Head of Secondary

Our School; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international school in Abu Dhabi is looking for a Head of Secondary to provide strategic leadership and foster an inclusive culture. The ideal candidate will have substantial educational leadership experience within a British curriculum and a commitment to community and partnership. This position offers unique opportunities for professional growth and development in a fast-paced, creative environment, starting in August 2026.

Benefits

Fast-paced global experience

Enabling environment for creativity

Opportunities for career progression

Unique professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• A degree in a relevant subject and a recognised teaching qualification (QTS, PGCE or equivalent).
• NPQH and additional evidence of professional learning and qualifications.
• Substantial experience in educational leadership within a British curriculum, preferably an international school.

Responsibilities

• Create a positive culture for staff and students.
• Provide strategic leadership for the secondary school.
• Collaborate with Head of Primary and Principal.

Skills

Educational leadership

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Commitment to inclusion

Education

Degree in relevant subject

Recognised teaching qualification (QTS, PGCE or equivalent)

NPQH and additional qualifications

Job description

Head of Secondary

The British International School Abu Dhabi is looking to appoint an outstanding 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 6th January 2026.

The Head of Secondary will create 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; models high levels of professionalism and reflective practice.

Collaborating closely with the Head of Primary and the Principal, the Head of Secondary will provide strategic leadership and direction for all aspects of the secondary school.

Responsibilities

• Teaching and Learning
• A world‑class curriculum
• Professional Learning
• Accountability for leaders and staff at all levels
• Marketing and communication
• Community and partnership
• At least one area of whole‑school responsibility

Qualifications

• A degree in a relevant subject and a recognised teaching qualification (QTS, PGCE or equivalent).
• NPQH and additional evidence of professional learning and qualifications.
• Substantial experience in educational leadership within a British curriculum, preferably an international school.
• Proven success in improving academic standards and staff development.
• Excellent interpersonal, organisational and communication skills.
• A commitment to fostering a culture of high expectations, inclusion and continuous improvement in a through‑school environment.

About Our School

The British International School Abu Dhabi is a highly successful school with a committed and inspirational team of teaching professionals at its heart. It has a track record of improvement and excellence built on a foundation of community and partnership. The school was opened in 2009 and is now widely recognised as one of the leading schools in the Middle East, with international awards such as the International School Awards MENA and ADEK.

Benefits

• A fast‑paced global experience for career progression.
• An enabling environment founded on creativity, challenge and collaboration.
• A culture that is fair and consultative.
• Unique opportunities to grow professionally and develop your career.
• Opportunities to apply for further leadership positions.

Safeguarding

We are committed to providing a safe, healthy environment where children and young people can thrive. All post holders with unsupervised contact with children are subject to appropriate national and international vetting procedures, including satisfactory criminal record checks from the country of residence/birth and any other country of residence within the last ten years.

Selection Process

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

Start Date

August 2026.

Other Conditions

Compliance with visa requirements for working in the UAE.

Required Experience

Director-level experience is preferred.