North London Collegiate School (Singapore) seeks a Director of Innovation
Effective start date: August 2027
The School reserves the right to make an appointment before any deadline dates if a suitable candidate is found.
Proposed interview dates: TBC
Closing date for Applications: 26 October 2026
Job Overview
The Director of Innovation will lead NLCS (Singapore)’s strategic approach to learning innovation, educational technology and the development of digital capability across the school. The role will ensure that technology is used deliberately, selectively and with high impact; never simply because it is available.
NLCS (Singapore) is intentionally a low-tech school. We believe that technology should enhance, not replace, the things that make learning powerful: conversation, books, writing, practical experiences, face-to-face collaboration and sustained attention. These are central to our approach to Joyful Scholarship, creating the space for students to think deeply, ask questions, wrestle with ideas and develop a genuine love of learning. We therefore seek to limit unnecessary screen time while ensuring that our students develop the digital, information, creative and AI-related capabilities they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
The Director of Innovation will help the school hold these commitments together: protecting the conditions in which deep and joyful learning can flourish, while ensuring our students are confident, critical and creative users and creators of technology.
The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on coaching. It will build staff confidence, support excellent classroom practice, develop a coherent progression of student digital skills, and evaluate whether technology is actually improving learning.
Qualifications and Experience
• A qualified teacher with substantial successful classroom experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of pedagogy and learning, with a strong interest in how technology can enhance, rather than drive, educational practice.
• Experience of coaching, mentoring or developing colleagues; a recognised coaching qualification would be advantageous.
• Demonstrated experience of using educational technology purposefully in teaching and learning, including experience with emerging technologies and/or AI.
• Strong understanding of digital citizenship, information literacy and the opportunities and risks associated with technology and AI.
• Experience of leading change, professional learning, innovation or school-wide improvement.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the credibility to work alongside experienced teachers as a coach and thought partner.
• Curiosity, sound professional judgement and the ability to distinguish meaningful innovation from technology hype.
• Relevant degree and recognised teaching qualification.
Personal Attributes
• Student-centered and deeply committed to improving learning.
• Intellectually curious and open to new ideas while being appropriately skeptical of educational technology claims.
• An excellent listener and coach who builds trust before seeking to influence practice.
• Strategic enough to see the whole-school picture and practical enough to work alongside a teacher on a lesson tomorrow.
• Collaborative, calm, credible and solutions focused.
• Comfortable saying both 'let’s explore this' and 'we don't need technology here'.
About NLCS (Singapore)
North London Collegiate School (Singapore) is an academically ambitious and selective school rooted in the traditions of NLCS (UK) and shaped by our international context. Opened in 2020, the School is now an established and vibrant Junior and Senior School community.
We are continuing to build on our strong foundations, strengthening our curriculum, student experience and intellectual culture. Our teachers are passionate subject specialists who bring expertise, enthusiasm and individuality to their teaching. Academic ambition sits alongside exceptional pastoral care and a rich programme of opportunities beyond the classroom, enabling students to flourish academically, personally and socially.
The NLCS Ethos
We believe in the transformative power of an ambitious education. Students are encouraged to be intellectually curious, question assumptions, pursue ideas independently and develop the confidence to think for themselves. Exceptional teaching, joyful scholarship and continuous improvement are central to our academic culture.
At the same time, everyone matters: we seek to know our students well and create a caring, inclusive community in which every individual can flourish. A broad programme of sport, music, drama, service, leadership, clubs, societies and academic enrichment enables students to discover new interests, develop their talents and contribute to the wider community.
The Curriculum
Our curriculum is academically ambitious, intellectually rich and designed to encourage students to think beyond the immediate requirements of their courses. Strong subject knowledge and disciplinary expertise are complemented by opportunities to make connections, pursue individual interests and apply learning in new contexts.
We take a deliberate, age-appropriate approach to technology. In the earlier years, learning is deliberately less reliant on devices, with a strong emphasis on reading, writing, discussion, practical experiences and sustained attention. As students progress through the School, technology is introduced where it adds genuine value, with 1:1 devices supporting students in the IB Diploma Programme and enabling them to work independently, collaborate effectively and engage with the demands of their courses. The taught curriculum is enriched through lectures, societies, competitions, research and independent projects, providing students with opportunities to extend their learning and engage deeply with their interests.
The NLCS Family of Schools
Founded in 1850 by Frances Mary Buss, NLCS (UK) has a long tradition of academic ambition, intellectual curiosity and independent thought. The NLCS family now includes schools in the UK, Jeju, Dubai, Singapore and Kobe.
Each school reflects its own international context while sharing a commitment to academic excellence, outstanding teaching, exceptional pastoral care and rich opportunities beyond the classroom.
Life in Singapore
Singapore is a safe, cosmopolitan and internationally connected city, offering an exceptional quality of life and easy access to the wider region. As a global centre for technology, education, business and innovation, Singapore provides a stimulating environment for teachers and an outstanding base from which to explore Asia.
How to Apply
Contract term: Initial three-year contract
Contract type: Fixed term
Applications must include:
• A completed NLCS application form
• A full CV
• A cover letter addressed to Mr. Anthony Coles, School Director, outlining your suitability for the role
Applications submitted outside of the applicant tracking system will not be considered.
All shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide evidence of their teaching and references will be taken prior to interview.
Please note that incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.
Safeguarding Statement
NLCS (Singapore) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment and to uphold the highest standards of professional and personal conduct in line with our safeguarding policies.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
A competitive package will be offered to the successful candidate, which will include the following:
• Competitive salary
• Initial three-year contract
• Accommodation
• Relocation costs
• Annual return flights to home country
• Health insurance
• Tuition fees for eligible children