ISR International School on the Rhine
Germany
Salary:
Highly competitive remuneration package
Job type:
Full Time, Permanent
Apply by:
21 October 2025
Job overview
An outstanding opportunity for an experienced and dynamic leader to lead teaching and learning, as well as the day-to-day running, of a thriving Kindergarten of 110 pupils in a high-achieving, academically focused school.
ISR International School on the Rhine is very distinctive among European international schools. Within an inclusive and holistic education environment, it focuses strongly and boldly on academic achievement and preparing students for admission to top universities worldwide. ISR aims to produce multilingual students who have excellent academic results, are equipped with critical thinking and logical reasoning skills, and have a love of learning and a commitment to being active and responsible global citizens – 'We enable great minds and strong characters' is the guiding principle at ISR. Across all its programmes, ISR's results are well above the German and global averages.
ISR is located at the heart of the Düsseldorf-Neuss-Meerbusch region of North Rhine-Westphalia, with its main 140,000 square metre campus in the picturesque and historic city of Neuss. There are Kindergartens in Düsseldorf and Meerbusch, and an Elementary School campus will open in Düsseldorf in 2026. The school has more than 1,000 students from 60 nationalities and 200 staff – giving a whole-school staff-to-student ratio of 6:1. ISR is committed to this size – big enough to support a wide range of academic and extracurricular activities, small enough for the connections and relationships that help students to thrive.
The Proprietor, Peter Soliman, operates ISR with a lean leadership structure, effective decision-making, a fast-paced environment and resources focused on the continued development of teaching and learning, professional development and outstanding facilities.
ISR is seeking an Early Years specialist with maturity and commitment, a strong record of pedagogical leadership, and most likely with international experience (although candidates coming out of national systems, the UK in particular, may be appropriate if they can demonstrate the mindset and personality for a role in such an international environment). The successful candidate will be comfortable collaborating, inputting and, when necessary, compromising in a dynamic, proprietorial environment. As well as having expertise in Early Years leadership and pedagogy, the Head/Pedagogical Director will possess outstanding communication skills, be outward-facing, relish working closely with colleagues (including the CEO), and align strongly and enthusiastically with the overall ethos of ISR, including 'It's Cool to Be Good' and 'Great Minds – Strong Characters'.
The incoming Head/Pedagogical Director will need to be able to provide the sort of strong and clear leadership that will enable the Kindergarten to maintain and build its profile in Düsseldorf. This will be essential for admissions to the Kindergarten, and until ISR's Düsseldorf campus opens, it will be the Kindergarten that 'flies the flag' for ISR in the city. This will require the Kindergarten to have an increasingly strong public image and a Head/Pedagogical Director who is enthusiastic about engaging more widely in the community. When the Düsseldorf school opens, the new challenge will be to ensure that the Kindergarten can provide a seamless transition into both elementary schools.
ISR will offer a highly competitive package to the successful candidate. The position is to start April 2026 (or earlier).
For a preliminary, confidential conversation with Jean Sullivan, Head of International Search, please contact with a copy of your CV/résumé.
For further detailed candidate information about the role and to apply, please visit
Closing date: Tuesday 21 October 2025 at 10:00 (UK) / 11:00 (Germany).
Preliminary interviews with RSAcademics may commence before the application deadline, and the school reserves the right to appoint a candidate in advance of the intended timeline; early applications are therefore encouraged.
ISR International School on the Rhine is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all our students, and we expect all staff to share this commitment. We follow safer recruitment practices according to international standards. All applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and international child protection authorities; safeguarding-related questions will be asked throughout this appointment process.
The safeguarding responsibilities of the role are indicated in the candidate information brochure.
RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.
About ISR International School on the Rhine
ISR International School on the Rhine
Konrad-Adenauer-Ring 2
41464 Neuss
Germany
About ISR International School on the Rhine
ISR (International School on the Rhine) is a distinguished private, coeducational institution nestled in the picturesque Rhineland region of Germany. We provide a comprehensive educational experience for students ranging from Kindergarten through Grade 12.
Our commitment to inclusivity is reflected in our non-selective admissions policy, welcoming a diverse student population from various backgrounds and cultures.
At ISR, we pride ourselves on offering a globally focused curriculum that aligns with the Cambridge Framework and incorporates the International Baccalaureate (IB), International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). This ensures that our students receive a well-rounded and internationally recognized education, preparing them for the challenges of higher education while encouraging a love for learning and exploration.
We extend our commitment to academic excellence with a comprehensive curriculum that seamlessly integrates the prestigious IGCSE and IB programmes. Tailored to meet the academic needs of students in their later years of schooling, our program builds upon the solid foundation laid in the Kindergarten and Elementary school.
By offering both IGCSEs and the IB Diploma, we provide students with a versatile education that prepares them for the complexities of a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Join us at ISR, where students are not only academically proficient but also well-equipped for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
ISR International School on the Rhine
School Director - Ms Eileen Lyons
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