Head of Primary

Dulwich College Suzhou is a leading British international school in Suzhou, China, educating students from ages 2 to 18. Founded in 2007, the College is part of the Dulwich family of schools and combines the heritage and educational philosophy of Dulwich College, UK, with a distinctly international outlook. The school is committed to academic excellence alongside the development of confident, compassionate and globally minded young people, within a culture characterised by ambition, innovation, wellbeing and community.

The Primary School is a vibrant and important part of the College, educating children from the Early Years through to Year 6. It encompasses DUCKS Kindergarten, for children aged 2–7, and the International Junior School for students aged 7–11. The Primary School provides an engaging and nurturing environment in which children are encouraged to be curious, independent and creative learners, while developing the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to flourish as they progress through the College.

The curriculum is based on an enhanced British curriculum, thoughtfully adapted to the needs of an international community. In the Early Years, learning is highly experiential and inquiry-based, with children encouraged to explore, investigate, communicate and make sense of the world around them. From Year 3 onwards, a topic-based and cross-curricular approach enables pupils to make meaningful connections across different areas of learning. Specialist teaching in subjects including Mandarin, Music, Art, Design Technology and Physical Education adds breadth and richness to the primary experience.

A particular strength of the Primary School is its commitment to developing the whole child. Academic challenge is balanced with a strong focus on wellbeing, character, creativity, collaboration and international-mindedness. Students benefit from an extensive co-curricular programme and from being part of a diverse community that brings together families and staff from China and around the world.

The Head of Primary will play a significant leadership role, working closely with the Head of College and Senior Leadership Team to strengthen a genuine ‘one school’ ethos across the Primary and Senior Schools. The postholder will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Primary School while contributing actively to the wider direction and development of the College. They will be expected to lead innovation, embrace new ways of working and help drive the school’s Future Ready agenda, ensuring that the Primary School continues to evolve in response to the changing needs of its students and the wider world. A key aspect of the role will be the successful implementation of the College’s signature programmes, designed to empower students to lead and contribute positively to the world around them. The successful candidate will bring energy, vision and a strong sense of purpose, while engaging and bringing the Primary team and wider community with them on the journey.

This is an exciting opportunity for an outstanding primary leader to build on the considerable strengths of Dulwich College Suzhou, further develop its Primary provision and play a key role in shaping the next phase of the College's development.