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Founding Head of Secondary
United Arab Emirates
Job overview
RAK Academy is a not-for-profit, government-owned school group with a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and community engagement. The Al Hamra secondary school will offer the UK National Curriculum, including GCSEs, A Levels, and BTEC qualifications, and will be underpinned by unique strengths in sustainability, sport (golf and sailing), mathematics, and coastal environmental learning.
The Role
The Board and Executive Leadership of RAK Academy are seeking to appoint an exceptional Founding Head of Secondary to lead the launch and develop the new secondary phase at Al Hamra campus, commencing August 2026. This is a rare opportunity to shape a school from inception, establishing a culture of excellence, inclusion and innovation that reflects RAK Academy’s values and strategic vision.
The successful candidate will provide professional, highly effective leadership and management that delivers outstanding outcomes across all aspects of secondary
Essentials
- Master’s degree in education or related field or National Professional Qualification in Headship (NPQH)
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- Recent and successful senior leadership experience in a secondary school context
- Proven track record of school improvement and inspection readiness (UAE, BSO, Ofsted or equivalent).
- Outstanding communication skills in both written and spoken form
- Proven educational leadership and excellence in teaching practice
- Experience in building and sustaining high-performance teams.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
-
Financial literacy and strategic resource accountability
- Attractive tax-free salary including housing allowance.
- Flights at the beginning and end of contract for employee, spouse and dependents 18 years and below
- Medical coverage for employee, spouse and 2 dependent children 18 years and below.
- Annual travel allowance for employee, spouse and dependents 18 years old and below.
- Two free school places for children 18 years old and below.
How to Apply
To apply for the post, please visit complete the TES application form and submit your up-to-date CV and a letter of application. The letter should incorporate how you meet the person specification, why you are applying for the position and what attributes and qualities you would bring to the role. Full details can be found in the candidate pack below.
Closing date: 31st October 2025
RAK Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undergo relevant background checks.
RAK Academy reserves the right to appoint a successful candidate prior to the closing date, and so an early application is advantageous.
Attached documents
Recruiter contact:
About RAK Academy
Welcome to RAK Academy. We have been delivering international education in the beautiful emirate of Ras Al Khaimah since 1975. During that time, we have welcomed countless students of all ages and abilities through our doors— our Academy was founded under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK).
Located in the scenic emirate of RAK, one of the seven emirates of the UAE, we are honoured to give back to the community we are based in. We offer internationally recognised curricula to more than 2,600 students from more than 80 nationalities.
We offer both the UK curriculum and the International Baccalaureate across all stages of education, including Early Years, Primary School, and Secondary School. Our UK curriculum is implemented across our three branches: Khuzam, Al Hamra, and Al Rams. This curriculum follows the standards set by the United Kingdom and ensures that students receive a well-rounded education in line with international benchmarks.
In addition to the UK curriculum, we are proud to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) at our Khuzam branch. The IB consists of two programs: The Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP). These internationally recognised programs encourage critical thinking, creativity, and a holistic approach to education, empowering students to become lifelong learners and global citizens.
At RAK Academy, we strive to provide a nurturing and inclusive learning environment that supports the individual growth and development of each student. Our dedicated staff are committed to delivering high-quality education that prepares students for future success in higher education and their future careers. We look forward to welcoming passionate educators to join our dedicated and talent team.
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