Head of English at SPGS International School Chengdu – CN¥30–40K/mo

SPGS International School Chengdu is seeking an experienced and visionary Head of English to lead its Senior School English Department on a full-time basis, with a start date of February 2027. This is a senior academic leadership role offering a competitive salary of CN¥30,000–40,000 per month in one of China’s most vibrant and liveable cities.

Job Description

Reporting to the Deputy Head Academic, the Head of English will hold overall responsibility for the design, delivery and continuous improvement of the English curriculum across the Senior School. This is both a teaching and a strategic leadership position — the successful candidate will inspire students and staff alike while driving measurable academic outcomes.

Core duties include:

• Overseeing the full English curriculum at all year levels within the Senior School, including schemes of work, lesson planning and homework policies.
• Organising Performance Review systems, internal and external assessment administration, and cross-marking processes in line with school policy.
• Monitoring the quality of teaching through lesson observation and the review of student work, encouraging reflective and innovative pedagogy.
• Analysing internal and external data to benchmark student progress and set measurable targets for both students and staff.
• Promoting the English department during open days, school competitions and wider community events, and positioning SPGSI as a centre of excellence for English language and literature.
• Supporting students with university aspirations, including those targeting highly competitive institutions such as Oxford and Cambridge.
• Managing departmental budgets, resources and IT provision, maintaining accurate inventories and producing annual budget requests.
• Liaising with Admissions, Marketing, EAL colleagues, mentors and the Careers Guidance team to deliver a joined-up student experience.
• Contributing to student recruitment through open days, admissions test marking and interviews.
• Leading regular, minuted departmental meetings and supporting the induction and professional development of all staff within the department.
• Upholding and actively implementing the school’s safeguarding, child protection and health-and-safety policies at all times.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in English or a closely related subject; PGCE, QTS or equivalent teaching qualification required.
• Experience: Minimum five years’ classroom teaching experience at IGCSE and A-level in a UK or international school setting; prior middle-leadership experience is strongly desirable.
• Curriculum knowledge: Strong familiarity with England’s National Curriculum and with IGCSE/GCSE and A-level specifications.
• Language: Fluent English is essential.
• Skills: Excellent leadership, communication and collaborative skills; the ability to see issues from multiple perspectives and work sensitively with students, parents and colleagues.
• Technology: Proficiency with educational software and technology to enhance classroom instruction and learning outcomes.
• Organisation: Proven ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and maintain rigorous administrative standards.
• Aptitude: A genuine, sustained passion for English — evidenced by engagement with the subject beyond the classroom — alongside an enthusiasm for current developments in pedagogy and a commitment to continuous professional development.
• Safeguarding: Successful candidates will be required to provide relevant qualifications and police clearance, participate in regular child-protection training and adhere to the school’s safeguarding code of conduct.

Benefits

• Competitive monthly salary of CN¥30,000–40,000.
• Senior leadership role with genuine influence over curriculum direction and departmental culture.
• A collaborative, high-achieving international school environment in Chengdu.
• Professional development and Performance Review support from senior academic leadership.

About the School

SPGS International School Chengdu is an ambitious international school committed to academic rigour, scholarly challenge and the holistic development of its students. The school places strong emphasis on co-curricular enrichment, university preparation and innovative teaching methods, providing an environment where both students and staff are encouraged to reach their full potential. The school is firmly committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all children in its care.