Head of Secondary (British Curriculum – GCSE Experience)

International Community Schools; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Head of Secondary with experience in the British Curriculum, particularly in GCSE. The role involves strategic leadership, curriculum oversight, assessment management, and student guidance. The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership and interpersonal skills, committed to high academic standards and student development. Competitive benefits as per UAE Labor Laws are offered.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent understanding of data-driven school improvement.
• Commitment to high academic standards and holistic student development.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the secondary section.
• Ensure effective implementation of the Cambridge IGCSE and A Level programmes.
• Lead and manage all internal and external assessments as Exams Officer.
• Monitor and drive student progress using performance benchmarks.
• Develop a comprehensive careers and university guidance programme.

Skills

Leadership

Organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Data-driven improvement

Adaptability

Job description

Head of Secondary - (British Curriculum GCSE Experience)

Reports to: Principal
Location: Shakhbout City
Contract: Full-time

Job Purpose:

The Head of Secondary plays a key leadership role in the strategic and operational development of the secondary school (Key Stages 3 to 5). The post holder ensures high-quality learning experiences through effective curriculum design, rigorous assessment practices and targeted support for student addition. The Head of Secondary serves as Examinations Officer for all IGCSE and A-Level qualifications, oversees career and university guidance and ensures the school maintains compliance with all exam boards and accreditation frameworks.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Strategic Oversight

• Provide strategic leadership for the secondary section (Years 7-13) supporting the school's mission and values.
• Support the implementation of the whole-school improvement plan in alignment with the school's self-evaluation standards.
• Lead a culture of academic excellence, collaboration and continuous professional growth.

2. Curriculum Oversight

• Ensure effective implementation and ongoing review of the Cambridge Lower Secondary IGCSE and International AS/A Level programmes.
• Guarantee curriculum coherence, progression and alignment in standards across all subjects.
• Lead the integration of cross-curricular and skills-based learning approaches.
• Coordinate curriculum development to meet both international expectations and ADEK requirements.

3. Assessment & Examinations (Exams Officer)

• Lead and manage all internal and external assessments (e.g., baseline CAT4, GL assessments, IGCSEs, A-Levels).
• Oversee the scheduling, organisation and secure administration of exams in compliance with awarding body regulations.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of student progress and results.
• Analyse assessment data to monitor trends and inform teaching strategies and interventions.
• Lead and coordinate mock exams, checkpoint assessments and continuous assessments.
• Analyse assessment data to evaluate teaching effectiveness and inform intervention strategies.

4. Student Performance & Achievement

• Monitor and drive student progress across all subjects using performance benchmarks.
• Lead student performance reviews with academic teams using data to set targets and inform planning.
• Oversee academic interventions for underperforming students and promote high expectations for all.
• Report regularly to the Principal on academic outcomes and trends.

5. Career & University Guidance (Career Counsellor)

• Develop and deliver a comprehensive careers and university guidance programme tailored to both local and international pathways.
• Advise students on IGCSE and A Level subject choices, university applications (UCAS, Common App, etc.) and vocational options.
• Establish links with universities and external career service providers.
• Organise university fairs, application workshops and career orientation sessions for students and parents.

6. Staff Leadership and Development

• Lead, mentor and manage Heads of Department, subject leaders and pastoral coordinators in the secondary school.
• Coordinate staff professional development in line with whole-school activity.
• Support new teacher induction and ensure all staff are familiar with curriculum requirements and expectations.
• Conduct lesson observations, performance reviews and support continuous pedagogical improvement.

7. Student Welfare Behaviour and Pastoral Oversight

• Collaborate with pastoral teams to ensure a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment.
• Promote positive behaviour for learning and support the consistent application of the school's behaviour policy.
• Champion student voice and leadership initiatives in line with the school's student-centred ethos.

Requirements

Skills & Attributes:

• Strong leadership, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent understanding of data-driven school improvement.
• Commitment to high academic standards and holistic student development.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, staff and parents.
• Adaptability to work in a multicultural and international school environment.

Benefits

As per UAE Labor Laws.