Head of Secondary

Head of Secondary - (British Curriculum – GCSE Experience)

Reports to:
Principal

Location:
Shakhbout City

Contract:
Full-time

Job Purpose:

The Head of Secondary plays a key leadership role in the strategic and operational development of the secondary school (Key Stages 3 to 5). The post holder ensures high-quality learning experiences through effective curriculum design, rigorous assessment practices, and targeted support for student achievement. In addition, the Head of Secondary serves as Examinations Officer for all IGCSE and A-Level qualifications, oversees career and university guidance, and ensures the school maintains compliance with all exam boards' accreditation frameworks.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Strategic Oversight

• Provide strategic leadership for the secondary section (Years 7–13), supporting the school's mission and values.
• Support the implementation of the whole-school improvement plan in alignment with the school's self-evaluation standards.
• Lead a culture of academic excellence, collaboration, and continuous professional growth.

2. Curriculum Oversight

• Ensure effective implementation and ongoing review of the Cambridge Lower Secondary, IGCSE, and International AS/A Level programmes.
• Guarantee curriculum coherence, progression, and alignment in standards across all subjects.
• Lead the integration of cross-curricular and skills-based learning approaches.
• Coordinate curriculum development to meet both international expectations and ADEK requirements.

3. Assessment & Examinations (Exams Officer)

• Lead and manage all internal and external assessments (e.g., Baseline, CAT4, GL assessments, IGCSEs, A-Levels).
• Oversee the scheduling, organisation, and secure administration of exams in compliance with our awarding body regulations.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of student progress and results.
• Analyse assessment data to monitor trends and inform teaching strategies and interventions.
• Lead and coordinate mock exams, checkpoint assessments, and continuous assessments.
• Analyse assessment data to evaluate teaching effectiveness and inform intervention strategies.

4. Student Performance & Achievement

• Monitor and drive student progress across all subjects using performance benchmarks.
• Lead student performance reviews with academic teams, using data to set targets and inform planning.
• Oversee academic interventions for underperforming students and promote high expectations for all.
• Report regularly to the Principal on academic outcomes and trends.

5. Career & University Guidance (Career Counsellor)

• Develop and deliver a comprehensive careers and university guidance programme, tailored to both local and international pathways.
• Advise students on iGCSE and A Level subject choices, university applications (UCAS, Common App, etc.), and vocational options.
• Establish links with universities and external career service providers.
• Organise university fairs, application workshops, and career orientation sessions for students and parents.

6. Staff Leadership and Development

• Lead, mentor, and manage Heads of Department, subject leaders, and pastoral coordinators in the secondary school.
• Coordinate staff professional development in line with whole school activity.
• Support new teacher induction and ensure all staff are familiar with curriculum requirements and expectations.
• Conduct lesson observations, performance reviews, and support continuous pedagogical improvement.

7. Student Welfare, Behaviour, and Pastoral Oversight

• Collaborate with pastoral teams to ensure a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
• Promote positive behaviour for learning and support the consistent application of the school's behaviour policy.
• Champion student voice and leadership initiatives in line with the school's student-centred ethos.

Requirements

Skills & Attributes:

• Strong leadership, organisational, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent understanding of data-driven school improvement.
• Commitment to high academic standards and holistic student development.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, staff, and parents.
• Adaptability to work in a multicultural and international school environment.

Benefits

As per UAE Labor Laws.