Teacher of Individual Needs (Starting Aug 2026) West Island School

West Island School is a premier international school in Hong Kong dedicated to providing a high-quality education that fosters inquiry collaboration and personal growth. With a diverse team of about 160 full-time staff representing over 16 nationalities our community is proactive passionate and supportive making it an exciting place to live and work.

West Island School is seeking to appoint a Teacher of Individual Needs to start in August 2026. This is a full-time position two-year finite contract (non-renewable).

West Island School invites applications from enthusiastic creative and innovative teachers who possess a genuine passion for supporting students with diverse learning needs. The successful candidate will join a respected faculty of specialist Individual Needs teachers and enthusiastic educational assistants teaching students aged 11-18.

Key Responsibilities:

Teaching Responsibilities

• Employ knowledge and experience of diverse learning needs to deliver effective teaching for students with varying abilities.
• Demonstrate experience in teaching alternative accredited courses with knowledge of AQA unit awards and BTEC Level 1 &2 and entry level certificates being an advantage.
• Provide differentiated learning approaches and materials to support students in mainstream mixed-ability classes.
• Support students with highly specific needs such as Autism in small group settings within the Learning Centre.
• Developing IEPs & student support plans
• Working as a Keyworker to support individual students & foster relationships with parents
• A commitment to holistic education with knowledge of subjects such as Maths or Science being beneficial for effectively supporting diverse learners.

Pastoral Care

• Serve as a tutor for a group of approximately 30 students supporting their holistic development through pastoral work.

Extra-Curricular Contributions

• Actively engage in extra-curricular events and activities contributing to student-led initiatives and the wider life of the school.
• Participate in school trips and support students in various activities based on personal interests.

Expectations

• Demonstrate a commitment to collaboration and continuous learning within the teaching team.
• Foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment that encourages student participation and growth.
• Embody professional characteristics of Agility Adaptability and Accountability.
• Utilize the exceptional resources and facilities available to maximize student potential.

Educational Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in Education or a Bachelors Degree in a subject with PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate of Education) or equivalent.
• Experience of teaching students with individual learning needs in either a mainstream or specialist setting.
• Experience supporting students in attaining educational goals is essential.
• Experience with exam access arrangement and having a CPT3A qualification is advantageous.
• Previous full-time teaching experience for at least two years
• Commitment to inclusion
• Pro-active adaptable and passionate team player able to share responsibility for the development of curriculum and pedagogy.

Professional Skills and Abilities

• A proactive adaptable and passionate team player.
• Commitment to inclusion and fostering a supportive learning environment.
• Proven experience leading or contributing to extra-curricular programmes.
• Ability to work collaboratively in developing curriculum and pedagogy.
• Commitment to ongoing personal and professional development including participation in relevant workshops conferences or leadership training

Benefits

In return for your passion and dedication to delivering quality education we offer:

• A highly competitive salary.
• Gratuity and housing allowance.
• Passage and healthcare benefits.
• Subsidised school places for your children.
• Security and opportunities provided by being part of the English Schools Foundation.

For more information please refer to theESF Terms and Conditionsand ourSchool Website.

If you have any questions feel free to contact us HR Manager: Rathi NandaKumar

Learn More About Us

To get a deeper insight into teaching at West Island School and our vibrant community watch our introductory videoTeaching at West Island School

Please read this document about our incredible school a lot happens at West Island School! Please have a read and think if this is the type of school you would like to work at and be part of its community.West Island School at a Glance

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and offers may be extended prior to the job closing date. We strongly recommend early applications as we reserve the right to appoint candidates earlier than the closing date. Interested candidates should submit their resume along with a cover letter explaining their relevant experience and why they would be a great fit for our team.

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.

SecondaryTeacher

SecondaryTeacherLearningSupport