Early Years & Primary Principal - Seoul, South Korea - August 2026

Country:
South Korea
Region:
School -North and East Asia
Curriculum:
IPC , United Kingdom
Level:
Early Years (0-4), Primary-Lower (5-7)
Start Date:
01 August 2026
Initial Contract Length:
2 year, renewable
Curriculum Experience Required:
Yes - not flexible
- Early Years and Primary Principal
- Seoul, South Korea
- July/August 2026 start

This is a leading Nursery and Pre-Prep following the EYFS and National Curriculum of England and accepting Korean and international students from Pre-Nursery to Year 2.

The Head’s role is to provide strong, effective leadership across the whole campus, ensuring excellent outcomes in all areas of school life while prioritising student well-being. The Head is fully responsible for the organisation, safety, staffing, curriculum quality, and alignment of policies with the wider School Group, and works closely with other campuses.

Key responsibilities include overseeing both sites, ensuring health and safety, maintaining high-quality teaching and assessment for students of all abilities, meeting student number targets, and ensuring sufficient staffing. The Head does not have a regular teaching timetable but may cover lessons when needed.

The role requires experience in Early Years and/or KS1, strong knowledge of modern teaching practices for younger learners, and excellent communication with parents and other stakeholders. It is well suited to an aspiring Head with middle leadership experience or an experienced leader comfortable working within a group structure. There is potential for the role to develop into a more senior position overseeing EY and KS1 practice across multiple schools.

The ideal candidate will have:
* Bachelor’s degree and postgraduate qualification in Education (leadership qualification desirable)
* Leadership experience in educational settings, ideally all-through schools
* Strong decision-making, organisational, strategic, and problem-solving skills
* Proven ability in people management and staff development
* Excellent communication skills and ability to build positive partnerships with parents and stakeholders
* High level of cultural sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy
* Strong commitment to safeguarding and student well-being
* Ability to drive school improvement and organisational growth in collaboration with leaders
* Confidence in public speaking
* Knowledge of Early Years and KS1 education and assessment (desirable)
* Hard-working, resilient, flexible, and enthusiastic with high expectations
* Team-oriented leader with a positive attitude and sense of humour

COMPENSATION: This will be discussed with short-listed candidates but will include :
● A regionally competitive salary for the size of school
● Suitable accommodation (utilities and condominium charges, if applicable, paid by Head)
● Annual flight allowance for Head (and family if appropriate)
● Free education for Head’s children at one or more of our campuses
● Annual Professional Development allowance
● Enrolment in Korea’s National Health Service plus a top-up private health policy
Number Of Students:
100
Student Make Up:
80% Korean with Expat mix. 14 nationalities
Regional Info:
The school is located in a desirable part of Seoul close to the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Seoul is in the North-West of South Korea, situated on the Han River. It is the capital of South Korea and - with a population of more than 10 million people - is also the largest city in the country. The city usually experiences hot, humid summers with colder winters and usually a month or so of snow. With a 2000 year old history there is plenty of historical and cultural attractions (museums, temples, shrines), outdoor attractions (nearby mountains for hiking, parks, various festivals and sporting events), and modern architecture, amenities and attractions (amusement parks, shopping & fashion - especially in Myeongdong) and many bars, restaurants and nightlife - with the international area being Itaewon. Seoul is an exciting, lively city with plenty for everyone. 25 Best things to do in Seoul, South Korea https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-zrjBpKGiI Seoul Vacation Travel Guide https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzD5Lk5buVY
Tax Rate:
Taxes typically 16-25%
Housing:
Allowance on top of salary
Benefits:
Flights - allowance, Gratuity or end of service bonus, Housing - provided, Housing- allowance, Medical or Health insurance, Professional development allowance
Suited To:
Activity-typical land sporting types, Climate -moderate, Dependent children - Not very suitable, Holiday destination - not typical, Infrastructure - Highly developed, Suburban, Westernised - highly, Women - not restrictive
Minimum Years Experience:
8.0
Curriculum Experience Required:
Yes - not flexible
Will Accept Newly Qualified Teachers:
N
Visa Restriction:
2 years post qualification teaching exp requd, Younger than 60
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