Head of English

NLCS Kobe – Head of Secondary School English (MYP)

Effective start date: August 2027

The School reserves the right to make an appointment before any deadline dates if a suitable candidate is found. The recruitment process will include a video screening round, online interview, online HR session, review of teaching and a final panel interview

Proposed interview dates: Early November 2027

Closing date for Applications: Wednesday 21st October at midday Japanese Time.

The Position 

We are looking for an experienced English leader to design and build our secondary English department. You must be an exceptional classroom practitioner and have knowledge of curriculum design and management as well as a passion for teaching English literature and language to young people. 

You will be a qualified teacher, bring substantial experience of teaching EAL learners in a multilingual setting, alongside a proven track record of planning and delivering within the IB framework, up to and including DP level; or within a high-level school teaching in the GCSE and A-Level framework. If you are passionate about inspiring a love of language and literature among academically able students, you will find NLCS Kobe an exceptionally rewarding school to work in. Our students are intellectually curious, respectful, and genuinely eager to learn.

Our staff are experienced, supportive and committed to excellence. At the same time, NLCS looks after and promotes within so that you have a career in a leading international schools group. You should only apply if you have a recognised teaching qualification and significant classroom experience in an English speaking environment. 

Due to expectations of this role and the academic nature of our students and curriculum, written and spoken English must be at native level - this will be tested at the screening round of interviews. Teaching English as a foreign language is not suitable preparation for this role; a teaching qualification and significant curriculum development is required. Due to the number of applications we received, such candidates will not be shortlisted and only those successful in initial screening will be contacted.

Please read the brochure and HR information carefully and if you are interested, feel free to apply. 

NLCS Kobe

NLCS Kobe currently serves students in Grades 1 to 7, and will expand as the school grows. The Senior School upon taking up the post will comprise Grades 6-8 (UK Years 7-9). Presently, the school is located on Rokkō Island. The campus offers convenient access to the vibrant commercial centres of both Osaka and Kobe. 

A world-class Senior School campus is set to open in 2028 for grade 6 to 12. This architecturally-stunning building, nestled in the Rokkō Mountains above Kobe, is designed to enhance students' educational experiences in a tranquil, natural setting while exemplifying sustainability and modern design. As Head of Department you will be given the freedom to develop your area of the school and have a long-lasting impact on the learning environment for years to come. A professional theatre and outside amphitheatre will allow you to develop an exciting and dynamic English curriculum, as well as teach in inspiring spaces each day.

Ethos

The ethos of NLCS Kobe closely mirrors that of NLCS (UK), recreating the spirit of the UK 'parent' school while respecting local culture and context. The School’s aim is to provide an exceptional academic education rooted in the traditions of North London Collegiate School, whilst embracing the culture of Japan.

At North London Collegiate schools, academic success is achieved not through an emphasis on results alone, but by fostering an atmosphere of “joyful scholarship”. Students are encouraged to study beyond examination syllabuses, cultivating intellectual independence and a deep love of their subjects. Pastoral well-being is paramount, and positive relationships are nurtured between students and staff, as well as among the students themselves.

NLCS International schools

In 2011, NLCS opened its first international branch in South Korea: NLCS Jeju, a co-educational day and boarding school that offers the IB Diploma to all Sixth Form students and has achieved outstanding results since the first graduating cohort in 2014. NLCS Jeju alumni continue to gain admission to prestigious universities worldwide, including in the UK, USA, Australia, and Asia.

In 2017, NLCS opened its second branch school, NLCS Dubai, in the UAE. This co-educational day school follows the IB Continuum, with students taking the IB Diploma in Grade 12.

In 2020, NLCS (Singapore) opened as the third branch school. Located in the heart of Singapore, it is a co-educational day school.

In 2025 NLCS Kobe opened and is growing in reputation across Japan. In 2028 the senior school will move to a purpose built campus in the mountains above the city of Kobe.

NLCS will be opening schools in Hong Kong and Phuket over the next couple of years.

Safeguarding and Child Protection

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and all staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. This post is subject to satisfactory background and police checks.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice and Belonging

We believe that an inclusive community enriches learning and strengthens relationships. We celebrate diversity, champion equity, and seek to foster a genuine sense of belonging where all students, staff, and families feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute.

Terms and Conditions

A competitive package will be offered to the successful candidate, including the following:

• Competitive salary
• Initial two-year contract
• Accommodation
• Relocation allowance
• Annual return flights to your home country
• Japanese Health & Pension program
• Tuition fees for eligible children (UK Year 2 to UK Year 9)