For August 2027, Island School is seeking an exceptional, forward-thinking leader to join us as our Director of Sport. This pivotal leadership role offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of sport and physical health education across our dynamic school community.
We are looking for an inspiring strategist to set the vision for the PHE Faculty, foster a vibrant culture of sporting participation, and drive high standards across all aspects of physical education and sports. Supported by a team of specialist educators, you will focus on strategic growth, quality assurance, and the overall leadership of our state-of-the-art facilities and multi-disciplinary staff.
The ideal candidate is a passionate advocate for physical health and student well-being, with proven leadership experience, strong line-management capabilities, and the vision to serve all levels, from recreational engagement to elite athletic pathways. You will lead a diverse team, including teachers, technicians, lifeguards, and administrative staff, serving as the leading voice for sport at Island School
Key responsibilities of the Director of Sports
Strategic Leadership & Quality Assurance
- Set the strategic vision for the Physical & Health Education (PHE) Faculty and extra-curricular sports, aligning goals with the Island School mission, RISE values, and ESF initiatives.
- Monitor, evaluate, and assure the quality of both PHE teaching and the extra-curricular sports programmes in line with school standards and IB policies.
- Line manage faculty staff, including the Head PHE (Curriculum Coordinator), PHE teachers, Lifeguards, Sports Administrators, fostering a culture of trust, professional reflection, and continuous growth.
- Drive a positive culture of athletic participation, inclusive competition, and physical well-being across the entire school community, while actively celebrating student contribution and success.
Sports & Extra-Curricular Programme
- Oversee, schedule, and evaluate a high-quality, balanced extra-curricular sports programme spanning competitive leagues and recreational participation.
- With support from the Sports Administrator and wider team, coordinate competitive fixtures, team entries, venue bookings, transportation, and equipment management.
- Being a visible presence and providing support during competitive sports fixtures across sports, both after school and at the weekends.
- Continue to develop the elite sports programme, with a strategic focus on our core focus sports of basketball, volleyball, and swimming.
- Identify, recruit, and manage external coaches and instructors to complement internal staff capabilities where needed.
- Support gifted and elite student-athletes, develop and maximise links with sports governing bodies, and explore opportunities for overseas sporting trips.
- Manage the faculty budgets, ensuring effective deployment of human, temporal, and physical resources.
- Develop the administrative systems to support the management of the sports programme.
- Serve as the sports convenor across sports, as needed, as part of our memberships in the different sporting Federations we participate in.
- Celebrate student achievements, and promote the profile and culture of the sports programme at Island School.
PHE Curriculum Collaboration
- Provide overall strategic oversight of the PHE curriculum pathways, while empowering the Head of PHE to directly lead and coordinate day-to-day curriculum design and implementation, with support from all Faculty teaching staff.
- Work alongside the PHE team to monitor pedagogy, assessment, and student data to drive high academic standards across MYP, BTEC Level 2, IBDP, IBCP, and other pathways.
Person Specification & Requirements
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with a degree in Physical Education or a closely related field, along with a proven track record of successful leadership within PE or sports management.
- Ability to translate vision into actionable strategic goals, evaluate progress, and manage school-wide quality assurance.
- Outstanding interpersonal, negotiation, and line-management skills with a demonstrated ability to inspire, develop, and empower a diverse team.
- Willingness to lead by example through active involvement in after-school and weekend sports programmes.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills to engage effectively with students, staff, parents, and external agencies.
- Experience within IB programmes (MYP, IBDP, IBCP) and vocational sports qualifications (e.g. BTEC) is desirable.
- Prior leadership experience in an international school setting is desirable.
For enquiries, please contact Hilary Hu @ 25247135 or Email: school@online.island.edu.hk
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and offers may be extended prior to the job closing date. We strongly recommend early applications as we reserve the right to appoint candidates earlier than the closing date.
By applying for this position, your application may be considered for other opportunities (senior-level roles, head of department, etc.) within ESF.
ESF is an Equal Opportunities Employer
The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is fully committed to providing equal employment opportunities. ESF will not discriminate on the basis of age, race, colour, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, religion, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, creed, citizenship or any other status protected by local laws or regulations.
Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with the ESF's Personal Data Policy, a copy of which will be provided upon request.
ESF is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students in our care and expects all applicants to uphold this commitment. We adhere to rigorous recruitment practices, with all appointments contingent upon an interview, identity verification, criminal background checks (including ICPC, SCRC, and other international background checks as appropriate), assessment of social media presence, and positive references.
In accordance with the Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 guidelines, ESF may perform online checks for all shortlisted candidates prior to the interview.
About Us
The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong. Our 22 schools and comprehensive programme of extra-curricular activities bring out the best in every student through a personalised approach to learning and by inspiring curious minds.
There are over 18,000 students from 75 different nationalities in ESF kindergartens, primary, secondary and all-through schools.
www.esf.edu.hk
About the Team
At Island School we do something different. Our focus is on igniting a passion for learning in every student. Teaching students facts and figures is no longer enough for them to succeed once they enter higher education and the workforce. We encourage students to problem solve, question and think creatively with new concepts and ideas. Students are encouraged to become resourceful, adaptable and confident learners.
Our academic record is excellent with students going on to many of the foremost universities and colleges in the world. You will find details of the curriculum and qualifications on offer on our website. In the senior years students can choose to study IB Diploma, IB Careers and BTEC courses. Island School prepares students for these qualifications with a broad-based middle school curriculum including IGCSEs and a wide range of exciting options in our unique Futures curriculum. Our aim is to help students develop a passion for learning in a range of areas, whether it be law or robotics and coding or music production.
https://island.esf.edu.hk