In 1793, amidst the serene Swiss Alps, the Hochalpines Institut Ftan (HIF) was founded, embodying an early vision for holistic education. Over the centuries, HIF has evolved into a distinguished co-educational boarding school, offering diverse programmes such as the Swiss Bilingual Matura and the International Diploma Programme, seamlessly integrating well-being, experiential learning, and an international perspective into everyday life.
HIF prepares students to navigate an interconnected world confidently. The introduction of the Sports Academy further showcases HIF's commitment to nurturing both academic excellence and athletic prowess, allowing students to pursue competitive sports alongside their studies.
Today, students immerse themselves in hands-on exploration and adventure-riven experiences, fostering resilience, independence, and a deep connection to nature - preparing them for success, balance, and global citizenship. HIF is part of the EiM (Education in Motion) Group.
HiF is part of the global Education in Motion group, a purpose-driven company. EiM have a shared commitment to developing:
- Sustainability & Global Citizenship
- EiM are pioneering education for a sustainable future.
- Helping our students make a positive difference with a commitment to continuous learning and innovation
- EiM are investing in the future through progressive and collaborative experience platforms shared across the EiM family.
Strengthen our team as an experienced and committed:
HIF is seeking an exceptional candidate to lead the Gymnasium from January 2026 or sooner if available.
Reporting to the Head of Campus, the Head of Gymnasium will build on the achievements of an established team and seek to further develop the school’s academic activities, outreach, and growing reputation.
Successful candidates will be proven and credible professionals with the ability to lead highly capable teams. The Head of Gymnasium must possess the intercultural sensitivity and adaptability required to effectively navigate an international environment. They must be a team player, and the opportunities afforded to them of being part of a wider network of schools must genuinely excite them.
Fluency in German is essential.
The successful candidate will:
- Be a capable leader with relevant experience of development and execution of strategy.
- Have a demonstrated commitment to putting children first, motivated by the passion about delivering the best education.
- Understand how to use data to improve learning and teaching.
- Have proven experience of being able to collaboratively analyse problems, reach reasoned judgements and resolve issues.
- Be a highly committed team player with the drive, energy and passion to develop an expanding and forward-looking school and work within a network of schools.
- Have excellent communication and relationship building skills.
- Have high personal and professional expectations.
- Have demonstrable evidence of working effectively with integrity under pressure.
- Present as an effective and confident ambassador for HIF.
- Have a growth mindset.
- Show initiative and be able to pre-empt issues and challenges.
Direct reporting level
This position reports to the Head of Campus.
How to apply
Please submit a comprehensive CV and covering letter, which sets out your interest in the role and encapsulates the aspects of your experience relevant to the required criteria. Please include the names and addresses of three referees (referees will not be approached until the final stages and not without prior permission from candidates).
The closing date for applications is 29th August 2025.
Preliminary interviews will be conducted online, after which shortlisted candidates will be invited to HIF to take part in a sequence of in-person interviews with the leadership team. Interviews will take place on 18-19 September 2025 (subject to availability).
Conditions of employment
All employees are subject to the conditions of employment set out in their contract. These include the professional and specific duties expected of employees and the benefits provided by the school.
Applications from third-country nationals (non-EU/EFTA):
Please note that work permits for third-country nationals (e.g. from the UK) involve a longer process and stricter regulations than for EU/EFTA nationals. Although we welcome all applications, preference will be given to applicants with an existing Swiss residence permit or EU/EFTA passport.
Inclusion statement
Education in Motion is committed to diversity within our team, organisational practices, policies, and culture. We recognise that people with different backgrounds, skills, attitudes, and experiences bring fresh ideas and perceptions, and encourage and leverage these differences to make our work more relevant and approachable.
Education in Motion will not discriminate or tolerate discriminatory behaviour on any grounds, such as, but not limited to, race, gender, disability, nationality, national or ethnic origin, religion or belief, marital/partnership or family status, sexual orientation, age, or socioeconomic background.
Education in Motion strives to be an inclusive workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging, has a voice, can raise concerns, and feels comfortable and confident.
We expect everyone who works within to share this commitment and to act accordingly, as we aspire to best serve the Education in Motion mission and the community. Education in Motion is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all applicants to share the same.
We follow safe recruitment practices, which are aligned with the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection. We hold ourselves to a high standard of effective recruiting practices with specific attention to child protection.