Head of School; Secondary

Position: Head of School (Secondary)
Wat ga je doen?
Optimist International Academy (OIA) is a new international secondary school opening in August 2026 in Hoofddorp. OIA is a joint initiative of Optimist International School (primary) and Haarlemmermeer Lyceum Tweetalig (bilingual secondary). The school is currently on a journey of IB MYP candidacy towards authorisation.

Inspire Global Learners – Shape Our Future.

We are seeking an inspirational, internationally minded educational leader to help build OIA as one coherent school, working in close partnership with the Head of Primary.

This role offers the opportunity to shape culture, curriculum and operations from the ground up, while building strong IB practice and a stable, positive learning environment for students and staff.

As Head of School (Secondary), you provide continuity, stability and clear direction as OIA develops and grows. You are a visible and approachable leader within the school, translating the school’s vision into strong daily practice across learning, culture and organisation.

You lead the secondary teaching team and create the conditions for high‑quality teaching and professional growth. You strengthen an open, safe and inclusive school and working culture, and you drive a consistent approach to quality assurance and continuous improvement.

You guide the secondary school through IB candidacy to authorisation, ensuring progress towards a coherent written, taught and assessed curriculum. Together with your team and the MYP coordinator, you embed inquiry‑based, concept‑driven learning and international‑mindedness in a consistent way.

You oversee the quality and consistency of admissions, contributing to strengthening OIA’s external profile and visibility. You act as a key link with parents, partners and the wider region, and you represent the school with clarity and confidence.

Wie ben jij?

Extensive experience with IB philosophy, Standards & Practices

Proven leadership experience in international and/or bilingual school settings

Experience leading or contributing to IB candidacy and authorisation

Strong curriculum leadership skills (planning, assessment, evaluation)

A clear commitment to high‑quality IB professional development

Experience coaching and developing teachers within an inquiry‑based framework

Strong English and Dutch communication skills (spoken and written)

The ability to work effectively in a culturally diverse, international environment

You are a visible and approachable leader who combines professionalism with warmth and clarity. You build trust, create calm and bring people together around a shared educational approach. You have solid IB experience, ideally within the MYP (experience with the DP is a strong advantage).

Experience with school business operations and organisational processes is highly desirable.

Start date:

By mutual agreement, no later than 1 August 2026.

Qualifications and Eligibility

A recognised teaching qualification eligible for registration in the Netherlands (e.g. PGCE, QTS or equivalent)

A relevant academic degree in education or a subject related to secondary teaching

Eligibility and willingness to obtain Dutch teaching recognition (via DUO)

School leadership qualifications or senior leadership experience are highly desirable

We also welcome applications from candidates currently based outside the Netherlands and would further discuss relocation and recognition requirements as part of the recruitment process.

Wat krijg je van ons terug?

The opportunity to build a new IB school from the ground up

A collaborative and supportive international school community

Strong institutional backing from experienced Dutch education partners

Ongoing professional growth through IB training and leadership development

Salaris en Benefits

For this position, salary scale 13 applies. The gross monthly salary ranges from €5 691,00 to €8 065,00 based on a full‑time appointment. Salary placement is determined by educational level and relevant work experience.

You are entitled to 53 vacation days per year based on full‑time employment. In addition, you receive 8 % holiday allowance and an end‑of‑year bonus (13th month) of 8.33 %.

You’ll be offered a fixed‑term contract,…