Principal - Visionary Leader for Learning & Community

The Aquila School Owned by Shaikh Mohammed Maktoum Juma Al Maktoum One Person Company LLC

United Arab Emirates

On-site

AED 500,000 - 900,000

Full time

7 days ago

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Job summary

The Aquila School, part of the ISP network, seeks a visionary Principal to lead learning, safeguarding and community engagement in the UAE. You will drive teaching quality, strategic planning, and commercial performance while building strong leadership teams and ensuring student outcomes.

You will collaborate with the Regional Learning Director to uphold ISP’s standards and values, shaping a dynamic, safe, inclusive and high-performing school environment for learners and staff alike.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree (Essential) and postgraduate teaching qualification (PGCE, Teaching License or equivalent) (Essential)
Advanced leadership qualification (e.g., MA Educational Leadership, NPQH/NPQEL, EdD)
Significant senior leadership experience in a whole‑school or multi‑phase setting (Principal, Vice Principal, or equivalent) in an International setting, ideally in the Middle East
Proven success driving school‑wide improvement, raising standards, and delivering strong inspection outcomes.
Knowledge of international curricula across phases (IB, NCfE)
Experience of accreditation and inspection frameworks (Ofsted, BSO, COBIS, KHDA, ADEK or equivalent)

Responsibilities

Lead safety and wellbeing of students and staff in all activities and policies.
Provide visionary, empathetic, and integrity-driven leadership.
Build empowered leadership teams through recruitment, development and succession planning.
Leverage ISP leadership programmes and Learning Hub to grow talent.
Oversee annual performance and development cycle with goal setting and reviews.
Guide teacher development with meaningful feedback and tailored professional growth.
Promote employee engagement through open culture and inclusivity.
Oversee curriculum strategy to ensure relevance and challenge.
Collaborate with Regional Learning Director to improve learning and teaching.
Own and deliver on school commercial targets and KPIs; manage resources efficiently.
Drive enrolment growth and income KPIs; enhance parent/customer experience.
Drive improvements in parent and employee NPS and overall satisfaction.
Support branding, communications and enrolments in partnership with ISP teams.