School Principal

Confidential; Dubai; On-site; AED 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential seeks a Headmaster/Principal to lead a premium British curriculum school in the UAE. The role demands strategic, senior leadership with a focus on academic excellence, safeguarding and stakeholder engagement.

Ideal candidates will have extensive leadership in a British curriculum environment within the UAE, with QTS/PGCE and NPQH, and relevant ADEK credentials. Strong communication and governance collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• Significant leadership roles in a British curriculum setting.
• Experience with inspections and school improvement.
• Degree and teaching qualification (QTS/PGCE) and NPQH.
• ADEK eligibility and UAE leadership licensing.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across the school.
• Drive high standards of teaching, learning, attainment and student progress.
• Lead development and delivery of a rigorous British curriculum.
• Build and develop a high-performing academic and leadership team.
• Safeguarding, pastoral care and student wellbeing.

Skills

Leadership experience

British curriculum

Educational leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Safeguarding

Education

QTS or PGCE

NPQH

Masters in Educational Leadership

ADEK leadership license

Job description

Location: United Arab Emirates

We are seeking an accomplished and inspirational Headmaster / Principal to lead a premium British curriculum school in the UAE.

This is a senior leadership appointment for an experienced educational leader with a strong track record in high-performing British curriculum schools. The successful candidate will provide overall leadership for the school, driving academic excellence, outstanding teaching and learning, safeguarding, staff performance, student wellbeing and strong engagement with parents and the wider school community.

Key Responsibilities

The Headmaster / Principal will:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across the school.
• Drive high standards of teaching, learning, attainment and student progress.
• Lead the continued development and delivery of a rigorous British curriculum.
• Build and develop a high-performing academic and leadership team.
• Maintain the highest standards of safeguarding, pastoral care and student wellbeing.
• Lead school improvement and ensure readiness for regulatory and external inspections.
• Develop strong relationships with parents, students, staff, regulators and other key stakeholders.
• Work closely with the Governing Board on strategy, performance and continuous improvement.
• Oversee school operations, resources and budgets while maintaining a strong focus on educational quality.
• Strengthen the school’s reputation and support sustainable enrolment and growth.

Candidate Profile

We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:

• Significant leadership experience as a Headmaster, Principal, Headteacher, Deputy Head, Vice Principal or equivalent senior leader.
• A strong track record within a British curriculum school within UAE.
• Substantial knowledge of the National Curriculum for England, with an understanding of EYFS, Primary and progression through secondary education, including (I)GCSE and A Level.
• Experience contributing to successful school inspections and measurable school improvement.
• Strong understanding of academic standards, safeguarding, staff development and school operations.
• Experience working effectively with governing bodies, parents and senior stakeholders.
• A recognized degree and teaching qualification such as QTS, PGCE or equivalent.
• A recognized school leadership qualification such as NPQH or equivalent.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and leadership skills, together with the ability to inspire confidence across the school community.

ADEK eligibility

NON-NEGOTIABLE

• Meets one of ADEK’s current eligibility pathways for the head of school: (1) Masters (QFE 9) in Educational Leadership; (2) Masters (QFE 9) in any subject plus CPD in educational/organizational leadership; or (3) Bachelor's (QFE 7) plus leadership CPD.
• Each with 8 years in education (10 for pathway 3), including 3 years' teaching or a valid educational leadership license, and either 2 years as Deputy Head or 3 years as a Senior Leader.
• Qualifications attested and recognized through UAE equivalency; subject to ADEK screening and approval.
• Holds, or is eligible for, a UAE educational leadership license.

Qualifications

NON-NEGOTIABLE

• Degree and a recognized teaching qualification (e.g. QTS, PGCE or equivalent).
• NPQH or a recognized equivalent headship qualification.
• Current safer recruitment and designated safeguarding lead training (or willingness to complete before appointment).
• Masters in Educational Leadership or Education.
• Further professional study in school improvement, inspection or governance.

UAE leadership experience and familiarity with the UAE education and regulatory environment IS A MUST!

This search is being conducted on a strictly confidential basis, and the identity of the school and organization will be disclosed to shortlisted candidates at the appropriate stage of the process.