We are seeking an exceptional and visionary leader to join our team as Head of Individual Learning Needs, starting as soon as possible. At Island School, we are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every student thrives, and we are incredibly proud of the diverse achievements of our learners. Candidates will have the experience, energy, enthusiasm and vision to play a key role in the strategic leadership of individual learning needs across all phases at our highly successful IB school.

This position is available now, but we welcome applicants to start in August 2026.

Island School is located in the heart of Hong Kong Island and is home to 1350 students aged 11 to 18, studying an innovative and exciting curriculum combining our self-designed courses, the MYP, IGCSE, IBDP and IBCP. At Island School, we are guided by our RISE values: Responsibility, where we act with integrity and make a positive difference; Individuality, celebrating diversity and valuing every learner; Spirit, fostering a vibrant and supportive community; and Excellence, striving to be our best through courage, curiosity, and commitment. The Individual Learning Needs Faculty is central to this ethos, offering vital support to students to ensure their learning journeys and wider school experiences are inclusive and successful.

The Individual Learning Needs Faculty comprises both specialist Teachers and Educational Assistants. Our Learning Diversity teachers work directly with students to provide targeted support and interventions. Educational Assistants collaborate with Learning Diversity teachers and classroom teachers to provide support for students in lessons, through withdrawal from lessons for special programmes, and in other school activities, including school trips and extra-curricular activities.

The department works with teaching staff across the school to ensure responsive teaching strategies are part of the planned curriculum and are successfully implemented in teaching and learning across the school. Island School is committed to supporting all students, recognising that our diverse student body presents a wide range of learning needs.

The Individual Learning Needs Faculty works closely with other providers of student support, including Heads of House, Heads of Year, Counsellors, and Exams Administrators, to support students in achieving their full potential within the curriculum and participating fully in school life. The Individual Learning Needs Faculty also plays a crucial role in admissions assessments for students applying to join the school and in supporting the transition of new students.

Key Responsibilities

Leading the specified phase or curriculum area in developing and improving teaching and learning.
Identifying common approaches and effective responsive teaching strategies for the support of all students with Individual Needs – both EAL learners, those with learning diversities and those with both.
Communicate and advocate for the individual needs of students, including maintaining a record of students’ needs.
Leading the development of the Individual Learning Needs Faculty, including planning and supporting the continuous professional development of teachers and Educational Assistants.
Working in and out of class with mainstream subject departments on their curriculum development. This may include team-teaching, attending faculty meetings and collaborative planning sessions.
Monitoring/evaluating the development of teaching and learning in the specified phase or curriculum area.
Contributing to, supporting and implementing the School Enhancement Plan.
Supporting the school performance management system (PRD) for the curriculum area, completing PRD discussions as required.
Communicating effectively and efficiently within the specified phase/curriculum area and with others in the school and its community.
Running effective meetings and providing agendas and minutes of these meetings.
Attending whole school, pastoral, and curriculum leadership meetings.
Implementing all agreed school policies and actively promoting a whole school vision.
Planning and managing resources. Efficiently managing delegated spending according to school policies.
Liaising with exam boards to ensure access arrangements are in place to accommodate students’ individual needs.
Supporting the admissions and transition process for students joining or applying to join the school.

Key Accountabilities:

High-quality teaching and learning are consistently achieved for students with learning diversity.
Resources for learning match the needs of the students.
Performance data is used well for teaching and for interventions.
All staff are performing at a high level, and/or underperformance is addressed, evidenced through performance management data.
Contributing to the Foundation-wide professional development programme and necessary CPD within the school to further develop effective mainstream teaching and specific Individual Needs approaches.
Managing the work of the Individual Learning Needs Faculty on a daily basis.
Managing the timetables of teachers and Educational Assistants who work with students who have learning diversity.
Playing a significant role in the construction of the timetables of students with high levels of learning diversity needs.
Supervise and carry out admissions assessments throughout the school year.
Responsibility for communicating with parents regarding the initiation, nature and duration of intervention work with students.
Accountable to the Principal or Vice Principal.
To be a form tutor and manage the expectations of Tutor Time.

Person Specification

Strong knowledge of best practices and the latest pedagogy in supporting students’ Individual Needs.
The post-holder should be capable of supporting all students with individual needs, including those with SEN and EAL.
Expert understanding of the Multitiered Support Systems approach to strengthening personalised learning for students and facilitating teachers to provide data-driven targeted intervention.
It would be advantageous for the post holder to have the ability to teach a mainstream subject/ class.
An effective teacher with very good relationships with students, colleagues and parents
Prepared to be an advocate on behalf of individual students.
Committed to the highest expectations of students and their learning.
High personal expectations.
Able to communicate effectively.
Able to lead and participate in effective collaboration.
Able to use data appropriately.
Able to plan efficiently and manage change.
Able to develop a coherent, well-motivated and effective team.
Able to coach colleagues.
Able to demonstrate a commitment to CPD.
Able to commit to running extra-curricular activities to support whole-school events.
Eligible to be registered as a teacher in Hong Kong

ESF’s generic Job Description for a Teacher with Teaching and Learning Responsibilities (TLR2) is available HERE.

Please visit OUR WEBSITE to learn more about the Island School.

Teaching for ESF in Hong Kong

We offer an attractive compensation package to ensure that ESF recruits and retains the highest calibre teachers.

ESF looks for teachers who have strong communication and technological skills and all teachers will be expected to play a pastoral role.

Our teachers are very committed to supporting our students, including investing time in extracurricular activities offered by their school.

Find out more on the ESF website HERE.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and offers may be extended prior to the job closing date.

By applying for this position, your application may be considered for other opportunities (senior-level roles, head of department, etc.) within ESF.

ESF is an Equal Opportunities Employer

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is fully committed to providing equal employment opportunities. ESF will not discriminate on the basis of age, race, colour, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, religion, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, creed, citizenship or any other status protected by local laws or regulations.

Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with the ESF's Personal Data Policy, a copy of which will be provided upon request.

ESF is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students in our care and expects all applicants to uphold this commitment. We adhere to rigorous recruitment practices, with all appointments contingent upon an interview, identity verification, criminal background checks (including ICPC, SCRC, and other international background checks as appropriate), assessment of social media presence, and positive references.

In accordance with the Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 guidelines, ESF may perform online checks for all shortlisted candidates prior to the interview.

SecondaryTeacher SecondaryTeacherLearningSupport The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong. Our 22 schools and comprehensive programme of extra-curricular activities bring out the best in every student through a personalised approach to learning and by inspiring curious minds.

There are over 18,000 students from 75 different nationalities in ESF kindergartens, primary, secondary and all-through schools. www.esf.edu.hk

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Head of Individual Learning Needs (TLR2) - Island School