Head of School - Kanazawa

Founding Head of School — Aoba-Japan International School - KanazawaLocation: Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan Contract: Full-time, senior leadership appointment Reports to: Group Head of Schools Commencement: 1 April 2027 Closing date: 30 November 2026 (early applications encouraged) About this vacancyThe Aoba School Group is seeking an exceptional educational leader to become the Founding Head of School at its newest campus, Aoba-Japan International School Kanazawa. This is a rare opportunity to build a school from the ground up. Rather than inheriting an existing structure, the successful candidate will shape AJIS - Kanazawa's culture, curriculum, team and systems from day one while drawing on the support, expertise and established educational identity of the wider Aoba School Group, which includes Aoba-Japan International School - Tokyo, Aoba-Japan Bilingual Preschools, Musashi International School Tokyo and Summerhill International School. Set in a city recognised by UNESCO as a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, AJIS Kanazawa will offer a distinctive international education grounded in inquiry, student agency and genuine connection to its local community. The roleAs Founding Head, you will: Establish the culture, priorities and systems needed for a confident opening and sustainable growth Lead teaching and learning, embedding inquiry, agency, conceptual understanding and high expectations Recruit, induct and develop a strong founding team Build trust with families and support enrolment growth Oversee day-to-day operations, safeguarding, staffing and compliance Represent the school within the Kanazawa community and connect local practice to Aoba's wider mission What we're looking forWe're looking for a leader who is energised by building rather than maintaining — someone with strong school leadership experience, sound judgement, cultural curiosity and the resilience to lead through the ambiguity of a founding period. Essential: a postgraduate qualificati