Founding Head of Secondary School
Job details
Nord Anglia International School, Abu Dhabi is seeking to appoint a passionate, child centred, inspirational, and forward-thinking Founding Head of Secondary School to join at a pivotal stage in the school’s growth and development, commencing August 2025. The role is perfect for a leader who has the drive and ambition to lead the way in education. The Founding Head of School will be part of the Core Leadership Team consisting of the Head of HR for Abu Dhabi, Head of Operations, Director of Admissions & Marketing, Head of Finance UAE and Head of IT UAE. The role will require the Head of School to ensure the highest standards of pastoral care, learning and achievement. The school is at an exciting stage to lead us through our first ADEK inspection visit, our first full set of GCSE exams and drive our founding post 16 programme. Not only would we expect the candidate to lead, inspire and guide the teaching staff, support staff and young people but also enrich our community ethos. About Nord Anglia At Nord Anglia Education, our schools shape a generation of creative and resilient global citizens who leave our schools with everything they need for success – whatever they choose to be or do in life. Our family of more than 13,000 passionate staff are experts in their academic and commercial professions and play a vital role in the world-class experience our schools provide. We educate more than 74,000 children in 32 countries, our 84 schools in the Middle East, the Americas, Europe and Asia form our diverse global family, making us the largest provider of premium education in the world. About the School Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi (NAS Abu Dhabi) lies at the heart of the Emirate, on Al Reem Island. In August 2023, we opened the school’s new, purpose-built campus to our first cohort of students. Our mission is to help our students prepare for their futures, think creatively outside the box, develop healthy resilience, global awareness, and be team players. Core Requirements The Founding Head of Secondary School will lead the creation and development of an exceptional educational institution, overseeing every aspect of the school’s establishment and growth. A critical responsibility will be the successful introduction of the founding A-Level cohort, ensuring the delivery of world-class academic standards and preparing students for prestigious global university placements. The Founding Head will serve as the driving force in building the school’s reputation for academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement while fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment for students and staff alike. In fulfilling the requirements of the post, the Founding Head of Secondary will demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism and will:
- Drive NAS Abu Dhabi to be a global leader in education;
- Embody the school’s values in word and action;
- Gain and maintain the trust and confidence of students, colleagues and parents;
- Be accountable for all aspects of standards in the Secondary School;
- Motivate students and staff to aspire to excellence;
- Build strong, high-performing teams;
- Create conditions for staff to continue to learn;
- Be responsible for safeguarding students and leading pastoral care;
- Deploy resources efficiently;
- Plan strategically for continual improvement and growth;
- Lead the school through the first inspection;
- Recruit and build a high calibre team of leaders, educators and support staff;
- Create a culture of collaboration, continuous professional development, and shared accountability;
- Provide visionary leadership to inspire staff, students, and parents.
- Lead the highest standards of teaching and learning by:
- Holding responsibility for educational standards across the Secondary School;
- Providing a curriculum which offers exemplary learning opportunities;
- Maintaining exemplary student behaviour;
- Developing effective systems for the care and guidance of students;
- Demonstrating knowledge of effective pedagogy and curriculum;
- Ensuring our curriculum reflects our place in the UAE;
- Ensuring the use of technology enhances learning;
- Monitoring, evaluating and improving standards of teaching;
- Recognising and celebrating teaching excellence;
- Supporting the life of the school beyond the classroom;
- Ensuring that students participate in a varied programme of enrichment activities.
- Lead and inspire the Secondary School staff by:
- Fostering a culture of respect and integrity;
- Developing a community of professional learners;
- Leading and managing the performance and professional development of the Secondary School;
- Working with the Principal to recruit and retain high-quality teachers;
- Organising induction for new teachers;
- Contributing to the professional development of teachers;
- Ensuring positive relationships between staff;
- Leading and managing coordinators, teachers, and support staff;
- Ensuring high standards of planning, differentiation, and assessment are practiced.
- Ensure engagement and collaboration with our community by:
- Overseeing Secondary School communications;
- Informing parents about their child’s progress;
- Keeping parents informed of events;
- Recognising and celebrating the achievements of students and staff;
- Maintaining high standards of presentation in all materials;
- Developing wider community links;
- Promoting a culture of safety and happiness within the school.
- Oversee the ongoing design and completion of school facilities;
- Collaborate with architects and consultants for readiness;
- Ensure high levels of student participation in Global Campus initiatives.
- Ensure participation in the global Nord Anglia Education family by:
- Acting in accordance with NAE vision and policies;
- Participating in NAE annual Regional Conferences;
- Preparing reports on student attainment;
- Ensuring staff participation in Nord Anglia University.
- Develop and implement a rigorous A-Level curriculum;
- Identify key subject offerings based on market demand;
- Establish a dedicated A-Level team of specialist teachers;
- Implement robust academic support structures;
- Set aspirational targets for the founding cohort.
- Create and maintain an annual calendar of events;
- Manage the Secondary School budgets;
- Hold regular meetings with the Secondary Team;
- Assist in whole school marketing initiatives;
- Engage supply and cover staff as required.
- Demonstrate personal adherence to the values and principles of our mission by:
- Acting with integrity;
- Maintaining a professional appearance and manner;
- Being ambitious and engaging in professional development;
- Being culturally sensitive and inclusive.
- Qualified to degree level or above - Essential
- Strong, recent track record of professional development. - Essential
- Proven track record with at least 7 years’ teaching experience. - Essential
- Experience at Deputy level or above. - Desirable
- Direct involvement in raising standards at school level. - Essential
- Experience of the English National Curriculum, (I)GCSE, A-Level and IB Diploma Programme level. - Essential
- Evidence of working with parents. - Essential
- Outstanding oral and written communication. - Essential
- Ability to engage and motivate people. - Essential
- Strong organisational skills. - Essential
- Ability to work in a team. - Essential
- Good working knowledge of school self-evaluation. - Essential
- High level of IT competency. - Essential
- Passionate about international education. - Essential
- Cultural agility and adaptability. - Essential
- Robust good health. - Essential
- Sense of humor. - Essential
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