Primary Principal - International Section
Japanese International School (China/Hong Kong)

Primary Principal, Japanese International School in Hong Kong-International Section

The Japanese International School (JIS) in Hong Kong is currently recruiting a Primary Principal for the International Section to start January 2026.

If you are interested in the role and aren’t available until after January 2026, please still submit your application and state your EARLIEST availability within your cover letter.

School Background

The Japanese International School of Hong Kong opened in 1997 and has developed a very special niche in the provision of top quality international education within Hong Kong. The school is part of the Hong Kong Japanese Schools network and is operated in a shared campus with a Japanese primary school and a Japanese middle school in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong. The schools share the same campus yet operate a different curriculum and with an independent management team and teaching staff. The schools collaborate where curriculum allows and learning opportunities can be developed.

Voted ‘Primary School of the Year’ in June 2021, in the first ever HK Education Awards, JIS sits on a large, purpose built campus in the North East New Territories of Hong Kong, where we provide a unique, multi-cultural context for our students.

We have a strong commitment to quality education supported by a dedicated learning community. We have been a fully authorized IB world school since 2007 and utilise the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) as our curriculum framework.

The PYP curriculum framework compliments our desire to be an international school that develops a deep understanding within our students of issues that relate to their lives locally and globally. Our students come from a range of nationalities and cultures which is reflected in our curriculum design. We set ourselves high standards in all that we do, both through academic study and the provision of a broad curriculum that encompasses a wide range of creative learning experiences and additional language study.

We have a major focus on the environment and exploring the great outdoors. Students at JIS develop an appreciation and love for nature and the environment.

At JIS we offer a unique environment that offers high quality facilities. Our school is accessible from all areas of Hong Kong, with easy access from both urban areas and the New Territories.

We specialize in small class sizes, fully qualified teachers from around the world and extensive resources to support learning, teaching and the development of the whole child.

Our students are happy, motivated and caring members of our learning community. We develop positive, open-minded individuals who love to learn, be creative, be active and who have a strong commitment to their community and the wider world.

All members of the learning community uphold our core values of Kindness, Commitment and Respect.

JIS is a small school with a big heart. For more about the school, check out our website at http://es.jis.edu.hk.                                                        

The Principal will be responsible for all areas of management and strategic planning for this vibrant, dynamic international school. Run along the lines of an international community school there are strong, positive links to the school community and parental involvement is an integral part of school life. The staff are internationally diverse and have been trained throughout the world but are united at JIS in their passion and ability to facilitate the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) to a high level for a diverse student body and school community.

Job description:

The Principal will act as the chief administrative officer and leader of the school and its community. The Principal is responsible to the Board of Directors of Hong Kong Japanese Schools Ltd. for ensuring that teaching and learning develops and sustains high standards of achievement within a positive culture of learning. The Principal is responsible for the coordination of staff and student activities, administrative operations and the management and liaison with the extended school community. The Principal will lead the development of a strategic direction for the school and the development of planning that is consistent with the progress of the school.

Specific responsibilities include:

The Principal will comply with all HK Education Bureau requirements as set out in Hong Kong school legislation:

•  Seek approval from the EDB for the yearly calendar, increases in school fees, modifications and changes to the curriculum (where necessary), resources or buildings
• Ensure that all teachers are certified and registered with the EDB as qualified full time or permitted teachers

The Principal shall supervise, create and implement all school policies as required, described and approved by the school and the Board of Directors:

• Attend and participate in meetings of the HKJS BoD and Management Committee
• Advise the BoD administration staff of changes to be made to staffing and salary scales, fees and capital levy
• Maintain appropriate budgets to be shared with the BoD and administration staff
• Remain informed of school’s legal requirements, rules of establishment, all school internal policies, schedules and changes to national conditions or regulations that may affect the running of the school

 The Principal will direct all school operations:

• Ensure robust Implementation of teaching and learning aligned with the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP)
• Ensure staffing, budgeting and resource levels are appropriately managed to ensure the development of the PYP curriculum framework at JIS
• Liaise closely with the IB to ensure that JIS can meet their standards and maintain their authorisation
• Liaise closely with the PYPC and TLR holders to manage and develop the school
• Actively promote the development of staff through the IBO and beyond
• Actively support the JIS PYP coordinator in all aspects of planning and implementation of the IB PYP at the school
• Review and revise with all staff the provision of curriculum materials and resources
• Recommend to the BoD and school administration staff additions and priorities for budgeting, maintenance and repair of the school facility to maintain the high standard of provision
• Maintain all school expenditures in accordance with an approved budget – allowing for development items and current costing
• Submit an annual budget for the approval of the BoD

 The Principal shall maintain and develop a team of suitably qualified, talented and committed staff for the school:

•  Employ, supervise, nurture, evaluate and when necessary undertake disciplinary action with employees under the supervision of the BoD
  
  
• Maintain an appropriate monitoring and evaluation programme to support the development of staff and further develop the standard of education offered to the students and community of JIS
  
  
• Recommend (to the BoD and administration staff) salary scales and incentives consistent with maintaining and developing a high quality level of staffing at JIS
  
  
• Create and offer developmental opportunities for staff for career enhancement
  
  
• Arbitrate grievances which may arise between sections of the school administration and community
  
  
• Maintain and develop appropriate terms and conditions of service and contractual obligations for staff
  
  
• Ensure all staff are committed to child safeguarding and have met all EDB requirements regarding safeguarding clearances

The Principal shall create a climate of positive challenge, reflection and development within the staff:

• Provide structures and schedules that allow for the development of high quality learning opportunities
• Ensure that an active programme of professional development is open to all members of the staff and that personal and work related development and reflection is actively encouraged
• Develop and implement an effective orientation programme for all new and returning staff in conjunction with the general operations of the school and its systems
• Promote an environment of harmony and cooperation within which the rights to discuss and challenge are upheld and supported
• Model the school as an environment where everyone is a learner and learning should be encouraged and shared
• Be an active team member and supporter of school social activities and community events
• Meet on a regular basis with the staff as a team and as individuals
• Conduct formal and informal observations of all staff members following an agreed set of school guidelines that promotes success and also rigour in its depth and compassion
• Manage the development of all aspects of school timetabling, calendar and schedules

The Principal shall act as a positive role model and promoter of the JIS values within the school and student community

• Be a mentor and exemplar of the JIS school mission statement and values
• Be a clear role model and advocate of the IB Learner profile and JIS Core Values
• Develop a clear code of student conduct and expectations with the whole school community and with particular emphasis with the student community
• Maintain the respect of the student community and ensure that behavior and attitudes reflect the school’s expectations at all times
• Provide appropriate services for the safety and well-being of the school community
• Promote the involvement of students and parents within the school community and its operations
• Support SIS (Sports International Services Ltd.) in developing and maintain a high quality after school extra-curricular activities programme for all
• Act as a final authority in disciplinary issues in accordance with school policies and with the involvement of parents and community
• Implement a clear, transparent admissions policy for the school

Japanese International School is a dynamic and progressive school and community. The role of Principal to this community is crucial in maintaining the standards previously set and in developing and promoting the school into the future. A bright future awaits the school for those wishing to join it.

Criteria for Applicants:

Leadership Experience:

• Proven track record in leading primary schools with successful development initiatives.
• Confidence to guide the school into its next phase of growth.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree with Primary Teaching Credentials required (will need to be recognised by the HK EDB).
• Masters degree in Educational Leadership, Education, Curriculum and Design, or Teaching and Learning preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to professional growth with recent achievements in learning and development.

Key Skills:

• Strong expertise in administrative management, including budgeting and strategic planning.
• Deep understanding and experience within International Baccalaureate (IB), particularly the IB Primary Years Programme (preferred).
• Familiarity with international learning and teaching environments.
• Expert communication skills in English

Personal Attributes:

• Creativity and a strong desire to work collaboratively with the school community.
• Enthusiasm for curriculum innovation and addressing environmental issues.
• Ability to serve as a role model within the school community.

How to Apply:

1. A Cover Letter (no longer than 2 pages) expressing your interest in the role
2. If you aren’t available until after January 2026, please include this information in your cover letter, including your anticipated start date.
3. A CV (no more than three pages), including educational background, relevant employment history, professional development
4. A statement explaining your educational leadership philosophy (one page)
5. The names and full contact details of at least three professional referees who have served as the candidate’s immediate supervisors–one of these should be your current supervisor (If this is not possible, please provide an explanation)
6. Submit all materials in PDF form to recruit@es.jis.edu.hk

Deadline: All applications will need to be received no later than August 31st, 2025.

Longlisted candidates will be contacted for a remote ‘Long-List Interview’ in early September 2025.

Shortlisted candidates will be brought to campus for a full day interview process in mid to late September 2025.

Please feel free to contact recruit@es.jis.edu.hk with any questions.