Headteacher (m/f) for an Acton Academy in Switzerland

About the job

About us and our vision

We are founding one of the first Acton Academies in Switzerland, a groundbreaking, learner-centred school that revolutionises the traditional education system. Based on the proven Acton model from the USA (with over 300 schools worldwide), we promote self-directed learning, where children and young people embark on their own "Hero's Journey": They take responsibility for their learning through Socratic discussions, hands-on projects, adaptive learning programmes and real-world applications. Instead of grades and rigid curricula, curiosity, critical thinking, independence and lifelong learning are paramount. Our school caters to children from toddler age (including nursery) initially up to the end of primary school and integrates elements from Montessori, project-based learning and gamified challenges. Initially, we plan for up to 40 children.

We are in the exciting founding phase: The conceptual framework is in place, the vision is clear, but we need a dynamic implementer to drive the project forward. With the opening planned for no later than summer 2027, we face challenges such as finding a suitable location, securing official approvals and adhering to a tight schedule. Much preparatory work has already been done and we successfully launched an Acton Academy in Dübendorf this summer. Our core team consists of two visionary founders who set the strategic direction, a supporting secretary, an educational leader, an expert on the Acton model as well as IT, marketing and AI integration through our partner company. Together we create a dynamic, collaborative environment where innovation and pragmatism go hand in hand. As a hybrid role between headteacher, founder and CEO, we offer the opportunity to help shape a school from the ground up and pioneer in the Swiss education landscape.

Your tasks, Leading the project to success as a doer

In this central role, you take on operational leadership and drive the founding forward. Your core responsibilities include:

Finalisation and implementation of the school concept: Take up our existing school concept, clarify uncertainties with the founders and implement the vision, from setting up mixed-age studios to Socratic learning processes and real-world quests, including the integration of a nursery. You ensure the concrete implementation of the overall educational concept according to Lehrplan 21 / Aargau cantonal curriculum for compulsory schooling, guarantee equivalence with cantonal educational goals and conduct regular quality and development discussions with teachers, parents and authorities.

Managing the founding and development phase: You take responsibility for all central founding tasks such as site selection, submission and follow-up of all permit applications (Canton Aargau, municipality etc.) as well as the timely implementation of the school opening in summer 2026. Coordinate partners and service providers, create detailed schedules and milestones, and ensure risk-based planning with compliance to safety standards. This also includes insurance, rental and service contracts, safety and hygiene concepts, infrastructure, IT and logistics setup as well as compliance with cantonal examination and inspection processes. We have already done a lot of preparatory work here and are in close contact with authorities and have much experience to share from the recent launch of Acton Academy Dübendorf.

Educational and operational leadership: Lead the team (secretary, future guides/teachers as well as nursery staff and learners), develop and implement the curriculum in the Acton style as well as the nursery concept and manage the entire operational business. You also partly take on the role of a guide yourself, actively teach and assist with all operational tasks. You bear the main responsibility for the entire operation, including the nursery, supported by a dedicated local leader. Monitor the quality of teaching according to Acton guidelines and through regular observations, feedback rounds and performance indicators, and promote a culture of continuous improvement. You implement teaching and learning formats according to the Acton model, introduce learning and weekly rhythms, ensure the implementation of all subject areas according to the Aargau cantonal curriculum for compulsory schooling and secure high teaching quality.

Personnel management and team development: Build and coach a highly qualified team, promote a culture of autonomy and responsibility, and integrate parents, pupils and staff into the process. Conduct recruitment processes, organise further training according to Acton methods, establish performance management systems and motivate the team through clear objectives and recognition.

Administrative and financial responsibility: Monitor budgets, finances and resources, ensure compliance with Swiss education regulations and optimise processes for efficient school operation. Prepare annual budget plans and implement systems for accounting, resource management and reporting to the founders.

Problem solving and innovation: Identify obstacles early, develop creative, realistic solutions and drive the project purposefully forward, focusing on quality, scalability (e.g. planned expansion to lower secondary level) and continuous improvement. Integrate new trends in education (e.g. AI-supported learning tools) and conduct regular evaluation processes to keep the school competitive in the long term.

Parent and community work: Maintain close relationships with parents, children and external partners to build a supportive learning community. Represent the school externally, moderate parent evenings, conduct site and development discussions and build a local network with clubs, institutions and the municipality.

School development and strategic continuation: Work closely with the founders on the long-term development of the school, including secondary level planning and spatial expansion. Translate vision into scalable structures and ensure educational and economic sustainability.

Commitment to the Acton network: Complete Acton training and familiarise yourself with the core principles of the Acton model, from Socratic leadership through project-based learning to elements such as mixed-age studios, freedom levels, badges, quests and exhibitions. Use the resources and tools of the Acton network (e.g. Toolshed, Network Admin) and actively bring these into our school. You understand the Acton model as a strong foundation which you further develop with our experience and Swiss educational requirements, practically, reflectively and authentically in the spirit of the Acton Way.

Your profile, The perfect person for this role

We are looking for a passionate education pioneer with the right mix of experience, drive and pragmatism. Ideally, you bring:

Professional qualification: Completed studies in education, educational sciences or a related field; recognised headteacher training (e.g. DAS School Leadership EDK or equivalent) and several years of experience as a headteacher, ideally in private schools or innovative learning environments.

Experience: Proven expertise in dealing with children, parents, teachers and authorities; experience in founding or building schools (e.g. approval processes, site management); knowledge of the Swiss education system, ideally in Canton Aargau. Basic knowledge of budget and resource planning as well as administrative school operations.

Personal strengths: You are an absolute doer, optimistic but realistic; recognise problems immediately and find solution-oriented ways; goal-driven, resilient and able to perform under time pressure. You work dynamically in a small team, ask questions where necessary and implement visions.

Digital and methodological competence: You are familiar with modern learning methods and new technologies. You learn independently, use digital tools and AI applications efficiently and pragmatically for organisation, analysis or teaching design. Initiative, joy of learning and future orientation characterise your working style.

Affinity for the Acton model: Enthusiasm for learner-centred, innovative learning; willingness to fully embrace and expand the Acton principle.

Further requirements: Immediate availability, excellent communication and moderation skills (fluent German, very good English), entrepreneurial thinking, organisational skills and the ability to act as a hybrid of educator, manager and CEO. Driving licence and mobility for Canton Aargau are advantageous.

What we offer, A chance to change education

Exciting environment: Pioneer role in the first Acton Academy in Switzerland, with high autonomy, creative freedom and the opportunity to create something lasting.

Team and support: Close collaboration with two visionary founders; flat hierarchies, open communication and mutual support.

Attractive overall package: An attractive salary depending on experience and qualification, supplemented by bonus and profit-sharing models as well as the prospect of company participation. Flexible working hours and home office during the preparation phase provide additional scope. In addition, targeted further training, including Acton training, and an entrepreneurial environment with close exchange with experienced entrepreneurs, partner companies and our extended network. You benefit from short distances, mutual support, practical know-how and the opportunity to think beyond classic school operations and help shape them. At the same time, we offer a meaningful working environment where educational excellence, entrepreneurial thinking and personal development are equally promoted.

Other: Dynamic environment, network with international Acton schools and the satisfaction of preparing children for their "calling".

Application

If you are someone who starts immediately, turns visions into reality and is passionate about innovative education, we look forward to your application! Please send us your CV, a motivation letter (referring to the Acton model and your founding experience) as well as relevant certificates.

Become part of our Hero's Journey and help us shape the future of education in Switzerland!