Deputy Head of Secondary

Podcast; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established international school in Abu Dhabi seeks a Deputy Head of Secondary. The successful candidate will support the Head of Secondary in strategic leadership, enhancing teaching and learning across Years 7–13. They should possess significant leadership experience within a British Secondary School context and hold relevant qualifications. The school champions an inclusive culture and emphasizes the importance of safeguarding and continuous improvement. This role offers a chance to positively impact student achievement in a dynamic educational environment.

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience within a British Secondary School context.
• Proven impact in raising academic standards and improving teaching.
• Experience in curriculum leadership across KS3, IGCSE, and Post-16 pathways.

Responsibilities

• Support Head of Secondary in developing an inspiring culture.
• Drive continuous improvement in teaching and learning.
• Provide strategic leadership across Years 7–13.

Skills

Leadership experience

Curriculum development

Communication skills

Assessment data analysis

Organizational skills

Education

Degree in relevant subject

Postgraduate leadership qualification

Recognised teaching qualification

Job description

Deputy Head of Secondary

The British International School Abu Dhabi is looking to appoint an outstanding Deputy Head of Secondary to join a well‑established highly successful school that offers a world‑class education for all.

The closing date for applications is 23rd January 2026.

The Deputy Head of Secondary will support the Head of Secondary in creating a culture where staff and students are inspired to achieve their potential. They will be a compassionate values‑based leader who champions an inclusive culture and models high levels of professionalism, collaboration and reflective practice.

The Deputy Head of Secondary will provide strategic and operational leadership across Years 7–13, working in close partnership with the Head of Secondary, the Senior Leadership Team and middle leaders. They will drive continuous improvement in teaching and learning, curriculum, assessment, wellbeing and school operations, ensuring alignment with whole‑school priorities and a seamless through‑school experience.

Key areas of responsibility

• Strategic leadership and whole‑school alignment
• Teaching and learning excellence
• Curriculum development and vertical alignment
• Assessment data and reporting
• Academic timetabling (options, blocking, staffing and rooming)
• Staff development, coaching and accountability
• Behaviour, wellbeing and inclusion (in partnership with Wellbeing leadership)
• Parent community and external partnerships
• Marketing, communication and academic representation at key events
• At least one area of whole‑school responsibility

The ideal candidate will have

• A degree in a relevant subject and a recognised teaching qualification (QTS, PGCE or equivalent).
• A postgraduate leadership qualification (e.g. NPQSL, NPQH or MA in Educational Leadership).
• Significant leadership experience within a British Secondary School context, preferably including international school experience.
• Proven impact in raising academic standards, leading teaching and learning improvement and developing staff.
• Experience in curriculum leadership across KS3, IGCSE, Post‑16 pathways including IB Diploma, A Level or BTEC.
• Strong understanding of assessment data analysis and intervention planning.
• Experience of operational timetabling and leading assessment/reporting cycles.
• Excellent interpersonal, organisational and communication skills.
• A values‑driven approach with a commitment to inclusion, high expectations and continuous improvement.

Safeguarding

At Nord Anglia Education we are committed to providing a world‑class safe, happy environment in which children and young people are able to thrive and learn. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our pupils irrespective of race, ability, religion, gender or culture.

All post holders having regular unsupervised contact with children are subject to appropriate national and international vetting procedures, including satisfactory criminal record checks from both Country of residence/birth and any Country of residence within the last 10 years.

Selection Process

Applicants should submit a CV, letter of application and two professional referees, one of which should be your current Principal.

The start date is August 2026

Other Conditions

Compliance with visa requirements for working in the UAE.

Required Experience

Director