Head of Secondary

Aldar Education LLC; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 400,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

Aldar Education invites applications for the Head of Secondary at Noya British School in Abu Dhabi. This senior role leads the secondary department, shaping curriculum delivery, assessment, and staff performance to achieve academic excellence.

Located on Yas Island, the school emphasizes an international learning environment with strong educational values and UAE context awareness. The successful candidate will guide strategic development and foster collaboration across the school community.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in a relevant field.
• Certification in Educational Leadership.
• Experience leading secondary education within international schools.
• Minimum of five years in secondary school administration at leadership level.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction for the secondary department aligned with school vision.
• Develop and monitor short- and long-term development plans.
• Lead teaching, learning and assessment improvements across the department.
• Analyse student achievement data and implement interventions.
• Oversee staffing, performance management and professional development.
• Manage departmental operations and resources efficiently.
• Support safeguarding and inclusivity commitments.

Skills

Educational leadership

Strategic planning

Curriculum development

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Master's degree or higher

Job description

Job Snapshot

Head of Secondary Job Snapshot - Role: Head of Secondary - Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Industry: Primary-Secondary Education - Function: School-College Administration - Experience: Minimum 5 years of secondary school administrative experience - Job Type: Full Time - Work Arrangement: On-site

Position Overview

Aldar Academies is seeking an outstanding Head of Secondary to join Noya British School in Abu Dhabi, commencing August 2027. This senior educational leadership opportunity is suited to an experienced school leader with a strong commitment to academic excellence, effective teaching and learning, and the development of a successful secondary school environment.

Located on Yas Island, Noya British School is part of Aldar Education and represents the newest flagship school within the Aldar Schools brand. The school provides an international learning environment where educational achievement, professional collaboration and student development are central priorities.

The Head of Secondary will provide strategic direction, professional leadership and operational management for the secondary department. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining high standards of teaching, curriculum delivery, assessment, student achievement and staff performance while supporting the school 's wider educational vision.

The role requires a confident, collaborative and forward-thinking leader who can guide curriculum development, implement effective improvement strategies and create an environment where students and teachers can achieve their potential.

Candidates should demonstrate a genuine understanding of the values and culture of the UAE and a commitment to the school 's educational ethos.

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

Job Purpose

The Head of Secondary will provide outstanding professional leadership and management to ensure high-quality teaching, effective learning, academic excellence and strong educational outcomes for all students. The position involves setting clear expectations for staff, developing effective departmental policies, monitoring educational performance and promoting continuous improvement. As a senior member of the school community, the successful candidate will demonstrate exemplary professional conduct, sound educational judgement and a commitment to the school 's core values and vision.

Strategic Leadership and School Development

• Develop and implement secondary department policies and practices that reflect the school 's vision, educational aims and commitment to high academic standards.
• Establish, monitor and evaluate short-, medium- and long-term development plans for the secondary department.
• Provide strategic direction to ensure teaching, learning and departmental improvement priorities remain aligned with the school 's objectives.
• Analyse student achievement and performance data to identify underachievement and implement appropriate intervention and improvement plans.
• Interpret relevant school data to inform departmental policies, strategic planning and the preparation of the school 's Self-Evaluation Form (SEF).
• Ensure appropriate schemes of work are developed, implemented, regularly reviewed and evaluated across all secondary year groups and courses.
• Maintain curriculum provision that supports students with special educational needs, including People of Determination (POD), gifted and talented learners (G&T), and students with English as an Additional Language (EAL) requirements.
• Promote evidence-informed decision-making and continuous improvement in academic standards and departmental performance.
• Contribute to the school 's wider development priorities through effective leadership, professional collaboration and educational planning.

Teaching, Learning and Academic Achievement

• Ensure effective curriculum coverage, continuity and progression throughout the secondary department.
• Maintain high expectations for student achievement, teaching quality, learning outcomes and classroom behaviour.
• Establish and implement clear policies and procedures for assessing, recording, monitoring and reporting student progress.
• Ensure that teaching and learning approaches address the needs of students across the full ability range, including high-achieving learners and those requiring additional educational support.
• Evaluate the quality of teaching and learning within the department, identifying effective practices and areas requiring improvement.
• Implement appropriate strategies to strengthen classroom teaching, assessment practices and student achievement.
• Use academic performance information to guide targeted interventions and support students who are not meeting expected standards.
• Promote consistency in curriculum implementation, assessment and educational expectations across secondary year groups.
• Ensure the department contributes regularly to the school 's enrichment programme and extracurricular educational activities.
• Support the organisation and delivery of after-school booster and revision sessions for IGCSE, GCSE and A-Level examinations.
• Encourage a positive academic culture that promotes student engagement, responsibility and achievement.

Staff Leadership and Performance Management

• Provide effective professional leadership and management to secondary department staff.
• Manage staff performance in accordance with the school 's established performance management policies and procedures.
• Establish clear professional expectations relating to teaching quality, student achievement, accountability and conduct.
• Develop constructive working relationships that encourage collaboration, mutual support and shared responsibility for educational outcomes.
• Promote professional standards and effective teamwork throughout the secondary department.
• Conduct regular departmental meetings with clearly defined agendas and recorded minutes.
• Ensure departmental meetings maintain a strong focus on improving student achievement, teaching standards and learning outcomes.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen staff effectiveness through professional guidance, constructive feedback and collaborative working practices.
• Support colleagues in implementing departmental priorities and responding to educational improvement requirements.
• Demonstrate exemplary professionalism and act as a positive role model for teaching and leadership colleagues.

Departmental Operations and Resource Management

• Ensure the efficient and effective deployment of teaching staff and departmental resources.
• Manage and maintain appropriate control of the department 's operational resource and capital expenditure (CapEx) budgets.
• Support responsible resource planning and allocation in line with departmental requirements and school priorities.
• Ensure available teaching accommodation and learning spaces are used effectively to create stimulating and productive educational environments.
• Maintain departmental learning environments in accordance with the school 's Learning Environment Policy.
• Promote safe working and learning conditions for students, staff and visitors.
• Ensure appropriate risk assessments are undertaken and relevant health and safety policies and regulations are observed.
• Monitor resource utilisation and operational requirements to support effective departmental management.

Additional School Responsibilities

• Participate in the school 's staff duty rota as required.
• Provide appropriate cover for absent colleagues when necessary.
• Support the Examinations Officer through examination invigilation and other assigned examination responsibilities.
• Participate in a minimum of one evening and one weekend external examination session in support of the Summer Examination Schedule.
• Undertake additional duties assigned by the Principal in accordance with the responsibilities of the position.
• Contribute to the wider professional and operational requirements of the school.

Minimum Qualifications

• A master 's degree or higher qualification.
• Certification in Educational Leadership.

Professional Experience

• Teaching experience at secondary school level within an international school.
• Minimum of five years of secondary school administrative experience as an Assistant Principal, Associate Principal or Head of Division within an international school setting.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in curriculum development, teaching and learning strategies, and educational assessment.

Job-Specific Knowledge and Leadership Skills

• Knowledge of UAE Ministry of Education and Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) regulations relating to curriculum, assessment and educational compliance.
• Understanding of international education principles and commitment to maintaining high educational standards.
• Ability to lead curriculum development and evaluate teaching and learning effectiveness.
• Strong understanding of student achievement monitoring, academic performance analysis and improvement planning.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development and commitment to continuous learning.
• Ability to prioritise multiple projects, responsibilities and operational requirements while responding effectively to simultaneous requests.
• Capacity to initiate, implement and manage change within an educational environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the judgement needed to identify challenges and develop effective solutions.
• Effective conflict resolution, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to motivate staff, encourage professional collaboration and promote sound decision‑making.
• Strong organisational and management capabilities.
• Flexibility, patience and an egalitarian approach to leadership and professional relationships.
• Ability to build constructive working relationships while maintaining clear standards of accountability and performance.

Professional Expectations

The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate the leadership qualities and professional values required to support an effective secondary school environment. These include:

• Commitment to academic excellence and the continuous improvement of teaching and learning.
• Professional integrity and the ability to lead by example.
• Appreciation of the cultural values and educational expectations of the UAE.
• A collaborative approach to working with colleagues, students and the wider school community.
• Ability to make balanced decisions and respond constructively to complex educational and operational challenges.
• Respect for diversity and a commitment to inclusive educational practices.
• Strong personal accountability and commitment to the school 's vision and values.
• Dedication to safeguarding, student wellbeing and maintaining a safe learning environment.

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

Aldar Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All employees are expected to uphold this commitment and maintain the highest standards of professional conduct. Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and police clearance.

Aldar Education is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive working environment. In accordance with its national development strategy, UAE Nationals are encouraged to apply. The job description outlines the principal responsibilities of the position and is not exhaustive. Aldar Education reserves the right to amend the responsibilities and requirements of the role in accordance with school needs.

About Noya British School and Aldar Education

Noya British School is located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi and forms part of the Aldar Education family of schools. As the newest flagship school within the Aldar Schools brand, it provides an international educational environment in a community offering access to a wide range of amenities and recreational facilities.

The school is part of Aldar Education 's wider commitment to educational development in Abu Dhabi, with an emphasis on high-quality teaching, academic achievement and professional leadership.

Joining Noya British School as Head of Secondary offers an opportunity to contribute to the development of the school 's secondary provision while supporting the educational objectives and values of the Aldar family of schools.