Vice Principal (Student Support Services) for K-12

Vice Principal (Student Support Services) for K-12 Progressive International School in Hong Kong.

For Academic Year 26/27 - August / September 2026 start date (tbd)

Application Deadline: 7 November 2025

Introduction: Values at the Heart of the Role

This well known and established International School believes that every child brings a constellation of strengths, perspectives, and possibilities. Their mission is to unlock the best in every individual - including those who learn, communicate, or experience the world in diverse ways.

The Vice Principal (Student Support Services) will embody their values of putting the Learning Experience First, Lifeworthy Learning, Redefining Rigor, Community Orientation, and being Invested in the Individual.  This senior leadership role reflects the school’s commitment to equity between what we teach and how we support every learner to thrive.

Position Overview

The school seeks to welcome an experienced, visionary, and collaborative educator to join the Senior Academic Leadership Team as Vice Principal (Student Support Services). This role is for a leader dedicated to creating authentic, human-centered learning environments that reveal and empower the best in every student.

The Vice Principal (Student Support Services) will partner with the Principals and current Vice Principal in the overall leadership of the School, with a specific mandate to champion inclusion and lead all Student Support Services. The portfolio includes Learning Specialist Support, Learning Extension (FSA and LEAP), and English as an Additional Language (EAL) programs.

A key mandate in the early years of this position will be to assess and guide the strategic evolution of our service delivery models, bringing a fresh perspective to ensure structures are effective, sustainable, and designed to maximize the talents of our Student Support team.

Key Responsibilities

1. Whole-School Leadership & Inclusive Culture

• Serve as a core member of the Senior Academic Leadership Team, partnering with the Principals on all aspects of school management, strategy, and faculty evaluation.

• Champion a school-wide culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging for students, staff, and families.

• Lead initiatives that celebrate diversity, inclusion and belonging (e.g. Neurodiversity Week) and embed inclusive practice into school life.

• Contribute to broader aspects of school life, including assemblies, student conduct, policy development, and community-building.

• Lead school‑wide implementation of restorative practices, providing training, support, and guidance to faculty and staff.

2. Strategic Program Design & Evolution

• In collaboration with the Principals, develop and articulate a long-term vision for Student Support and Inclusion aligned with school’s mission.

• Lead the review and redesign of the Primary School Learning Specialist support model, guiding the transition from a grade-embedded system to a structure that balances specialization with collaboration.

• Monitor Student Support programs using data and feedback, and report on progress to the Senior Academic Leadership Team and community.

3. Management and Oversight of Services

• Ensure effective implementation of the school’s tiered support model.

• Manage student referrals, from admissions screening to internal processes, ensuring approaches are transparent, equitable, and data-informed.

• Oversee the quality and consistency of documentation, including IEPs and accommodation plans.

• Act as primary liaison with external providers.

4. Staff Leadership & Capacity Building

• Lead, supervise, and mentor Student Support personnel (Learning Specialists, EAL teachers, Learning Extension specialists).

• Foster a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility between specialists and classroom teachers.

• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and evaluation of Student Support staff.

• Maintain an up to date knowledge of current research and leading practice with regards to all aspects of Student Support Services, and develop systems to share this with the team.

• Design targeted PD for the team and deliver whole-school training on inclusive pedagogy, co-teaching, and differentiation.

5. Student & Family Partnerships

• Serve as primary leadership contact for parents regarding Student Support and Inclusion.

• Manage complex student cases and act as an escalation point for family concerns, ensuring sensitive, solution-focused communication.

• Partner with Admissions to ensure accurate assessment and provision for students with diverse needs.

• Coordinate parent learning sessions focused on Student Support and Inclusion at THS.

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Principal (Primary & Middle School)

• Member of: Senior Academic Leadership Team

• Line manages: Learning Specialists, EAL teachers, Learning Extension staff

• Works closely with: Counsellors, School Psychologist, Admissions, TCI

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Recognized teaching qualification.

• At least 7 years of experience in education, with substantial time in Student Support/Inclusive Education.

• Specific qualification in Inclusive/Special Education.

• Experience of leadership (e.g. Coordinator, Department Head, Assistant/Vice Principal) with evidence of building and leading teams.

• Proven expertise in service-delivery innovation, IEP development, and tiered support models (MTSS/RTI).

Desirable

• Senior leadership experience

• Experience in international schools, preferably in Asia.

• Master’s degree in Inclusive/Special Education or a related field.

• Knowledge of UDL, co-teaching, and inclusive instructional design.

• Experience forging partnerships with external specialists and agencies.

Desired Qualities & Skills

• Inspirational Leader: Fosters teamwork, trust, and high standards for inclusive practice.

• Empathetic Communicator: Handles sensitive conversations with clarity and care.

• Strategic Thinker: Leads complex change while keeping each child at the center of decision-making.

• Resilient and Flexible: Thrives in a dynamic, non-traditional school environment.

• Ethical Advocate: Models integrity, professionalism, and student-centered advocacy.

A Final Word

Leadership is not only about structures and strategies - it is about empathy, empowerment, and example. The Vice Principal (Student Support Services) will help us shape a community where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired to thrive.

Safeguarding

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All posts at the school are subject to rigorous background check.