Head of School - ISHCMC

About Cognita: Cognita is a global family of over 90 schools across 21 countries, with more than 100,000 students, 22,000 colleagues, 14 curricula and 9 languages of instruction. Our strength lies in our diversity. There is no single model of a Cognita school because education is inherently local. When families choose a school, they are making a deeply personal and community-based decision, and our schools reflect this. About ISHCMC: Opened in 1993 as the International Grammer School, ISHCMC was the first international school in Ho Chi Minh City. In the 33 years since, cohort after cohort has added to the school. Teachers have refined their practice. Families from more than 60 nationalities have shaped the culture. Students have grown up in a community where the people around them bring different languages, experiences, and ways of seeing the world. Trust, reputation, relationships, and judgement are built over time. At ISHCMC, that accumulated experience gives the next Head of School something substantial to build from and carry forward. ISHCMC builds on generations of students who have gone on to world-renowned future destinations and who now return as parents themselves, bringing the legacy of success to a future generation of ISHCMC alumni. About the Role: The Head of School is responsible for delivering an exceptional student and family experience while ensuring the school is safe, high-performing, financially sustainable and deeply connected to its community. The role combines educational leadership, people leadership, operational excellence and commercial accountability. You will translate Cognita’s strategy into clear direction for ISHCMC, making decisions in the best interests of the school, bringing people together around shared priorities and building trust by following through on commitments. You will create the conditions for students and colleagues to thrive, while maintaining a clear focus on standards, outcomes and long-term sustainability. In doing so, you will bring Cognita’s Mindsets to life: WE PUT SCHOOLS FIRST. WE GO TOGETHER. WE KEEP OUR PROMISES. What you will be doing: Educational Excellence Set the vision and direction for the school and drive continuous improvement. Ensure consistently strong teaching, learning, student outcomes, and inclusion. Maintain rigorous standards of safeguarding, safety, and regulatory compliance. Use data, technology, and AI thoughtfully to strengthen learning and outcomes. People Leadership Build and lead a high-performing, collaborative school community. Develop leadership capacity, retain talent, and create a culture of high expectations. Ensure robust, safeguarding-compliant recruitment and effective performance management. Operational Family Experience Ensure the school is safe, efficient, and operationally strong. Deliver a consistently high-quality experience for students and families. Take ownership of key parent relationships, including enrolment, retention, and key family matters. Balance educational priorities with responsible resource and cost management. Growth Impact Manage student roll, retention, capacity, and financial performance. Build strong relationships with families, regulators, and the wider community. Develop partnerships that strengthen the school’s reputation, culture, and impact. Contribute actively to Cognita’s wider network and priorities. · Who we are looking for: We are looking for a leader with substantial experience, sound judgment, and the curiosity to keep learning. The successful candidate will bring: Significant and successful experience as a Head of School within a large K-12 or international school A proven track record of raising standards and leading meaningful school improvement A strong educational vision combined with commercial and operational acumen Experience leading and developing high-performing teams through change Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and relationship-building skills Cultural intelligence, resilience, sound judgment, and a collaborative leadership style A recognised teaching qualification. Relevant leadership qualifications are desirable. How to Apply: To apply, please email your detailed CV and a cover letter to Lynne Rennie at [email removed] . Your cover letter should highlight your interest in the role and how your experience aligns with the key criteria. Please click here to download the Candidate Pack. The deadline for applications is 9 September 2026 , but we encourage early submissions. References will only be contacted at the final stages of the process, and only with your prior consent. Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. We believe having a diverse workforce makes us better, smarter and happier and so welcome applicants from all backgrounds, genders, and races. We have an unwavering commitment to being fair and equitable in our recruitment process.