Head Of School (International Baccalaureate)

Job Role: Head of School (International Baccalaureate)

Location: Lucknow

Role Overview

The Head of School will provide visionary and operational leadership to establish and lead a full IB Continuum School in Lucknow. The role requires deep expertise in the authorisation and implementation of all three IB programmes:

• IB Primary Years Programme
• IB Middle Years Programme
• IB Diploma Programme

The Head will drive the school through candidacy, authorisation, and evaluation phases, ensuring alignment with IB philosophy, standards, and international best practices.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & School Establishment

• Define and execute the vision for an IB Continuum School aligned with IB mission and learner profile.
• Lead school setup or transition to IB (infrastructure, staffing, systems, culture).
• Position the school as a leading IB institution in Lucknow and the wider region.

IB Authorization & Programme Development

• Lead the end-to-end IB authorization process for PYP, MYP, and DP.
• Develop and implement Programme Development Plans for each IB stage.
• Ensure full compliance with IB Standards and Practices.
• Coordinate with IB consultants and manage authorization visits.

Academic & Pedagogical Leadership

• Ensure high-quality implementation of IB frameworks across all programmes.
• Promote inquiry-based, concept-driven, and transdisciplinary learning (especially PYP).
• Ensure vertical and horizontal curriculum alignment across PYP–MYP–DP.
• Oversee teaching, learning, and assessment practices aligned with IB expectations.

Teaching, Learning & Assessment Excellence

• Monitor classroom practices and ensure adherence to IB pedagogy.
• Oversee:
• PYP exhibitions
• MYP personal projects
• DP Internal Assessments (IA), Extended Essay (EE), and TOK
• Ensure consistency in assessment and reporting practices.

Compliance, Evaluation & Quality Assurance

• Ensure readiness for IB verification and 5-year evaluation cycles.
• Conduct internal audits against IB standards.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation for IB reviews.

Student Experience & Outcomes

• Foster holistic development aligned with the IB Learner Profile.
• Promote international-mindedness and global citizenship.
• Ensure strong academic outcomes and university placements (DP focus).

Stakeholder Engagement & Branding

• Build trust with parents and the Lucknow community.
• Lead marketing and outreach for IB positioning.
• Represent the school in IB networks and international forums.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Deep knowledge of IB Continuum (PYP, MYP, DP)
• Proven experience with IB authorization & evaluation processes
• Strategic thinking and school start-up leadership
• Strong academic and instructional leadership
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management

Qualifications

• Masters degree in Education / Educational Leadership / relevant field
• B.Ed. or equivalent teaching qualification
• IB leadership training/certification (preferred)

Experience

• Minimum 7+ years in senior leadership roles
• Direct experience leading or supporting IB Continuum authorization (highly preferred / essential)
• Experience in international schools (India or abroad)
• Strong alignment with IB philosophy and learner-centered education
• Experience in greenfield/start-up schools or IB transitions
• Intercultural competence and global outlook