global Citizenship and the MYP Individuals and Societies integrated course (subject to expertise and demand). Previous experience with these curricula would be an advantage.

As Head of Psychology you will be a member of the Academic Leadership Team (ALT) a role that involves ensuring the Psychology Department is at the forefront of new initiatives at SIS and is represented appropriately in collaborative academic decisions. You will report to the Head of the Individuals and Societies faculty.

The successful applicant will be a highly skilled teacher with the ability to motivate inspire and engage students in creative and innovative ways both within and outside the classroom. You will be a skilled manager and leader as you work with the faculty towards our overall goal of ensuring excellent educational outcomes for all of our students. Like all staff you will additionally be a tutor within our Pastoral Learning Curriculum (PLC) and will be expected to contribute effectively to our Making a Difference Values in Action and Expanding Horizons extra-curricular programmes.

The post comes with a TLR 4 allowance (as per theESF Terms and Conditions).Support with obtaining Hong Kong residence will be provided if necessary.

The Role:

The Head of Psychology at SIS is expected to be committed and flexible. Regular duties include:

• Leading the Psychology Department strategically to develop and sustain high standards and a culture of collaboration and learning;
• Managing colleagues who teach Psychology to facilitate high achievement and efficiency across all facets of the department;
• Representing the department within the Academic Leadership Team (ALT) attending meetings and leading whole school initiatives as required;
• Overseeing the planning development and evaluation of Psychology schemes of learning for all courses to maximise positive outcomes;
• Maintaining a learning climate that is inclusive and safe yet challenging and innovative ensuring appropriate differentiation to meet the needs of students with all learning profiles;
• Leading and managing the development of learning and teaching strategies within the department ensuring staff develop innovative and effective pedagogical expertise facilitating appropriate development opportunities for colleagues as necessary;
• Ensuring that resources are managed effectively within the department in compliance with school-wide and foundation-wide requirements relating to budgets procurement processes and facilities management;
• Ensuring appropriate assessment practices across the Psychology department to support student progress and attainment;
• Ensuring regular celebration of achievements within the department in liaison with the communications team;
• Working as a tutor for a group of students within the Pastoral Learning Curriculum;
• Engaging actively with the Making a Difference Values in Action and Expanding Horizons extra-curricular programmes ensuring that Psychology-related activities are represented appropriately within these curricula.

Requirements

• A relevant degree and postgraduate qualification including internationally recognised teaching qualifications;
• A strong commitment to taking an inclusive approach to meet the needs of all students;
• The ability to lead and inspire others and to manage a team effectively showing excellent leadership management and administrative skills;
• The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with teachers and other relevant professionals parents and students;
• An understanding of current developments in teaching;
• Experience of a range of assessment strategies for identifying students needs and supporting learning;
• A commitment to pastoral care within the school;
• A commitment to developing students skills through extra-curricular opportunities.

Teaching in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a premier destination for expatriate and local teachers! ESF Teachers enjoy an extremely lucrative salary package and a very 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 and SIS 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.

For more information about South Island School please clickHERE.

To Apply

Please submit your applications via the ESF online recruitment system at:

Information

Further information can be found in the following locations:

• South Island School website:
• English Schools Foundation website: email the Principals PA Ms Zin Mogg if you have any questions:

  Thank you again for your interest in this role.

  Closing Date: By 8am Hong Kong Time on Tuesday 25th November 2025

  
  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 opportunities. 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.

  
  
  SecondaryTeacher
  SecondaryTeacherPsychology