Head of English - January 2027 Job Snapshot
Role: Head of English
Employer: Aldar Education
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Industry: Primary-Secondary Education
Function: School-College Administration
Experience: Minimum 6 years of teaching experience
Job Type: Full Time
Work Arrangement: On-site
Joining Date: January 2027
Aldar Education is seeking an experienced and passionate Head of English to join its growing family of schools in the United Arab Emirates, commencing in January 2027. The successful candidate will provide academic leadership for the English department, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning, curriculum delivery, and student achievement. The role involves developing departmental improvement plans, monitoring student performance, reviewing curriculum provision, and supporting effective assessment practices. The Head of English will also oversee departmental resources, coordinate professional meetings, and contribute to the wider academic and extracurricular life of the school.
Applicants must hold a BA in English Literature with a PGCE or equivalent teaching qualification, have at least six years of teaching experience, and demonstrate experience with the UK curriculum.
Job Details
- Country: United Arab Emirates
- City: Abu Dhabi
- Industry: Primary-Secondary Education
- Function: School-College Administration
- Salary: Not disclosed
- Gender: No Preference
- Candidate Nationality: Not specified
- Job Type: Full Time
- Work Arrangement: On-site
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop and implement English department policies and practices aligned with the school 's vision, aims, and commitment to educational excellence.
- Establish short-term, medium-term, and long-term departmental development plans.
- Monitor and evaluate progress against departmental priorities and improvement objectives.
- Use student performance data to identify underachievement and develop appropriate improvement strategies.
- Analyse and interpret relevant school data to inform departmental policies and school self-evaluation documentation.
- Contribute to the preparation of the school 's Self-Evaluation Form (SEF).
- Ensure appropriate schemes of work are developed, implemented, reviewed, and evaluated across relevant year groups and courses.
- Maintain high expectations for student achievement and the quality of English teaching.
- Ensure appropriate curriculum coverage, continuity, and progression throughout the English department.
- Support the effective delivery of the UK curriculum.
- Ensure schemes of work provide suitable learning opportunities for students with different abilities and educational needs.
- Include appropriate provision for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and People of Determination (POD).
- Support Gifted and Talented (G&T) students through suitable curriculum provision.
- Ensure English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners receive appropriate consideration in curriculum planning.
- Review departmental schemes of work regularly to maintain effective teaching and learning.
- Promote inclusive classroom practices that support student participation and achievement.
- Establish clear departmental practices for assessing, recording, and reporting student achievement.
- Monitor student attainment and progress using relevant assessment information.
- Evaluate the quality of teaching and learning across the English department.
- Identify effective teaching practices and areas requiring improvement.
- Implement appropriate actions to strengthen teaching quality and student outcomes.
- Use assessment findings to support students who are not meeting expected standards.
- Promote consistent approaches to student assessment and progress monitoring.
- Maintain a strong focus on academic achievement and continuous improvement.
- Organize and lead regular English department meetings.
- Prepare clear meeting agendas and maintain accurate minutes.
- Ensure meetings address student achievement, teaching standards, and departmental improvement priorities.
- Encourage professional collaboration and the sharing of effective teaching practices.
- Support colleagues in maintaining high expectations for teaching and learning.
- Contribute to a positive and professional working environment.
- Maintain effective control of the English department 's resource budget.
- Oversee departmental capital expenditure (CapEx) within established school procedures.
- Ensure available resources are used efficiently to support teaching and learning.
- Support the effective use of classrooms and educational accommodation.
- Maintain stimulating learning environments in accordance with the school 's Learning Environment Policy.
- Ensure relevant risks are assessed and appropriate safety measures are followed.
- Comply with school health and safety policies and applicable regulations.
- Undertake Academic Mentor responsibilities for Year 12 and Year 13 students.
- Serve as an Extended Essay Supervisor for Year 12 and Year 13 students.
- Participate in the school staff duty rota.
- Provide cover for absent colleagues when required.
- Support examination invigilation in accordance with school arrangements.
- Participate in a minimum of one evening and one weekend external examination session.
- Assist the Examinations Officer with the summer examination schedule.
- Undertake other reasonable duties assigned by the Principal.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature.
- PGCE or equivalent recognized teaching qualifications and certifications.
Minimum Experience
- At least 6 years of teaching experience.
- Experience teaching the UK curriculum.
Job Specific Knowledge and Skills
- Strong subject knowledge in English Literature and English education.
- Understanding of curriculum planning, assessment, and student progress monitoring.
- Ability to analyse educational data and identify appropriate improvement actions.
- Knowledge of inclusive teaching approaches for students with different learning needs.
- Ability to develop, review, and evaluate departmental schemes of work.
- Strong organizational and academic coordination skills.
- Effective communication and professional collaboration.
- Passion for teaching and commitment to student development.
- Caring and supportive approach to students ' educational needs.
- Commitment to an extensive school enrichment programme.
- Willingness to contribute to academic mentoring, examinations, and wider school activities.
Professional Expectations
The Head of English is expected to promote high standards of teaching, learning, and student achievement while contributing positively to the school 's educational priorities. The successful candidate should demonstrate professional commitment, effective academic leadership, and a willingness to support students and colleagues. The role requires active participation in departmental improvement, curriculum development, and the wider school community.
Compensation and Professional Development
Aldar Education offers an attractive remuneration package that includes a range of benefits. The organization places emphasis on professional development, coaching, and training, providing opportunities for educational professionals to develop their expertise and contribute to school improvement.
Equal Opportunity and Safeguarding
Aldar Education is an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive working environment. UAE Nationals are encouraged to apply in accordance with the organization 's national development strategy. Aldar Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All employees are expected to share this commitment. Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and police clearance.
About Aldar Education
Aldar Education is an Abu Dhabi-based education group operating a network of owned and managed schools across the United Arab Emirates. Established in 2007 with one school and 250 students, the organization has grown to support more than 38,000 students across 31 schools. Its educational network includes almost 5,000 educators representing more than 100 nationalities and offers a broad range of curricula and educational services, including a Teacher Training Academy. Aldar Education focuses on inclusive learning, educational innovation, professional development, and preparing future generations to contribute to society. The organization 's educational objectives support Abu Dhabi 's wider ambition to develop a sustainable, knowledge-based economy.