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Principal - Full-time

Earlscliffe, Folkestone

  • Ref:KCC886-6138-195L
  • Posted:06/01/2026
  • Pay:Competitive
  • Start Date:September 2026 or January 2027
  • App Close Date:30/01/2026 at 23:00
  • Interviews:To be confirmed

Advert

Job Title: Principal
Reports to: Managing Director
Location: Folkestone, Kent
Contract Type: Permanent, Full Time

Start Date: September 2026 or January 2027
Salary: Competitive

Dukes Education (Colleges) seeks a dynamic Headteacher for Earlscliffe, an international boarding college (Years 11-13) in Folkestone, Kent to start ideally in September 2026.

Earlscliffe has established a strong reputation in a short period of time and is known for its warm, family atmosphere, small class sizes and a highly personalised approach to learning. It follows an IGCSE/GCSE curriculum in Year 11 (an accelerated, reduced three term course) and A-levels in Years 12-13. We also offer diploma and Foundation courses in Year 13. The college is very much a modern, international institution in a British setting.

The role

We are looking for a Head who is both strategic and empathetic — someone who leads by example, listens attentively and communicates with clarity and integrity. We are looking for an experienced and successful senior leader who is willing to give a long-term commitment to Earlscliffe. The successful candidate will work closely with a supportive governing body, deepening collaborative ties within Dukes Education while ensuring the colleges spirit and values remain central to its identity. They should be comfortable working within a wider international context.

Experience required

  • Have a track record of senior leadership in a UK school or British international school delivering an IGCSE/A-level programme
  • Show evidence of educational thought leadership
  • Possess experience of managing international students through the UCAS process
  • Show evidence of working successfully with senior colleagues in delivering measurable outcomes
  • Have highly developed interpersonal skills and can demonstrate cultural awareness and empathy in dealings with students, parents and staff
  • Possess experience in strategic planning
  • Possess excellent financial management skills with a track record of meeting targets
  • Have a track record of working successfully with a governing body and external stakeholders
  • Have an experience of dealing with international agents
  • Experience of dealing with inspection compliance

 

Application

To apply for this position please email your application to Lauren Huntley lauren.huntley@dukeseduaction.com

The application deadline is 30 January 2026

 

Please visit the both the Dukes Education and Earlscliffe websites for more information on the college and the wider organisation: 

www.earlscliffe.co.uk

www.dukeseducation.com

 

Dukes Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Information about the school

Earlscliffe was founded as an independent boarding school for international students in 2012 and is part of the Dukes Education group.

We currently have students from more than 30 countries across the world.

We offer a two-year A-level programme in traditional subjects together with One Year GCSE and Pre-A courses.

In September 2026, the school will be launching BTEC Extended Diplomas in Business and Sport.

Earlscliffe is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Posts are subject to Enhanced Disclosure applications to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), verification of candidates’ right to work in the UK and other pre-employment checks as outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education (2025). Shortlisted candidates will be subject to online searches as part of our recruitment process. We value diversity and promote equality for all.

We reserve the right to close vacancies early so please apply as soon as possible

For further details on our Safeguarding Policy and Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy, please see our school website: https://www.earlscliffe.co.uk/about-earlscliffe/policies/.

Job Contact Information

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We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our students. You are advised that this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and therefore this post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Please be aware that schools are also required to undertake online recruitment checks on shortlisted candidates under changes to Keeping Children Safe in Education.