Head of Secondary

• Appointment from August 2025
• Major role on the Executive Leadership Team
• Support the Principal/CEO in strategic, operational, and financial leadership
• Provide visionary leadership and exemplary management skills
• Assist in recruitment and development of faculty
• Ensure quality assurance of teaching and learning
• Effective communication with all school stakeholders
• Support social wellbeing and academic growth of all children
• Develop student leadership opportunities
• Focus on smooth transition and vertical alignment with the Head of Primary

Candidate Qualifications

• Effective, dynamic, and visible leader with proven school leadership track record
• Rigorous in promoting excellence and high standards of care
• Experience in leading and managing staff
• Comprehensive knowledge of the IB curriculum

Successful Candidate Will

• Be an outstanding classroom practitioner
• Create a thirst for knowledge and a love of learning
• Have a track record of raising standards for all learners
• Possess effective organisational, managerial, and interpersonal skills
• Promote new initiatives and positive relationships in the school community
• Demonstrate passion for the wider co-curricular life of the school

Overall Responsibilities

• Ensure the best possible learning and teaching environment
• Responsible for student safeguarding in alignment with DCI safeguarding framework
• Oversee health and safety in collaboration with school leadership
• Manage day-to-day operations of the Secondary School
• Handle business management including resources and budget
• Provide support and leadership to all staff
• Excellent communication with all stakeholders
• Understand needs and issues facing the school community

Organisation, Leadership and Management

• Develop Secondary School aims, policies, and procedures
• Lead planning including School Improvement Plan production
• Control budgets and delegate to subject departments
• Oversee line management and support for teaching staff
• Chair staff meetings and participate in executive meetings
• Produce Secondary School Staff and Parent Handbooks
• Coach and mentor leaders within the Secondary School

Curricular and Academic Responsibilities

• Knowledgeable of MYP and DP programmes
• Promote IB values and ensure best educational outcomes
• Align curriculum with school aims and student needs
• Maintain accurate measures of achievement
• Foster open dialogue with students and parents
• Oversee curriculum planning, design and management
• Ensure effective curriculum handbooks and resource management
• Implement learning and teaching policy
• Organise parental curriculum information evenings

Pastoral Leadership

• Able to be an inspirational and innovative leader
• Engage community as a respected ambassador for the school
• Achieve excellent academic results in a holistic environment

Qualifications & Personal Development

• University educated with an Honours Degree
• Further degree in education is desirable

Knowledge (Essential)

• Effective teaching strategies and pedagogy
• Leadership and management experience
• Senior leadership experience
• Experience with IB curricula
• Knowledge of current educational issues

Experience (Essential)

• Focus on student learning
• Leadership position in school with responsibility for curriculum
• Implement school quality improvement programmes
• Successful partnerships with parents and community

Desirable Experience

• International experience
• Knowledge of Middle Eastern cultures

Remuneration Package

• Competitive tax-free salary
• Fully furnished accommodation
• Free schooling for 1 child
• Private medical insurance
• Annual airfares to country of residence
• End of Service Gratuity

Additional Benefits

• Free access to GEMS rewards app for savings in the UAE