Founding Principal

A founding Principal is required to lead a new, high-profile education initiative. The post holder will provide visionary leadership, establish the school's culture and systems from inception, and ensure outstanding educational outcomes aligned with Saudi Arabia's national vision and global best practice.

Role Purpose

- Design, launch and lead a new school as its founding Principal, setting the strategic direction, academic standards and operational framework.

- Build a distinctive school culture that reflects the schools vision and the wider Vision 2030 agenda.

Key Responsibilities

- Develop the school's vision, mission, values and long term strategic plan, in consultation with stakeholders.

- Lead on curriculum design and implementation, integrating international best practices, Arabic and Islamic values, and future ready skills.

- Establish high expectations for teaching and learning, assessment, and student wellbeing, ensuring a safe, inclusive and aspirational environment.

- Recruit, lead and develop a high performing academic and administrative team, embedding professional learning and performance management systems.

- Oversee all aspects of school operations, including policies, timetabling, admissions, budgeting and resource allocation.

- Build strong relationships with parents, community partners, regulatory authorities and external providers.

- Monitor and report on school performance using clear data, quality assurance processes and continuous improvement plans.

Candidate Profile

- Experienced school leader with a proven track record as a Principal, Vice Principal or equivalent in high performing schools (preferably international or bilingual).

- Strong understanding of K-12 education, curriculum design and assessment, with experience of founding or opening new schools highly desirable.

- Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams, manage change and build a positive, collaborative culture from the ground up.

- Cultural awareness and sensitivity, with a genuine commitment to working in Saudi Arabia and supporting national educational priorities.

Safeguarding and Compliance

- The successful candidate will be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and will be expected to follow all policies and procedures.

- Appointment will be subject to satisfactory references, background checks and any additional clearances required by Saudi Arabian regulations.

Qualifications and education

• A minimum of a master's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, School Administration or a closely related field from a recognised university.
• Formal teaching qualification/licence (e.g. PGCE, QTS, state/provincial certification or equivalent), with evidence of continuous professional development in leadership.
• At least 8-10 years of successful school leadership experience, including experience as Principal, Vice Principal or Head of School in high performing or international schools.
• Proven experience in curriculum design and implementation (e.g. IB, British, American, or high quality bilingual programmes) and in leading accreditation or inspection processes.
• Experience working in the GCC or wider Middle East, or in culturally diverse school communities, is highly desirable.
• Strong proficiency in English, both written and spoken; Arabic language skills are an advantage and will be considered a plus.