Head of Secondary

Location:Milan, IT

Date: 6 Jan 2026

Application closing date: Applications Ongoing

Inspired Education is the leading global group of premium schools, with a portfolio of 121 premium private schools spanning 6 continents which utilise proven educational practices from every corner of the globe, ensuring over 95,000 students receive a world-class learning experience from Kindergarten to Year 13.

In 28 countries, Inspired schools are individually developed and anchored in the vibrant cultures of their respective locations. They collectively form an international family of schools that nurtures each student's academic and personal development in a progressive, dynamic, and innovative learning environment.

By joining our award-winning team of over 13,000 employees, you can work in state-of-the-art facilities alongside industry-renowned educators and leaders in some of the world's most desirable locations. We invest heavily in our team members who enjoy industry-leading professional development, exceptional career opportunities, and mobility across our group.

ROLE SUMMARY:

The International School of Milan (ISM), part of the Inspired Education Group, is seeking an experienced and inspiring Head of Secondary to join the senior leadership team from August 2026. This is a senior academic leadership role with responsibility for the strategic direction, day-to-day leadership and ongoing development of the Secondary School, encompassing the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and IB Diploma Programme (DP). The successful candidate will be a highly effective educational leader with a strong understanding of international education and a proven ability to drive high standards of teaching, learning and student wellbeing within an IB World School context. Working closely with the Principal and wider leadership team, the Head of Secondary will play a pivotal role in shaping a cohesive, student-centred secondary experience, aligned with the IB philosophy and the values and expectations of Inspired Education.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Secondary School
• Lead, support and manage Secondary teaching staff, fostering a culture of high performance, collaboration and professional growth
• Ensure high-quality teaching and learning across the Secondary phase, aligned with IB standards and best practice
• Oversee curriculum implementation, assessment practices and academic tracking
• Use data effectively to monitor student progress, drive improvement and support intervention strategies
• Promote student wellbeing, engagement and positive behaviour in line with school values
• Work closely with IB Coordinators to ensure programme integrity and successful authorisation and evaluation processes
• Contribute to whole-school strategic planning and continuous improvement initiatives
• Act as a key point of contact for parents on academic and pastoral matters related to the Secondary School
• Uphold and model the IB Learner Profile and the Inspired Education ethos

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

Essential:

• A relevant degree and recognised teaching qualification
• Significant experience teaching and leading within Secondary education
• Proven leadership experience ideally within an international and/or IB school environment
• Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills
• A student-centred approach with a strong commitment to safeguarding and wellbeing

Preferred:

• Previous experience as Head of Secondary, Assistant Head or similar senior leadership role
• Strong knowledge of the IB MYP and DP frameworks
• Experience in a school with excellent academic outcomes and a track record of student access to world leading universities
• Familiarity with international inspection and accreditation processes
• Experience working within a multi-school or group education setting

Why Join Us

• The opportunity to play a key leadership role within a respected international school group
• Access to high-quality professional development and leadership training across the Inspired network
• A collaborative and values-driven leadership environment
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Long-term career progression opportunities within Inspired Education, a global leader in premium education

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

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