Head of Primary

International Schools Partnership; George Town; On-site; MYR 250,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international school network is looking for a Head of Primary to lead the International Primary School in Penang, Malaysia. The successful candidate will inspire learning, collaborate with families, and promote a positive school culture while adhering to safeguarding principles. A relevant degree and experience in a leadership role, preferably in an international setting, are essential. This is a two-year fixed-term contract with competitive benefits, including a generous Employee Provident Fund contribution and support for new arrivals.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Fee discount for children

Medical insurance benefits

Generous EPF contributions

Flight allowance at contract start and end

Accommodation support for new arrivals

Qualifications

• Experience as a Head of Primary School or in a senior leadership role.
• Qualified primary teacher with relevant qualifications.
• Experience leading schools following the UK National Curriculum.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the International Primary team.
• Work closely with students and families.
• Implement and review the whole-school curriculum.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Curriculum design

Data utilization

Education

Relevant degree

Leadership qualification (NPQH/NPQSL or Master’s in Education)

Job description

Description

Head of Primary – Tenby International School, Penang

Job starts August 2026

Location: Penang, Malaysia

Contract type: Full Time

Contract term: Fixed Term

Purpose of Role

To lead our International Primary School and its staff in delivering amazing learning and outstanding success for all students. To be a positive, reflective, and collaborative member of the campus leadership team, contributing to the campus-wide experiences of our students and our learning partnerships.

About Tenby Penang

Located in Tanjung Bungah, Penang, Tenby Schools Penang stands out for its state-of-the-art STEAM Engine building, bringing Robotics, Virtual Reality, Music and Technologies into everyday learning, making it one of the leading schools in Malaysia for STEAM-focused education. Students work together in spaces such as the Robotics and Coding Lab, Makerspace, Black Box Theatre, Food Technology Kitchen and more, developing creativity, problem-solving, and practical skills.

Two parallel streams: Tenby International School (International Primary Curriculum, the National Curriculum for England and IGCSE) and Sekolah Sri Tenby (Malaysian National Curriculum). We emphasize a global perspective with rich pastoral care and after-school activities, including ILOS, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, Model United Nations, and more. Our campus hosts students from over 30 countries with a strong multicultural emphasis.

Tenby Schools Penang is part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP), a global network of schools dedicated to developing curious and confident minds. Our Learning.First approach places students at the centre of their learning journey.

Role and Leadership Context

As Head of International Primary, you will guide staff to achieve excellent learning outcomes, work closely with students and families, and uphold safeguarding and a positive school ethos. You will join a campus leadership team and contribute to delivering the school vision.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the International Primary team to deliver high-quality learning outcomes.
• Inspire colleagues, students, and parents; promote a safe, happy, and inclusive school culture.
• Lead whole-school curriculum implementation, review, and design to deliver amazing learning opportunities for all students.
• Collaborate with the wider campus leadership team for the benefit of all students and the community.
• Develop effective relationships based on integrity, honesty, and respect.
• Embrace latest thinking and technologies to improve learning while being strategic and pragmatic in implementation.
• Prioritize safeguarding and safety of students and staff, and adhere to Keeping Children Safe in Education and Safer Recruitment principles.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Experience as a Head of Primary School or in a senior leadership role in a primary school.
• Experience in an international setting is advantageous but not essential; willingness to listen, learn, and respect diverse experiences is important.
• Qualified primary teacher with a relevant degree (essential) and leadership qualification e.g., NPQH/NPQSL or Master’s in Education (desirable).
• Experience leading or in a senior leadership role in a school following the UK National Curriculum with a track record of positive student outcomes.
• Experience in a multilingual environment and knowledge of EAL provision (desirable).

• Excellent interpersonal skills to engage and inspire staff, students, parents, and the wider school community.
• Ability to lead and manage a safe and caring school with a clear culture and positive ethos.
• Ability to implement, monitor, and review practices that are clear, consistent, and lead to student success.
• Ability to use data to improve school practice and outcomes.
• Empower teachers to continually improve learning quality in classrooms.
• Ability to lead curriculum implementation and design to deliver learning opportunities for all students.
• Willingness to work with the wider campus leadership team for the benefit of all students and the community.
• Develop effective relationships based on integrity, honesty, and respect.
• Forward-thinking and open to new thinking and technologies, balanced with strategic implementation.
• Prioritizes safeguarding and safety of students and staff in line with policies and procedures.

We offer

This is a two-year contract with an option to renew at the end. Benefits include:

• Competitive salary
• Fee discount for children of employees
• Medical outpatient and insurance benefits
• Personal Accident insurance coverage
• Generous contributions to an Employee Provident Fund (EPF) up to 23% of salary per annum (11% employee contribution + 12% employer contribution) paid as a lump sum on leaving Malaysia
• Flight and shipping allowance at the beginning and end of the contract
• Support with accommodation for the first two weeks after arrival

Safeguarding, Diversity and Inclusion

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references, and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background, or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles are encouraged to apply.

How to apply

For more information about Tenby schools please visit our website: www.tenby.edu.my

Early application is encouraged as we reserve the right to appoint before the closing date of 23 January 2026. Shortlisted candidates should be available for interview from the final week of January 2026.