School Details –
At HeadStart we aim to stimulate students’ minds, as well as to encourage them to push beyond perceived traditional academic boundaries. It is our intention that through employing dedicated, enthusiastic and inspiring teachers, we will enthuse all our students to reach their potential and exceed expectations. We deliver a well-rounded personalised educational experience. We pride ourselves in being a community school, emphasising individual learning.
HeadStart is based in the centre of Phuket Island and gained ‘International School’ status in 2010 and is a fully accredited International School with The Education Development Trust. In our most recent inspection, we were awarded the International Schools Quality Mark (ISQM) with accreditors recognising the school to be a ‘Good School with Outstanding Features’.
Our curriculum is based on the national curriculum of England, and we offer Cambridge & Pearson qualifications in secondary school, including IGCSEs, A Levels, and BTECs.
The school's main campus at Chaofah has 1000 students and is oversubscribed in most year groups. From August 2028, we will expand our Upper School site and provision to make 'HeadStart College' the premier educational institution in the South of Thailand.
In August 2023, we opened a new campus in the north of the island, Cherngtalay. Having started as a one-form Foundation and Primary school, our Cherngtalay Campus is now a three-form entry Foundation, Primary and Secondary School (KS3 only) for up to 500 students.
Part-time Mandarin KS1 & KS2 Teacher (up to 16 lessons per week)
We are looking to appoint a motivated and enthusiastic Mandarin teacher for a start in August 2026.
You will teach:
Mandarin as a First Language
* Years 1-4
* Engaging lessons suitable for beginner and continuing first language learners
* Clear progression aligned with the Secondary Languages pathway
* Following the Chinese National Curriculum
* Strengthening students’ literacy, writing, vocabulary and grammar
You will work closely with the Languages team to ensure consistency, share ideas and contribute to a positive, collaborative environment.
You will also work closely with our Languages team to develop creative schemes of work, embed strong assessment practices and help shape an ambitious, modern curriculum.
We are looking for a highly committed team player with drive, energy and passion, who will inspire a love of learning within their pupils. A good sense of humour and an excellent work ethic are essential.
Requirements / Application Details
Essential
Native Mandarin speaker
Experience teaching Mandarin to children or young adolescents
Ability to teach either Mandarin as a Foreign Language or Mandarin as a First Language
Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university
A recognised teaching qualification (BEd, PGCE, iPGCE or equivalent)
Fluent English communicator
Understanding of international school settings or the UK curriculum (desirable)
Preferred
Experience teaching both Mandarin First Language and Foreign Language
Familiarity with the Chinese National Curriculum
Personal Qualities
Positive, enthusiastic and committed to student progress
Strong classroom organisation and behaviour management
Flexible and collaborative team member
Passion for helping students develop confidence and communication skills
(Full details of salary package and terms and conditions will be sent to short-listed candidates)
· Private medical insurance
· 3 year renewable contract
· Free lunch and beverages during the school day
· Significant end of contract bonuses.
Application Process:
The closing date for applications is Monday, 19th December 2025; however, we encourage early applications and reserve the right to make an appointment with the ideal candidate before this date.
PLEASE NOTE: HeadStart International School is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All post-holders are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS (in the UK) or Criminal Records (Police Check) disclosure from their most recent country of residence.
Shortlisted candidates will be sent full salary details and be invited for interview (via Google Meet).
CANDIDATES WITHOUT A DEGREE AND A RECOGNISED TEACHING QUALIFICATION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
We do not accept applications from candidates with only a TEFL or equivalent qualification.