Founding Principal

Magdalen College School; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Kuala Lumpur seeks an experienced Founding Principal to lead the newly established SCIS-MCS. This role presents a unique chance to shape a thriving K-12 community, fostering a diverse learning environment while delivering high-quality British academic standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong strategic leadership skills and a proven track record in education leadership. This role is supported by strong partnerships and aims for impactful growth in the region.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Head or senior leader in British international education.
• Track record of successful school leadership.
• Vision for establishing a world-class education institution.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the newly established SCIS-MCS.
• Build a thriving school community with local and international students.
• Ensure highest standards of British education are met.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Outstanding communication skills

Cultural sensitivity

Education

Relevant educational background

Job description

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Magdalen College School (MCS), in partnership with Sunway City International School (SCIS), seek an experienced and visionary Founding Principal to lead the newly established SCIS–MCS in Kuala Lumpur. This landmark partnership marks a major milestone in Malaysia’s pursuit of world‑class education, bringing Cambridge A level programmes to local and international students, delivered to the highest British academic standards and enriched by MCS’s 500‑year tradition of intellectual excellence and holistic development.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the next chapter of a thriving school that is already operational and poised for significant growth. Located within the dynamic Sunway City Kuala Lumpur development, the school population is currently at 500 students (K–12) and aims to reach 1200 by 2030. With a diverse community of Malaysian and international students, the Founding Principal will build on strong foundations to establish SCIS‑MCS as one of the region’s leading centres for a British international education.

The successful candidate will combine a clear vision for excellence in British international education with a track record of success as Head or experienced senior leader. Strong strategic leadership capabilities, outstanding communication skills and high levels of cultural sensitivity are essential, as is the energy, ambition and resilience to develop an outstanding school. The Founding Principal will have the full support of two world‑class partners in Sunway Education Group and Magdalen College School, benefiting from close collaboration and a shared ambition to create a school of enduring quality and global reputation.

SCIS‑MCS have retained the services of Perrett Laver to help identify the widest possible field of suitable candidates and assist in the assessment of applicants against the requirements for the role.

Further information including a detailed role description and person specification, and information on how to apply can be found at https://plusportal.perrettlaver.com/ quoting reference number 8146.

The closing date for applications is 09.00 GMT on Monday 26th January 2026.

For an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact Edoardo Vachez on [e-mail].

If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.

Should you require access to these documents in alternative formats, please contact Esther Elbro on [e-mail].

If you have comments that would support us to improve access to documentation, or our application processes more generally, please do not hesitate to contact us via [e-mail].