Head of School, Founding Appointment

Head of School – Founding Appointment

Sydney, Australia | Commencement July 2026 | School Launch 2027

A Once‑in‑a‑Generation Leadership Opportunity

We are supporting the establishment of a ground‑breaking secondary school in Sydney that redefines what faith‑based education can be in the 21st century.

This is not a conventional principalship. It is a founding appointment for a visionary educator with the courage and capability to build an entirely new educational model from first principles, shaping culture, curriculum, and community from inception through launch and into its formative years.

The successful candidate will help define the future of Islamic education, with influence extending nationally and internationally.

The Vision & Educational Model

This innovative school model moves beyond subject silos, fixed classrooms, and traditional assessment structures. Instead, the entire city becomes a learning ecosystem, where students learn through studios, laboratories, galleries, civic institutions, and industry environments.

Learning is anchored in real‑world, project‑based experiences, co‑designed with industry mentors, academics, and creative professionals. Graduates emerge as deep generalists—individuals who combine academic excellence, spiritual depth, creative problem‑solving, and strong moral conviction.

At its core is an experiential learning framework integrating:

• NESA‑accredited curriculum
• Project‑ and inquiry‑based learning
• Design thinking
• Faith‑informed pedagogy

The learning journey unfolds across:

• Discovery (Stage 4 | Years 7–8): Cross‑disciplinary micro‑projects
• Mastery (Stage 5 | Years 9–10): Educator‑led projects supported by deep mentorship
• Impact (Stage 6 | Years 11–12): Learner‑led capstone projects delivering real‑world solutions

Learning outcomes are demonstrated through application, reflection, and contribution—not rote memorisation. Educators collaborate in differentiated roles including learning coaches, guides, competency architects, and experts‑in‑residence, supported by flexible learning environments, integrated technology, and a strong focus on wellbeing and spiritual awareness.

The Role

The Head of School will serve as the founding educational leader, responsible for translating a deeply developed architectural vision into a living, thriving institution. The role combines:

• Advanced pedagogical leadership
• Institutional design and establishment
• People, culture, and capability building
• Moral and faith‑informed leadership

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the foundational design of academic, operational, and cultural frameworks
• Implement an integrated, NESA‑aligned experiential learning model across Stages 4–6
• Recruit, coach, and inspire a founding team of innovative educators and designers
• Shape a values‑driven culture grounded in excellence, creativity, and spiritual depth
• Build strategic partnerships with universities, industry, and civic institutions
• Represent the school publicly as a thought leader in educational transformation

The Ideal Candidate

We are seeking a visionary pioneer, not a traditional school administrator.

You will demonstrate:

• Courage to build and lead new educational models
• Deep alignment with an Islamic worldview
• The ability to inspire others around a bold and purposeful mission
• Comfort operating with ambiguity, responsibility, and complexity

Professional Background

You may currently be:

• An educational entrepreneur or designer leading innovative, project‑based models
• A Head of Teaching & Learning, Head of Department, or Deputy Principal in a forward‑thinking school
• A leader of interdisciplinary programs in Creative Arts, Technology, or Social Sciences

A systems‑thinking mindset is essential—translating vision into operational reality while cultivating excellence and purpose.

Qualifications & Capabilities

• Postgraduate qualifications in Education or Leadership (master’s preferred)
• Proven experience leading educational innovation or reform
• Deep expertise in project‑based, inquiry‑based, or experiential learning
• Ability to authentically embed Islamic ethics and principles into education design
• Exceptional relationship‑building and communication skills
• Experience forming strategic academic and industry partnerships

Personal Attributes

• Deep Islamic faith, humility, and integrity
• Strategic foresight paired with operational clarity
• Courage to innovate and resilience in uncertainty
• Reflective, collaborative, and mentoring leadership style
• Commitment to ihsan—excellence in service to learners and humanity

The Opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to lead the establishment of a school model that redefines faith‑based education for the foreseeable future.

The role offers:

• High‑trust leadership autonomy and strategic authority
• The opportunity to build programs, culture, and infrastructure from inception
• Global exposure to leading educators, scholars, and innovators
• Competitive remuneration aligned with senior leadership benchmarks
• A mission‑driven environment grounded in excellence, legacy, and purpose

Application Process

We welcome expressions of interest from exceptional candidates globally.

Applicants are invited to call for a confidential chat or submit:

• A cover letter outlining educational philosophy and leadership vision (2–3 pages)
• A comprehensive CV detailing relevant experience and achievements.

All enquiries and applications will be managed confidentially by Radical Recruitment Australia.

Email: info@radicalrecruitment.com.au
WhatsApp: 0422 116 952
International enquiries (UAE): Botim - +614 22116952

Work Location: In person