Upper School Principal Degerloch Campus in Stuttgart

The International School of Stuttgart e.V. is a non-profit Kindergarten through 12th grade, NEASC accredited, IB World School offering an international curriculum to a student body of about 850 from over 40 nations. Among its strengths are its student-centred and holistic approach to learning and its commitment to professional development and emphasis on student pastoral care.

ISS is looking to hire a full-time

Upper School Principal Degerloch Campus ALL GENDER

Starting in August 2027.

This position is initially for two years.

Responsibilities

Lead teaching and learning

• Lead the quality and development of the MYP, DP and ISS Diploma, working closely with programme coordinators and teaching teams while strengthening the one school, two campus model.
• Tighten alignment between curriculum, teaching, assessment and reporting, including progression from Grade 6 through Grade 12.
• Recognize and promote the most promising teaching and learning practices, professional dialogue and evidence of student learning to improve classroom experience.
• Embed self-directed learning within everyday teaching, with appropriate guidance and support for different learners.
• Ensure that students receive informed advice on pathways, subject choices and transitions, including the requirements for German national and Baden Württemburg state recognition equivalent to the Mittlere Reife and Abitur.
• Evaluate the impact of educational initiatives and adjust approaches in response to evidence.

Build community and partnership

• Represent ISS with integrity and contribute actively to its community life.
• Maintain clear, timely and constructive communication with students, staff and families.
• Build productive relationships with parent representatives and the wider school community.
• Collaborate with leaders across both campuses to share practice and support continuity for students.
• Work with Admissions and Marketing to communicate the Upper School’s educational offer accurately and confidently.

Develop staff and leadership

• Lead and empower the Upper School leadership team, with clear responsibilities and shared accountability.
• Support staff growth through classroom visits, coaching, constructive feedback and the school’s appraisal process.
• Build purposeful collaboration across subjects and year groups, making effective practice visible and accessible.
• Align professional development with student needs, staff development and school priorities.
• Work with the School Director and relevant colleagues on recruitment, induction and staff performance.
• Address concerns promptly and fairly, modelling competence, character and care.

Promote student wellbeing and belonging

• Lead a culture in which students feel known, safe, included and appropriately challenged.
• Ensure effective pastoral care, consistent approaches to behaviour and timely responses to student needs.
• Uphold the school’s safeguarding policies and procedures, working with designated safeguarding colleagues.
• Work with counsellors, learning support colleagues, teachers and families to coordinate academic, social and emotional support.
• Promote student voice, leadership and participation in the wider life of the school.
• Support a rich programme of activities, sport, arts, service and educational trips.

Deliver strategy and effective operations

• Translate school strategy into focused Upper School plans with clear responsibilities, timelines and measures of progress.
• Oversee the division’s daily operations, calendar, meetings, events and educational trips.
• Support effective timetabling, student placement and transitions in collaboration with the relevant teams.
• Manage the Upper School budget responsibly with the Business Director, IT Director and Finance Department.
• Implement school policies consistently and contribute to their review and improvement.
• Contribute to accreditation, school evaluation and whole-school improvement.

Qualifications

We welcome applications from candidates who can demonstrate the capability to lead this work. Previous experience as a principal is valuable, but is not a prerequisite.

Essential:

• Significant experience in both the IB Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme.
• A recognized teaching qualification and a strong understanding of effective secondary teaching, learning and assessment.
• Evidence of leading educational improvement and turning strategic priorities into sustained practice.
• The ability to develop staff, strengthen teams and establish shared expectations.
• A commitment to self-directed learning, inclusion, student wellbeing and safeguarding.
• Sound judgement, organizational ability and the courage to navigate difficult decisions.
• Excellent English and strong communication skills across a diverse community.
• Leadership grounded in character, competence and care.

Desirable:

• A relevant postgraduate qualification.
• Understanding of German qualification recognition and the local educational context.
• German language skills.
• Experience as a principal or in a comparable leadership role.
• Experience in an international and culturally diverse school community.

Benefits

A competitive leadership package is offered, with details shared during recruitment. The Principal is expected to participate actively in school life, including occasional evening and weekend events.

Safeguarding and child protection:

ISS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment and uphold the school’s child protection policies and procedures.

Appointment is subject to satisfactory professional references, verification of qualifications and employment history, and appropriate criminal record and background checks. Safeguarding responsibilities and professional conduct will be explored during the selection process.