Vice Principal (With Additional Responsibilities) - (Starting Aug '27)

ESF; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 950,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Job summary

ESF Quarry Bay School Kindergarten (QBSK) seeks a Vice Principal to lead pedagogical strategy, oversee PYP coordination, and integrate Learning Diversity into a cohesive framework. You will balance curriculum, operations, and teacher mentorship within a warm Early Years community.

You will partner with teachers, families, and specialists to drive inquiry-based, accessible learning for all learners, supported by a Head of School and dedicated teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education (or equivalent).
• Strong grounding in Early Years philosophy, the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), and inclusive education practices.
• Leadership style: approachable, emotionally intelligent, communicates clearly, stays calm under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead IB PYP curriculum development and alignment for Early Years.
• Support high-quality teaching, learning, and authentic assessment (portfolios, observations, progress continuums).
• Guide staff through IB evaluation cycles, self-study, and curriculum documentation.
• Design and deliver workshops for staff and families, modeling inquiry-based learning.
• Champion inclusive classrooms and ensure every child’s learning needs are met.
• Collaborate with teachers, families, and external specialists to tailor support strategies.
• Provide coaching on differentiated instruction and inclusive classroom practices.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Emotional intelligence

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Vice Principal (With Additional Responsibilities) - (Starting Aug '27)

ESF Quarry Bay School Kindergarten (QBSK) is seeking a collaborative, empathetic, and visionary educator to step into the role of Vice Principal.

This key leadership position brings together school-wide leadership, IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) Coordination, and oversight of Learning Diversity (LD) into a single, cohesive framework. You will serve as QBSK's pedagogical lead—ensuring our curriculum is rich, inquiry-driven, and fully accessible to every learner. Supported by dedicated teaching teams and our Head of School, you will balance strategic vision, daily school operations, and teacher mentorship in a warm, vibrant Early Years community.

Key Focus Areas

1. Pedagogical Leadership & PYP Coordination

• Curriculum Direction: Lead the strategic development and implementation of the IB Primary Years Programme tailored to Early Years learners.
• Quality Assurance: Support high standards of teaching, learning, and authentic assessment (portfolios, observations, learning continuums).
• IB Alignment: Guide staff through IB evaluation cycles, self-study processes, and curriculum documentation.
• Professional Growth: Design and facilitate engaging workshops for staff and families, modeling best practices in inquiry-based learning.
• Holistic Support: Champion inclusion across all classrooms, ensuring every child's individual learning needs are met.
• Collaborative Network: Partner with teachers, families, and external specialists/therapists to create tailored support strategies.
• Capacity Building: Provide practical coaching on differentiated instruction and inclusive classroom practices.

3. School Leadership & Operations

• Community & Culture: Build trusting, positive relationships with staff, students, and families to foster a culture of teamwork and wellbeing.
• Operational Excellence: Oversee daily school operations, lead collaborative planning sessions, and help navigate change smoothly.
• Mentorship: Support staff induction, coach emerging teacher-leaders, and foster continuous professional growth.

What We Are Looking For

• Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education (or equivalent).
• Expertise: Strong grounding in Early Years philosophy, the IB Primary Years Programme, and inclusive education practices.
• Leadership Style: An approachable, emotionally intelligent leader who communicates clearly, stays calm under pressure, and manages priorities effectively.
• Desirable: Experience in formal coaching, mentoring, or inter-agency collaboration for learning support.

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.

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 ESF's 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.

About Us

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong. Our 22 schools and comprehensive programme of extra-curricular activities bring out the best in every student through a personalised approach to learning and by inspiring curious minds.

There are over 18,000 students from 75 different nationalities in ESF kindergartens, primary, secondary and all-through schools.
www.esf.edu.hk

About the Team

ESF Quarry Bay School Kindergarten serves approximately 200 children aged 3 to 5. The school follows the IB Primary Years Programme and is located in Quarry Bay, Hong Kong Island.

At QBSK, our goal is to create a community where every child is seen, heard, and inspired to flourish. We hold deep respect for each child as a resilient, competent, and naturally curious learner. Our inquiry-based curriculum encourages children to investigate, explore, and construct their own understanding of the world through child-centred play.

As a fully integrated part of the Quarry Bay School community, we offer a unique bridge between Early Years and Primary education, providing a continuous, joyful learning path.

https://www.qbsk.esf.edu.hk