Head - Secondary - Al Ain British Academy (January 2026)

Aldar Academies are currently seeking an outstanding Head of Secondary for Al Ain British Academy, commencing January 2026.

Successful candidates will find themselves welcomed into a wonderful school family community, where staff are held in high regard by pupil, parents and school leadership alike. Al Ain is a beautiful, green city that offers an affordable lifestyle within the UAE, whilst offering easy access to Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Oman all within a short drive. Al Ain boasts its own tourist attractions in the form of Al Ain Zoo, Jebel Hafeet mountain, Al Ain Oasis, as well as leisure facilities including hotels, malls, golf and Rugby club, shooting range, swimming pools, Al Ain Raceway and much more. We offer a competitive package including relocation, annual flight allowance, medical insurance, end of service gratuity and a 4.5 day working week empowering staff wellbeing.

The successful candidates will be closely aligned with our core values and ethos and possess a genuine understanding and appreciation of the values of the region.

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications: Minimum of a master’s degree and certification in Educational Leadership.

Minimum Experience: Teaching experience at secondary level in an international school.

• Minimum of five years of secondary school administrative experience as Assistant/Associate Principal or Head of Division in an international school setting.

• Leadership experience in curriculum development, teaching and learning strategies and assessment.

Job Specific Knowledge & Skills:

• Knowledge of UAE Ministry of Education and ADEK regulations relating to curriculum, assessment and compliance.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development.
• Commitment to the ideals of international education.
• Ability to prioritise projects and tasks, and to respond to simultaneous requests from various areas.
• Ability to initiate and manage change in the work environment.
• Ability to identify problems, achieve effective solutions, resolve conflict, motivate staff and foster collaboration, and promote sound decision making.
• Flexibility, patience and egalitarian approach.

APPLICATION:

An application with a cover letter and CV including details of two referees should be made via the TES portal.

THE PROCESS:

This job description is not all inclusive. Aldar Education reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are also mindful of our national development strategy and encourage UAE Nationals in their application at our company.

Aldar Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and police clearance.

Job Purpose:

To provide outstanding professional leadership and management for the department in order to enable high quality teaching and learning, academic excellence and outstanding achievement for all students. Be exemplary in professionalism and educational practices and act as role model to all colleagues whilst upholding the schools core values and vision.

RESPONSIBILITIES

A Strategic direction and development of the department:

• Develop and implement policies and practices for department which reflects the School’s vision, aims, commitment to high standards of achievement, and effective teaching and learning;
• Establish, monitor and evaluate short-, medium- and long-term plans for the development of the Secondary department;
• Use data effectively to identify students who are underachieving in department; create and implement plans of action to support those students;
• Analyze and interpret relevant school data, to inform policies and department/school SEF writing;
• Ensure that appropriate and relevant schemes of work are developed, in place, and regularly reviewed and evaluated, for all year groups and courses. These must include suitable provision for SEN/POD, G&T, and EAL students.

Teaching and learning:

• Ensure curriculum coverage, continuity and progression in department for all students including those of high ability and those with special educational needs;
• Establish and implement clear policies and practices for assessing, recording and reporting on student achievement;
• Set expectations for staff in relation to standards of achievement and the quality of teaching and learning and behaviour;
• Evaluate the quality of teaching and learning of department and use this to identify effective practice and areas for improvement; take action to further improve the quality of teaching and learning;
• Ensure the department is regularly contributing towards the school’s enrichment Programme and after school Booster/Revision Sessions for I/GCSE and A level exams.

Leading and managing staff:

• Performance manage team in accordance with school performance management policy;
• Establish clear expectations and constructive working relationships with team, ensuring collaboration, support, accountability and high professional standards;
• Hold regular department meetings with minutes and agendas; agenda should include focus on improving standards relating to student achievement and teaching and learning;

Managing resources:

• Efficient and effective deployment of staff and resources;
• Maintain efficient and effective control of the Department’s Resource and CapEx budgets;
• Effective use accommodation to create an effective and stimulating environment for teaching and learning in accordance with Learning Environment Policy;
• Ensure a safe working and learning environment in which risks are properly assessed and Health and Safety policy and regulations are observed at all times.

Other duties and responsibilities:

• Undertake duties as part of the staff duty rota;
• Cover for absent colleagues;
• Invigilate examinations, as required, including a minimum of one evening and one weekend external examination session, to support the Examinations Officer and Summer Examination Schedule;
• Any other duties as assigned by the Principal.