With 450 years of Harrow’s legacy as our foundation, we empower our people to make a difference—whether by nurturing future leaders or driving the engine behind our world-class education.
Message from the Head
After 20 rewarding years in two high performing schools in London I was looking for an exciting new challenge; I took the plunge and moved to Harrow Beijing in 2023 with my wife and three boys. I have certainly not looked back.
Harrow Beijing is a warm and welcoming community with high aspirations. Our Mission: Educational Excellence for Life and Leadership and our values of Courage, Honour, Humility and Fellowship hold us in creative tension; we strive forward together to create exceptional learning and development opportunities for our children and young people whilst recognising it is our connection and support for one another which enable us to achieve this in the long run.
As a Harrow School and a BSO-accredited school, we hold each other to high standards in academic, pastoral and safeguarding practice. We are looking for talented teachers and leaders to join our community who have a contagious passion for learning and a deep respect for working cross-culturally.
If you are inspired by the opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking and supportive educational family, we would be delighted to hear from you!
Phil Akerman
Headmaster of Harrow Beijing
Our Community
Harrow Beijing is part of a vibrant and diverse community, located in China’s historic and political capital. Beijing is a city of striking contrasts, where ancient landmarks like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall stand alongside modern hubs such as Sanlitun. The city offers a rich living environment with its efficient public transport, dynamic expatriate community, and a blend of traditional culture and contemporary amenities.
Daily life in Beijing is both convenient and engaging, enhanced by cutting-edge technology like WeChat and Alipay for payments, transportation, and daily services. The city’s unique charm lies in its harmonious coexistence of historic hutongs, royal temples, and high-end facilities, providing endless opportunities for exploration and leisure.
To support new staff, Harrow Beijing offers comprehensive relocation assistance, including visa help, apartment viewings, and a “buddy system” for a smooth transition. New employees typically live on campus in their first year, with flexibility to choose other city accommodations later. More than just a workplace, Harrow Beijing offers a close-knit community in one of the world’s most captivating and culturally profound cities.
Hear From Our People
I joined Harrow Beijing in 2012 as a Teacher of Economics and am now Head of Upper School. From the beginning, the vibrant community and culture of continuous improvement made Harrow a transformative place to grow.
Opportunities for development allowed me to become Head of Department and later a Senior Leader, each step supported by colleagues who value high standards, collaboration, and professional growth. Harrow Beijing is more than a school—it is a community where individual journeys are recognised and celebrated.
As you begin your own journey here, I encourage you to embrace every opportunity and connect with the people around you. The support you will find is exceptional, and the experiences ahead will be truly rewarding. Welcome to Harrow Beijing.
Beijing! Really! That is what my own children first said to me when I mentioned we were moving across the world. It has been an absolute privilege and experience to say the least to have spent the years teaching at Harrow Beijing since 2019.
Teaching in Beijing has given me a unique perspective on education and cultural exchange. The dedication of students, parents, staff, and our local community continues to impress me. This experience has broadened my understanding of different cultures and teaching approaches and has deepened my appreciation for the impact of education. Harrow Beijing is a big community, yet one where you will feel supported, make new friends. My own children have learned from some of the best teachers I have met, and as a family we now call this our home!
Back in 2020, I promised my family and friends, “I am going to China to teach for two years, just two,” unsure of how well I would adjust so far from home. But it has become a transformative journey until now. What began as a leap into the unknown grew into a profound personal and professional experience in a city rich with culture, history, and innovation. I was also fortunate to meet extraordinary colleagues at Harrow, forming genuine friendships that have become an essential part of my life here.
My decision to stay reflects the warmth and hospitality of the Chinese people, the dedication and curiosity of our students, and the many opportunities for growth this journey has offered. Beijing and the Harrow community have truly become my second home. It has been an exciting and rewarding chapter, and I look forward to the adventures and challenges still ahead.
Welcome to Harrow Beijing, a community I have been proud to call home since 2022. After relocating with my wife and twins, who attend the lower school, we immediately felt the warmth and support that define this exceptional place.
Harrow Beijing blends Eastern and Western cultures, offering a nurturing environment for families and a fulfilling, balanced professional life. The strong expatriate network and our inspiring leadership have renewed my motivation and strengthened my long term commitment to the school. I warmly welcome new colleagues to join us on this journey, where we learn, grow, and make a meaningful difference together as one Harrow family.
When my family and I first moved to Beijing, we expected to complete our initial contract and return home, but shortly after arriving at Harrow we felt instantly welcomed. The staff quickly became friends, and the Harrow community feels like one large, supportive family. I love working here; the history and culture of Harrow are felt throughout the school, and seeing our students make strong progress and go on to achieve remarkable things is incredibly rewarding.
Beijing itself is safe, vibrant, and surprisingly green, with parks to explore, exceptional food, and countless fascinating sights and experiences. It is a city full of delightful surprises, making it a wonderful place to live and grow as a family. It is a great place to live.
Beijing, China. The bustling capital with so much to see, you couldn’t see it all even if you’ve lived here your whole life! Beijing is a bustling capital full of contrasts, where towering skyscrapers sit beside calming parks, riverside malls, green open spaces, and everything from Michelin-star dining to unforgettable street food.
I adjusted to life in Harrow Beijing with ease. Harrow’s inclusive, warm, and welcoming environment made me feel at home. The students’ curiosity and enthusiasm make teaching exciting, and the professional growth I have gained—from curriculum experience to learning from outstanding colleagues and leaders—has been immense. Beijing has truly become my home, and with such a vibrant city and excellent travel connections, I’ve never regretted my decision to move here.
Careers & Professional Learning
At Harrow Beijing, we are deeply committed to the professional growth of every staff member. As part of the AISL Harrow family, our staff have access to a wide range of global professional development opportunities through the AISL Academy, including online courses, regional conferences, and collaborative projects with international colleagues.
We foster a culture of continuous learning by providing tailored professional development for all academic, administrative, and support staff. Through sustained investment in growth and shared learning experiences, we empower every team member to excel in their role, develop their careers, and contribute meaningfully to our students’ success.
Professional Development at AISL Academy
AISL is committed to nurturing the growth of both academic and non-academic staff. To support this, AISL Academy was established in 2021 as AISL Harrow’s strategy partner to provide a dedicated centre for staff learning and professional development across the AISL family of schools.
For more details, please refer to Work With Us – AISL Harrow Schools
REWARDS & BENEFITS
Competitive Salary & Bonus
- Academic Staff: Highly competitive salary based on experience, plus an annual performance-based bonus.
- Leadership Roles: Additional allowances are provided for leadership positions
- Non- Academic Staff: Role-specific salary with annual performance bonuses.
Generous Time Off
- Academic Staff: Standard school holidays.
- Non- Academic Staff: 15–20 days of annual leave, increasing with years of service.
- All Staff: entitled to all Chinese public holidays
Medical & Wellbeing
- Local Staff: supplementary medical insurance and annual health check up
Career Growth
- Comprehensive Continuing Professional Development (CPD) plans and study sponsorship opportunities
- Leadership development pathways across our 13-school Asia network
Expatriate Benefits
- Flight Allowance: Annual taxable flight allowance for employees and eligible dependents.
- Tuition Remission:
- 100% remission for up to two dependent children.
- 50% remission from the third child onward.
- For teaching couples (both employed at Harrow Beijing): 100% remission for up to three children, and 50% from the fourth child onward.
- Housing: Free on-site apartment or a housing allowance for eligible staff.
- Relocation & Repatriation: Allowances are provided at the start and end of employment to support a smooth transition.
- Annual flights for employee and eligible dependants.
- Global Health Insurance: Comprehensive insurance coverage for teachers and eligible dependents.
- Visa & Work Permit Support: School covers costs for work visas, dependent residence permits, medical exams, and non-criminal record checks (subject to individual income tax where applicable).
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Safeguarding statement
Our network of schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
All adults in the school community are expected to follow its Child Protection procedures and are required to undertake safeguarding checks. AISL Harrows is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect, where equal employment opportunities are available to all irrespective of all characteristics protected by the Equal Opportunities Commission and all other applicable ordinances.
