Head of Secondary- August 2026 (Female Only)

Downe House Riyadh is seeking a passionate and highly skilled Head of Secondary to join our growing team from August 2026.

The successful candidate will inspire, challenge and support students to achieve their full potential while contributing positively to the academic and pastoral life of the school.

We welcome applications from reflective, innovative practitioners who are eager to make a meaningful impact within a supportive and ambitious learning environment.

About Cognita

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique; our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can "Thrive in a rapidly evolving world".

We nurture each student's distinct personality and strengths, supporting them academically, socially and emotionally wherever they are in the world. They get to be part of something bigger - ensuring they receive an education that is, quite literally, world class.

About Downe House Riyadh

Opened in September 2022, Downe House Riyadh delivers a world class British curriculum in partnership with one of the UK's most celebrated girls only private schools. With over a century of excellence, Downe House UK consistently ranks among the country's top five all girls' schools.

Located in the prestigious Aqeeq neighbourhood in northern Riyadh, the school offers a British curriculum enriched with Downe House UK's tradition and expertise. The programme is carefully adapted for Saudi Arabia, ensuring girls excel in Arabic, Islamic Studies and core subjects.

The close partnership between the Riyadh and UK schools is evident in both philosophy and practice. At the heart of the Downe House ethos is the individual: every girl's strengths, challenges and interests are recognised, with bespoke pathways that foster confidence and success.

Key Offerings

• A first class British education leading to IGCSEs and A Levels
• Academic excellence in girls' education
• Exceptional pastoral care and opportunities for personal growth
• A wide range of co curricular activities

School Structure

• Pre Prep: Nursery to Year 2 (ages 2-7)
• Prep: Year 3 to Year 8 (ages 7-13)
• Senior: Year 9 to Year 13 (ages 13-18)

Boys and girls are admitted from Pre School to Year 4.

The state of the art campus features dedicated libraries, central atriums, science and design labs, art studios, a 450 seat theatre, music, dance and drama facilities, IT labs, and both senior and learner swimming pools.

Job Purpose

The Head of Secondary plays a pivotal role in shaping the journey. Responsible for the strategic leadership and day to day management of the Secondary phase (Years 6-13), the Head of Secondary ensures excellence in academic standards, pastoral care and holistic development opportunities. A key member of the Senior Leadership Team, this role is central to embedding the school's mantra: "Work Hard, Aim High", into every aspect of secondary education. The Head of School will work closely with the Principal, Vice Principal and SLT.

This role requires an individual with deep contextual understanding of working within the Kingdom, strong professional credibility with parents and external bodies, and the ability to balance operational rigour with sensitivity, discretion and cultural intelligence.

Key Responsibilities Leadership and Vision

• Provide strategic and visible leadership for the Secondary School in line with the Downe House Riyadh DNA and ethos.
• Inspire staff and students to embrace ambition, excellence and perseverance in all they do.
• Lead by example, ensuring our girls leave school as advocates for themselves, their communities and the world.
• Work collaboratively with SLT, ELT and the KS Leads to ensure smooth transitions and whole school alignment.

Academic Excellence

• Working with the KS3, KS4 and HoSF Leads in curriculum development that reflects global best practice, with a strong focus on IGCSE, A Level and BTEC success, while preparing students for Qadyrat and Tashilli for Saudi University entrance.
• Ensure teaching and learning is innovative, engaging and tailored to empower every student, in line with the school Academic priorities and the DHR Teaching for Impactful Learning and Progress (TILP) framework.
• Use assessment and data strategically to track progress, close gaps and raise achievement, working closely with the Data Manager and the HoDs.
• Champion academic rigour while fostering creativity, independence and critical thinking.

Pastoral and Wellbeing

• Uphold our wellbeing strapline "Doing Well and Being Well" by ensuring every student is known, valued and supported.
• Strengthen systems of safeguarding, behaviour and pastoral care, promoting resilience and compassion, working closely with the DSL and HoY pastoral team.
• Develop leadership opportunities for girls, enabling them to find their voice and take ownership of their future.
• Work within the culture of the school and the kingdom to support the development of our girls through their years of change.

Community and Partnerships

• Build strong relationships with parents as partners in their daughter's education.
• Represent the Secondary School at community events, Open days, inspections and with external stakeholders.
• Work with the Head of Sixth Form to secure pathways for students beyond DHR.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee timetabling, staffing and resource allocation for Secondary.
• Support recruitment, induction, appraisal and professional development of teaching staff.
• Ensure compliance with school policies, inspection frameworks and accreditation standards, working with the Vice Principal.
• Contribute to financial planning and effective use of resources within Secondary.

Safeguarding

• Fully comply with safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Report concerns in line with school policy.
• Demonstrate a personal commitment to student wellbeing and safety.
• Engage fully in safeguarding training.

Person Specification

(E = Essential, D = Desired)

Experience & Qualifications

• Degree and teaching qualification (PGCE, QTS or equivalent). (E)
• Extensive leadership experience in Secondary education. (E)
• Demonstrable experience engaging with parents and communities in a culturally sensitive and professional manner. (E)
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage difficult conversations calmly and effectively. (E)
• High levels of discretion, professionalism and emotional intelligence. (E)
• Familiarity with Ministry of Education processes, documentation and expectations. (D)
• Experience working within the Kingdom or similar regulatory and cultural contexts. (D)
• Experience working within a UK independent or international school environment. (D)
• Ability to work bilingually or across cultures (spoken or written Arabic advantageous but not essential). (D)

Personal Qualities

• Calm, composed and authoritative presence.
• Culturally astute, respectful and intuitive in approach.
• Solution focused and pragmatic.
• Trusted by staff, students, parents and external partners alike.
• Deeply aligned with the school's values and commitment to student wellbeing and excellence.

Why Join Downe House Riyadh?

• Be part of a prestigious, globally connected school with a reputation for excellence.
• Work within a supportive and professional team that values collaboration and innovation.
• Gain experience in a dynamic international school setting while contributing to a meaningful short term project.

Our Offer

The successful candidate will benefit from an attractive tax free salary. In addition, there will be a significant commitment to supporting the development and career goals of the successful candidates.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted via the TES online application form - only fully completed applications will be processed. To support your application, please include your current, up to date CV.

Interviews will take place online or in person.

The school reserves the right to interview and appoint strong candidates before the official closing date, and therefore we would encourage candidates to apply early in the process.

Thank you for your interest in Downe House Riyadh. Due to the large number of applications expected, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Downe House Riyadh School and Cognita are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expect the same from its employees. All new staff will be subject to detailed and enhanced pre employment clearance, including identity checks, criminal background checks for all countries lived in, qualification checks, employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps in employment, and satisfactory reference checks for all employment in the last 10 years.