Head of School (IB Continuum: PYP - MYP - DP)
Location: Florence, Italy | Start Date: 2027/2028 Academic Year | Apply by: 25 October 2026 | Contract: Full Time, Fixed TermAbout Us
If your talent as an outstanding educator and strategic leader lies in motivating students, inspiring faculty, and engaging parents, then the International School of Florence (ISF) offers the type of vibrant environment where you will flourish and grow. This is an extraordinary opportunity for a talented and exceptionally motivated leader to embrace our Mission, Vision, and historic strengths to ensure the next innovative and successful chapter in the school’s evolution.What We Are Looking For
Qualifications:
- A postgraduate qualification in education or educational leadership and/or an MBA or similar.
- 7+ years of progressively responsible leadership in international/IB schools, including proven successful Head/Principal or Deputy Head experience.
- In addition to fluent English a knowledge of an additional European language would be of distinct advantage
Experience and Professional Behaviour:
- Significant international leadership experience relevant to the post.
- Deep understanding of and intercultural sensitivity to working within another country and the demands of its legal framework and institutions.
- Change agility able to anticipate resistance, build coalitions, and anchor a change culture.
- Ability to convert and monitor ISF strategic intent into well executed plans.
- Demonstrates an empathetic and agile leadership style.
- Experience of all International Baccalaureate programmes.
- Evidence of driving student achievement through focus on using data and benchmarks to monitor progress in student learning.
- Proven ability to bring about sustainable change and capacity building.
- Successful management of school finances showing cost control and financial planning that demonstrates sound financial acumen and judgment
- Experience in people management and development to motivate faculty and staff and to improve learning.
- Proven experience in the use of technology and AI to enhance teaching and learning and the effective use of education resources.
Personal Qualities and Values:
- Courage and conviction of opinions and decisions
- Inter-cultural literacy
- Ability to forge and sustain credible relationships with the wider community
- Open and collaborative leadership style
- Able to focus activities on the achievement of the Mission, Vision and Values
- A consistent record of good judgment and accountability
- Ability to lead learning Innovation
- Purposeful and responsive influencing style
- Excellent prioritising, planning and organising skills
- Excellent team working skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Able to work under pressure and to deadlines
- Warmth and humour
What We Offer
Include a competitive salary package, a strong focus on professional development opportunities and the benefit of living in an attractive, historic and safe environment.How to Apply & Deadline
- Apply by 25 October to this link
- Current CV (no longer than 3 pages)
- Letter of application
- A targeted statement of educational philosophy relevant to ISF
- Contact details of three relevant professional referees including the most recent employer
EEO & Privacy Statement
The International School of Florence is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, welcoming applications regardless of gender, age, disability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, religion, or belief. International School of Florence is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undergo relevant background checks.Junior School Principal & PYP Coordinator
Location: Bagno a Ripoli (Florence greater area), Italy | Start Date: 2027/2028 Academic Year | Apply by: 31 October 2026 | Contract: Full Time, Fixed TermAbout Us
If your talent as an outstanding educator and strategic leader lies in motivating students, inspiring faculty, and engaging parents, then the International School of Florence (ISF) offers the type of vibrant environment where you will flourish and grow. This is an extraordinary opportunity for a talented and exceptionally motivated leader to embrace our Mission, Vision, and historic strengths to ensure the next innovative and successful chapter in the school’s evolution.What We Are Looking For
The Junior School Principal provides academic, pedagogical, operational and community leadership for a thriving IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) school of fewer than 200 students. This is a combined leadership role in which the successful candidate serves as both Principal and PYP Coordinator, leading curriculum, teaching and learning, assessment, staff development, school operations, and parent engagement. Reporting to the Head of School, the Principal ensures the successful implementation of the IB PYP, promotes excellence in teaching and learning, supports student wellbeing, and fosters a positive, inclusive and student-centred school culture aligned with the school's mission, vision and values. Safeguarding and child protection are fundamental responsibilities of the role.Key Responsibilities
- Lead teaching, learning, curriculum development and assessment across the Junior School.
- Serve as PYP Coordinator, ensuring high-quality implementation of the IB Primary Years Programme and preparation for IB evaluation processes.
- Coach and develop teachers through feedback, professional learning and instructional leadership.
- Oversee the daily operations of the Junior School, including timetabling, events, campus organisation and school policies.
- Build strong partnerships with students, staff, parents and the wider school community.
- Lead recruitment, onboarding, appraisal and performance development of Junior School staff.
- Promote a culture of safeguarding, wellbeing, inclusion and international-mindedness.
- Contribute to whole-school strategic planning, accreditation and continuous improvement initiatives.
Qualifications:
- advanced degree in educational leadership
Experience and personal skills:
- At least five years' experience as a Principal, Head of Primary, or equivalent senior leadership role.
- Strong expertise in the IB Primary Years Programme and inquiry-based learning.
- Proven experience leading curriculum, instruction, assessment and teacher development.
- Demonstrated success in staff leadership, school improvement and change management.
- Excellent communication, relationship-building and organizational skills.
- A strong commitment to safeguarding, student wellbeing, diversity and inclusion.
- International school experience and relevant educational qualifications;
What We Offer
A competitive salary package, a strong focus on professional development opportunities and the benefit of living in an attractive, historic and safe environment.How to Apply & Deadline
- Apply by 31 October
- A letter of application explaining your strengths as a candidate and your interest in the Junior School Principal & PYP Coordinator position.
- A statement describing your leadership and educational philosophy, not to exceed two pages.
- A current résumé, not to exceed two pages.
- A one-page list of four professional references with phone numbers and email addresses, including at least two current or recent direct supervisors.
Selection Process
The selection process will include:
- Panel interviews involving a range of stakeholders, which may include senior leadership, staff representatives, parents, students, and Board members.
- Additional leadership tasks, presentations, or scenario-based discussions may form part of the process.
- Invitation to attend in-person interview.
- Reference checks will be conducted for final candidates.
I think that the following part could be considered as a general statement on our careers page and not associated to each ad:
EEO & Privacy Statement
The International School of Florence is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, welcoming applications regardless of gender, age, disability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, religion, or belief. International School of Florence is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undergo relevant background checks.Substitute Teachers
The Junior and Upper Schools are looking for well trained, licensed and experienced teachers to serve as an occasional substitute teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. Candidates must be already residing in Florence. You can submit an expression of interest using the details below. Interviews will be scheduled with select candidates.
Essential skills and experience:
- A relevant first degree and teaching qualification
- Excellent communication skills in English, equivalent to Level C1 (CEF)
- Hold a current Partita IVA for contractual purposes
- You must be able to work at short notice
Preferred skills and experience:
- Minimum 3 years of full time teaching experience in an international school environment
- Experience with the IB programmes (PYP, MYP or DP) strongly preferred
The expression of interest must include:
- A maximum 2 page A4 statement of motivation, clearly indicating why you are interested in working at ISF and your suitability for a teaching position
- An up to date CV with 3 relevant professional references and contact details
Apply to hr@isfitaly.org.
General Interest of Employment
Should you wish to express your general interest in working at ISF, please contact hr@isfitaly.org. However, note that this is an expression of interest only and will still require a separate application should a vacancy become available.
ISF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and Police/Federal criminal checks of all countries undertaken employment in.
