2033 AP Haarlem Netherlands
2134CG Hoofddorp Netherlands
Optimist International Academy
Head of School (Secondary)
- Hoofddorp
- 0.6 tot 1.0 FTE
- € 5.691,- tot € 8.065,-
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.
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, and you translate 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 and ensure 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 and contribute 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.
We are looking for someone who brings:
• 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
• 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, with the prospect of a permanent position, for 0.6–1.0 FTE.
- We offer an excellent pension scheme: Dunamare Onderwijs covers 70% of the pension contributions under the ABP pension fund.
- Dunamare strongly supports your professional and personal development. The Dunamare Academy is the place to be for learning and development, whether you are a teacher, educational support staff member or a leader. Explore our extensive programme at www.dunamare-academie.nl.
The Head of School functions as a school deputy and reports directly to the Rector. Together with the Rector and the other school deputy’s, the Head of School forms the Haarlemmermeer Lyceum Tweetalig’s leadership team. As part of HLML’s leadership structure, you lead teachers who also work within Haarlemmermeer tweetalig.
If you are excited by the opportunity to help shape a new international secondary school, we would love to hear from you. For questions, please contact Brenda Stam b.stam@haarlemmermeerlyceum.nl and to apply, please use the “Apply” button so we can be sure your application is received correctly. Application closing date: Friday 6 March 2026.
Interviews will take place in the week commencing 16 March 2026. Candidates shortlisted for a second interview will be invited to complete a developmental assessment following the second-round interview.
Dunamare doet méér - Meer voor iedereen
Dunamare Onderwijs doet méér. Meer voor leerlingen. Meer voor het onderwijs. En meer voor jou als medewerker. We bieden volop opleidingsmogelijkheden, persoonlijke coaching, uitstekende secundaire arbeidsvoorwaarden en aandacht voor een gezonde werk-privébalans. Bij ons krijg je ruimte voor jouw ambities en volop ondersteuning op het gebied van vitaliteit, zodat jij je volledig kunt richten op onderwijs en leerlingen.
Je kunt hierbij rekenen op ondersteuning door talentcoaches, inspirerende bijeenkomsten, een vitaliteitscoach, psychologische begeleiding via Open Up en toegang tot vertrouwenspersonen.
Dunamare onderwijs staat voor vooruitstrevend onderwijs in de regio’s Haarlem, Velsen en Haarlemmermeer – en een uitstapje naar Harlingen en Uithoorn. We hebben 24 scholen, van praktijkonderwijs tot gymnasium, van montessorischool tot maritieme academie. We hebben grote scholen met wel 1350 leerlingen en kleine scholen met zo'n 160 leerlingen. Kortom, er is altijd een plek die bij jou past.
De Dunamare Academie is dé plek waar alle medewerkers van Dunamare elkaar ontmoeten en van en met elkaar leren. De Dunamare Academie ontwikkelt ieder jaar aantrekkelijke en vernieuwde opleidingen en trainingen op het gebied van pedagogiek en didactiek en kijkt ook met een brede blik naar wat jij nodig hebt om vaardig, plezierig en gezond te werken. Er is veel aandacht voor zaken als leiderschapsontwikkeling, digitale vaardigheden, vitaliteit, persoonlijke effectiviteit en duurzame inzetbaarheid. Dit gebeurt onder meer via trainingen en workshops zoals AI in de klas, Yoga, hardlooptrainingen, BHV-cursussen, Jongensdip en Meidenstress, en MR-training. Deze trainingen vinden altijd plaats inclusief avondeten, waardoor je op een leuke manier ook collega’s van andere scholen kunt ontmoeten.
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