Leadership position in China
Inspiring Leadership Opportunity: Deputy Secondary Principal – Pastoral
August 2026 start
Are you a compassionate, strategic, and student-centered leader ready to make a difference in the lives of young people? We are seeking an exceptional Deputy Secondary Principal – Pastoral to join our client's vibrant international school community in Guangzhou, China, from August 2026.
This is an exciting opportunity to take a leading role in shaping a holistic, supportive, and inclusive pastoral culture where every student feels valued, connected, and empowered to succeed.
🌿 About the Role:
As Deputy Secondary Principal – Pastoral, you will lead all aspects of student well-being, safeguarding, and community culture across the Secondary School (Grades 6–12). You will work closely with the Secondary Principal and leadership team to ensure that students are supported academically, socially, and emotionally, fostering a safe and caring environment in which they can flourish.
This role demands a strong leader who can combine strategic vision with a hands-on, empathetic approach to pastoral care.
Key Responsibilities:
- Pastoral Leadership: Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive pastoral care program that promotes student well-being, inclusion, and personal growth.
- Safeguarding & Student Welfare: Oversee safeguarding practices and child protection procedures, ensuring the highest standards of safety and care.
- Positive School Culture: Promote a sense of belonging, respect, and integrity throughout the school community, aligning with the school’s values and mission.
- Advisory & Guidance Programs: Manage and enhance the advisory system, ensuring students receive consistent guidance, mentorship, and support.
- Behaviour & Discipline: Lead a restorative and values-based approach to behaviour management, maintaining high expectations while fostering accountability and empathy.
- Crisis Management & Support: Coordinate responses to pastoral and behavioural issues, supporting staff and families in managing complex student needs.
- Collaboration: Work closely with the academic leadership team to ensure student well-being is integrated with academic progress and personal development.
- Parent & Community Engagement: Build strong relationships with parents and guardians, ensuring open, transparent, and supportive communication.
- Staff Leadership: Mentor and support Heads of Year, counsellors, and pastoral staff, ensuring consistency and shared understanding across the secondary school.
About You:
You are an approachable, reflective, and forward-thinking educational leader who is deeply committed to student welfare and community well-being. You will bring:
*Proven experience in a pastoral or student welfare leadership role, ideally within an international or IB context.
*A deep understanding of adolescent development and the unique challenges of secondary education.
*Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect authentically with students, staff, and parents.
*Experience with safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures.
*The ability to manage sensitive issues with discretion, empathy, and professionalism.
*A commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion, and global citizenship.
*A relevant degree and teaching qualification, with leadership training or postgraduate studies preferred.
Why Join Our Client?
🌍 Meaningful Impact: Be part of a school community that truly values holistic education and places student well-being at the heart of its mission.
🤝 Collaborative Environment: Join a highly supportive leadership team dedicated to innovation, care, and continuous improvement.
🌆 Inspiring Location: Experience life in Guangzhou, a modern, cosmopolitan city with rich cultural heritage and a welcoming international community.
🚀 Professional Growth: Benefit from extensive professional development opportunities and a culture that encourages leadership progression.
💼 Attractive Package: Competitive salary and benefits, including housing allowance, relocation support, medical insurance, and annual flights.
This is a rare opportunity to lead with purpose and compassion in a school where every voice is valued and every student’s well-being matters.
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