Principal

Private Advertiser; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international school in Kuala Lumpur is seeking an experienced Principal to provide strategic academic and leadership oversight. You will be responsible for ensuring high standards in curriculum delivery, compliance, and overall school operations. The ideal candidate will have a Master's Degree in Education, at least 8 years of senior leadership experience in an international school, and expertise in curriculum development. This role offers an opportunity to shape the school's future and enhance student outcomes.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of senior leadership experience in an international or private school environment.
• Strong expertise in curriculum development, pedagogy, assessment, and examination systems.
• Experience with Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead curriculum planning, delivery, assessment, and improvement.
• Monitor academic and examination requirements.
• Ensure staff and students are prepared for internal and external examinations.
• Oversee compliance with regulatory, health, safety, and SOP requirements.
• Collaborate with Group HR to recruit and develop high-performing staff.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum development

Pedagogy

Communication

Compliance management

Education

Master's Degree in Education or related field

Job description

We are seeking a highly experienced and visionary Principal to provide strategic academic, non‑academic, and leadership oversight for our International School. The successful candidate will lead curriculum delivery, examinations, student welfare, staff development, compliance, and overall school operations, ensuring consistently high standards of teaching, learning, and student outcomes aligned with international best practices and the school’s vision, mission, and core values.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide strategic leadership for curriculum planning, delivery, assessment, and continuous improvement.

Plan, monitor, and oversee academic and examination requirements, including but not limited to annual and semester planning.

Review and continuously enhance the curriculum and co‑curriculum.

Lead, guide, coach, and inspire academic staff to deliver high‑quality teaching and learning.

Design, review, and implement academic policies, procedures, and quality assurance frameworks.

Plan and supervise the preparation of the annual academic calendar.

Examinations & Accreditation

Ensure staff and students are fully prepared for internal and external examinations, including CIE.

Chair Examination Board meetings and oversee all examination processes.

Monitor and manage CIE examination administration, approvals, compliance, and documentation.

Ensure confidentiality, accuracy, and regulatory compliance throughout examination processes.

Ensure the school is fully prepared for accreditation, inspection, and audit visits.

Oversee and enforce student discipline policies and procedures.

Chair disciplinary board meetings and engage with parents/guardians on academic and behavioural matters when required.

Ensure a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for all students.

School Events

Lead the planning and execution of major annual school events, including concerts, festive celebrations, graduations, awards day, carnivals, and sports day etc.

Leadership, People & Culture

Take overall responsibility for day‑to‑day school operations.

Promote staff well‑being, professional development, performance management, and succession planning.

Collaborate with Group HR and senior management to recruit, retain, induct, and develop high‑performing staff.

Foster a positive, collaborative, and motivating school culture aligned with the school’s values.

Operations, Compliance & Governance

Ensure compliance with all regulatory, health, safety, and SOP requirements.

Oversee academic and operational teams to ensure smooth and effective school operations.

Deploy resources and staffing efficiently.

Review, develop, and implement school policies as required.

Stakeholder & External Relations

Work closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and School Heads from other subsidiaries.

Liaise with government authorities (e.g. Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health) and external bodies such as CIE.

Strengthen relationships with parents, community partners, and international education institutions.

Support student enrolment growth and enhance the school’s reputation locally and regionally.

Promote sustainability initiatives across the school community.

Ad‑Hoc & Group Responsibilities

Support Group‑level initiatives and perform other duties as assigned by senior management.

Qualifications & Experience:

Master’s Degree or higher in Education or a related field.

Minimum 8 years of senior leadership experience in an international or private school environment.

Strong expertise in curriculum development, pedagogy, assessment, and examination systems.

Experience with CIE is highly preferred.