Job Description

About Cognita:

Cognita is a global family of over 90 schools across 21 countries, with more than 100,000 students, 22,000 colleagues, 14 curricula and 9 languages of instruction. Our strength lies in our diversity. There is no single model of a Cognita school because education is inherently local. When families choose a school, they are making a deeply personal and community-based decision, and our schools reflect this.

About ISHCMC:

Opened in 1993 as the International Grammer School, ISHCMC was the first international school in Ho Chi Minh City.

In the 33 years since, cohort after cohort has added to the school. Teachers have refined their practice. Families from more than 60 nationalities have shaped the culture. Students have grown up in a community where the people around them bring different languages, experiences, and ways of seeing the world.

Trust, reputation, relationships, and judgement are built over time.

At ISHCMC, that accumulated experience gives the next Head of School something substantial to build from and carry forward.

ISHCMC builds on generations of students who have gone on to world-renowned future destinations and who now return as parents themselves, bringing the legacy of success to a future generation of ISHCMC alumni.

About the Role

The Primary School Principal will lead an experienced team of educators working across Early Years and the IB Primary Years Programme, united by high expectations for learning, wellbeing and care. Across ISHCMC, more than 65% of faculty hold master’s degrees, and more than 20 colleagues contribute to the International Baccalaureate Educator Network as examiners and curriculum developers. Professional learning includes IB certification, coaching, leadership pathways and personalised development.

The opportunity is to help good people keep learning from one another, strengthen practice together and create the conditions for every child to make progress.

A STRONG FOUNDATION. A MEANINGFUL NEXT CHAPTER

The opportunity is to lead Primary from a position of strength and keep it moving forward. You will inherit an established PYP culture, experienced educators and a diverse community of children and families.

You will set high expectations for teaching and learning. Build leadership and teaching capacity. Use evidence to understand progress and strengthen practice. Deepen inclusion, wellbeing and partnership with families. The role calls for educational judgement, visibility and the ability to bring people with you. Above all, you will help ensure Primary

remains a place where children are known, challenged and making progress, and where joy and ambition sit side by side.

THE ROLE

The Primary School Principal is a key member of the leadership team, responsible for shaping the educational vision and overseeing the daily operations of the High School (Grades EE2 through 5). This role requires a dynamic leader who can foster an environment of academic rigor, personal growth, and community engagement.

Reports directly to the Head of School, the Primary School Principal will be the Ambassador of Primary School, representing, advocating, marketing and engaging with the community. He/She is expected to be experienced in the following aspects of administration: school vision, ethos and high standards, curriculum development, program assessment, professional development and staff evaluation, budget, effective communication with all constituents, and scheduling. The curriculum is built within the International Baccalaureate PYP Program (IB PYP). The Primary School Principal is expected to work closely with the Deputy Head of School (Academic), to ensure the success and articulation of all academic programs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

LEADERSHIP

• Lead the successful launch and operation of the Primary School campus, ensuring smooth transitions for students joining and progressing with ISHCMC.
• Provide professional leadership for Primary School faculty and staff, working with the Senior Leadership Team to deliver the School Strategic Plan, improvement priorities and mission.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, setting ambitious expectations for student achievement, teaching quality and faculty development.
• Develop and implement educational strategies that strengthen standards and outcomes across Primary.
• Represent the school with relevant local, state, regional and national educational organisations and accrediting agencies.
• Remain current with educational developments and their implications for the school.

MANAGEMENT

• Manage class scheduling and faculty assignments to make effective use of resources.
• Strengthen the curriculum to meet the diverse needs of students and prepare them for successful academic and school transitions.
• Ensure accurate student records, schedules and transcripts are maintained.
• Oversee the effective administration of assessments, including MAP, using results to strengthen curriculum and instruction and communicating findings to staff, students and parents.
• Oversee the review & update Primary School curriculum guides, student handbooks and other relevant documentation.
• Work with other Divisional Principals to lead whole-school orientation for new and returning faculty and staff.
• Manage the Primary School budget, ensure appropriate use of resources and provide required reports to the Head of School.

STAFF DEVELOPMENT

• Recruit and retain high-quality faculty who are committed to the school’s vision and values.
• Ensure effective performance evaluation, providing constructive feedback and addressing unsatisfactory professional practice where required.
• Promote collaboration and professional development aligned with individual, team and school priorities, inspiring faculty and staff to strengthen teaching and learning.
• Undertake professional self-evaluation, seeking feedback from key stakeholders, with performance ultimately evaluated by the Head of School.

PASTOTAL

• Ensure effective systems are in place to identify and support students’ social, emotional and academic needs, working closely with counselling and support colleagues and monitoring accommodation and personal development plans.
• Strengthen student safety and wellbeing, including appropriate staff development in mental health and support strategies.
• Lead the Primary School ethos, maintaining high behavioural expectations and a safe, inclusive environment that meets Cognita compliance and child safeguarding requirements.
• Ensure students have access to appropriate leadership, athletics, arts, clubs and social opportunities.
• Respond effectively to student and parent concerns, crises and immediate needs, advocating for students and supporting constructive conflict resolution between families, students and teachers.
• Work closely with the Middle School Principal to support students’ transition from Grade 5 to Grade 6.

COMMUNICATION

• Build confidence and pride among Primary families through visible, accessible and responsive leadership.
• Communicate Primary programmes, activities and initiatives clearly through parent meetings, open houses, educational forums, conferences, the PTO Liaison and regular written communications.
• Maintain regular communication with faculty and staff to support collaboration and effective decision-making.
• Oversee clear, high-quality reporting of student progress to families.
• Promote the Primary School’s programmes and achievements, working with Parent Experience and Admissions on Open Days and engagement with prospective families.
• Serve as a key spokesperson for Primary, using appropriate media, website, social and PR opportunities to communicate its vision, values, achievements and developments to the school community and Regional

team.

GENERAL

• Provide campus coverage during holidays in liaison with administrative colleagues.
• Provide leadership and participate actively in school-wide events, committees and activities.
• Develop community outreach and partnerships with local organisations and charities, encouraging appropriate student participation.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties delegated by the Head of School.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

EXPERIENCE THAT CARRIES FORWARD

We are looking for an experienced educational leader who combines strong knowledge of international education with the judgement, warmth and resilience to lead a diverse Primary community.

The successful candidate will be approachable and visible, able to build trust across students, colleagues and

families while setting clear priorities and high expectations. They will combine collaboration with decisiveness, bring

a positive approach to challenge and exemplify the attributes of the IB Learner Profile.

The successful candidate will bring:

• At least five years’ proven administrative leadership experience in a similar school, with experience of international education and cultural competence.
• Strong knowledge of curriculum development. IB PYP knowledge and experience is an advantage.
• Experience of staff supervision and development, budgeting, scheduling, data analysis and effective use of digital systems.
• The ability to set strategic priorities, attract and develop talent, delegate effectively and lead meaningful improvement.
• Strong organisational, problem-solving and time-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal skills and the ability to navigate diverse constituencies with diplomacy.
• A collaborative, community-minded leadership style, with the resilience to respond to the changing demands of school

leadership.

• A Master’s degree in Educational Administration or Educational Leadership is preferred. International experience is also preferred.

PLATFORM SERVICES

SPECIALIST EXPERTISE AROUND THE SCHOOL

Working with the South-East Asia & India Managing Director and Cog support teams, ISHCMC benefits from Cognita’s platform services, providing expert functional support across key areas of the organisation. Each function, called a Centre of Excellence, gives schools and their leaders access to specialist expertise, guidance and support. These teams support school and Cog leadership so that Heads of School can remain focused on the quality of education, the experience and outcomes of students and parents, and the impact they create at school level, while being supported by a high-quality global platform.

PLATFORM SERVICES INCLUDE

• Student & Campus Safety
• Education
• People
• Marketing & Sales
• Finance
• Legal
• Property

How to Apply:

To apply, please email your detailed CV and a cover letter to Lynne Rennie at lynne.rennie@cognita.com.

Your cover letter should explain your interest in the role and how your experience aligns with the key criteria.

Application deadline: 25th September 2026.

References will only be contacted at the final stages of the process, and only with your prior consent.

If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact Lynne Rennie directly at +971 52 725 1457.

Cognita Schools are 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 practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

We believe having a diverse workforce makes us better, smarter and happier and so welcome applicants from all backgrounds, genders, and races. We have an unwavering commitment to being fair and equitable in our recruitment process.

Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.