Director of Sports - August 2025

Al Ain English Speaking School; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Al Ain is seeking an experienced Director of Sports to lead a dynamic sports program. The role involves developing student excellence in physical education and fostering a culture of teamwork and discipline. Candidates must hold a relevant degree and have a minimum of 2 years' experience in a similar role. An attractive tax-free salary and benefits are offered, including accommodation and medical insurance.

Benefits

Competitive tax-free salary

Furnished accommodation

Generous medical insurance

Annual flights to home country

Visa and gratuity support

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years experience in a similar role.
• Strong interpersonal skills and effective communication abilities.
• Commitment to safeguarding children's welfare.
• Experience in managing PE department budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-quality sports program.
• Oversee teaching and learning initiatives within the PE department.
• Organize extracurricular activities and sports events.
• Monitor and evaluate teaching standards and student progress.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Sportsmanship

Education

Bachelor of Education or equivalent

Degree in Sports / P.E.

Job description

AAESS is seeking an experienced and dynamic Director of Sports to lead our sports program and inspire students to achieve excellence in physical education and competitive sports.

About Cognita :

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.

At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world, wherever they’re starting from. We protect what’s special about them, while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger; ensuring they get an education that’s, quite literally, world class.

About AAESS :

Al Ain English Speaking School is one of the oldest schools in Al Ain with a reputation that goes beyond the city boundaries. It sits in the ‘Garden City’ renowned for being an oasis in the desert. AAESS is an all through school with over 2200 children from 3 to 19, and continually growing. The campus is spacious and welcoming and prides itself with good facilities such as our fantastic indoor swimming pool; floodlit tennis courts; 566 seat auditorium; food prep and nutrition kitchen; automotive garage; TV & radio production studio and two Apple Mac suites. We deliver the British Curriculum and offer iGCSE, AS and A Levels, with our 6th Form students securing places in prestigious universities all over the world.

Al Ain English Speaking School is the first school in Al Ain to hold the British Schools Overseas Award, where we are endorsed by the British Government and quality assured by Ofsted. Additionally, the school holds the prestigious Silver Carnegie Mental Health Award, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and the mental well-being of its students and staff.

Al Ain English Speaking School is a caring and multicultural community that enables all individuals to realise their potential in a dynamic and innovative learning environment. We value enquiry, perseverance and reflection, treating one another with respect and integrity, while learning together to become responsible and enterprising global citizens.

Role Overview :

The Director of Sports will be responsible for leading and developing a high-quality sports program that promotes student participation, excellence, and well-being. This role requires strategic leadership, strong organizational skills, and a passion for fostering a culture of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.

Responsibilities :

• Overseeing teaching and learning initiatives within the PE department.
• Creating and maintaining curriculum plans, schemes of work, and departmental handbooks.
• Collaborating with teachers, Heads of Year, and SENCO to provide appropriate student support.
• Monitoring and evaluating teaching standards and student progress through quality assurance measures.
• Managing the PE department budget, ensuring resources are effectively allocated.
• Leading and motivating staff, fostering a culture of high expectations and professional development.
• Organizing extracurricular activities, sports events, and enrichment opportunities.
• Tracking student progress using data-driven approaches and implementing necessary interventions.
• Attending faculty meetings, parent meetings, and school events, while ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
• The role requires strong leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence in both student achievement and staff development.

Personal Specification and Experience :

Hold a Bachelor of Education, PGCE, or an internationally recognized equivalent qualification.

Be a qualified teacher with a degree in Sports / P.E.

Have minimum of 2 years experience.

Be a first-rate classroom teacher and role model;

Have an active commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of children;

Have strong interpersonal skills that inspire confidence;

Be an effective communicator with pupils, parents and colleagues alike;

Good knowledge of Common Entrance requirements;

The ability to work collaboratively and supportively;

Commitment to the protection and safeguarding of children;

Have good IT skills and be prepared to embrace technological innovations;

Effective classroom management skills;

Commitment to ongoing professional development;

Enthusiasm for teaching, empathy with young people and a sense of humor.

Benefits include :

An attractive and competitive tax free salary.

High quality furnished accommodation.

Generous medical insurance.

Return annual flights to your home country.

Visa costs and end of service gratuity.

Year-round sunshine.

Benefits of living in Al Ain & the UAE :

Living in Al Ain City, offers teachers extremely affordable living in an exceptionally friendly and cosmopolitan environment. Staff enjoy an excellent lifestyle, with plentiful leisure facilities (E.g. Rugby, Golf, Swimming, discounted hotel memberships) and fascinating tourist attractions (E.g. Al Ain Zoo, Wadi Adventure, Jebel Hafeet).With the thrill and bright lights of Dubai and Abu Dhabi on our doorstep, staff have extensive opportunities for travel around the Gulf region and further afield.

The position is a full-time, permanent role and offers a highly competitive salary. Applications can be submitted via the TES online application form, only fully completed application will be processed. To support your application, please include your up-to-date CV. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The school reserves the right to interview and appoint strong candidates before the official closing date, and therefore we would encourage candidates to apply early in the process.

Al Ain English Speaking School and Cognita are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects the same from its employees. All new staff will be subject to detailed and enhanced pre-employment clearance, including identity checks, criminal background checks for all countries lived in, qualification checks, employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps in employment, and satisfactory reference checks for all employment in the last 10 years.

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