High School Deputy Principal (Academic) at YK Pao School, Shanghai
YK Pao School — one of China’s most respected bilingual institutions — is looking for an outstanding High School Deputy Principal (Academic) to join its Shanghai campus in August 2027. This is a senior leadership role with genuine scope to shape the academic direction of an ambitious, forward-thinking school.
Job Description
This position sits at the heart of YK Pao School’s academic leadership, responsible for guiding the teaching and learning culture across the High School at a pivotal moment in the school’s development. Founded in 2007 and operating across three campuses in Shanghai, the school has built a distinguished reputation for merging Chinese and international educational traditions to produce confident, bilingual, globally minded graduates.
Following the launch of a new strategic plan in 2025, the school is transitioning away from IGCSEs toward an innovative, bespoke model: a purpose-built Foundation Year followed by the IB Diploma Programme. The incoming Deputy Principal will be central to this curriculum transformation, helping to design, implement and embed a new academic framework that reflects the school’s values and long-term aspirations.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Providing strategic and instructional leadership across the High School academic programme
- Leading the transition from the IGCSE framework to the new Foundation Year and IB Diploma model
- Supporting, inspiring and developing teaching staff to achieve consistently high standards in classroom practice
- Championing a coherent, values-driven curriculum aligned with the school’s identity and 2025 strategic plan
- Building strong, collaborative relationships with students, teachers, parents and the wider school community
- Setting and maintaining high expectations for teaching quality, student progress and learning outcomes
- Engaging in educational leadership at school-wide level alongside the Principal and senior leadership team
Requirements
The school is seeking a candidate who brings both vision and substance to this role. The ideal applicant will have:
- A clear, compelling and evidence-based philosophy of educational excellence
- A strong track record in instructional leadership within an international or bilingual school setting
- Experience with the IB Diploma Programme; familiarity with IGCSE or similar international curricula is advantageous
- Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire confidence across diverse groups
- The capacity to lead curriculum innovation and manage complex institutional change
- A genuine commitment to the school’s mission of blending Chinese and international educational values
- A formal teaching qualification and substantial senior leadership experience at secondary/high school level
Benefits
YK Pao School offers a professional environment that matches the seniority and significance of this position. As a leading bilingual school in Shanghai, it provides a stimulating and well-resourced setting for educational leaders who want to make a lasting impact. Specific remuneration and benefit details will be outlined during the application process.
About YK Pao School
Established in 2007 and operating across three Shanghai campuses, YK Pao School has earned a distinctive standing in China’s international education landscape. Its bilingual programme draws on both Chinese heritage and global perspectives, nurturing students with strong character, purpose and a readiness for the world beyond school. The school’s 2025 strategic plan marks an exciting new chapter — one that this Deputy Principal will help to write.