Deputy Headteacher Of Secondary School At Safa Community School

Job Overview

POST: Deputy Headteacher of Secondary School at Safa Community School, Dubai

Safa Community School - a beacon of excellence. In 2024, we were honoured with the ‘Happiest School in the UAE’ title, a testament to our commitment towards student well-being. In addition, we were proud recipients of the ‘Value Add, Leaving No Child Behind Award’, reflecting our dedication to academic progress. This was further underscored by our 2024 GCSE VA score of +2.2 and +1.9 in 2025. Our high staff retention rates and inclusion in the top 15 Schools in the UAE by the Schoolscompared.com survey are a source of pride for us all.

At Safa Community School, we are more than just a school-we are a community. With a parent body comprising Expats, including around 35% from the UK, we have fostered a reputation for being a friendly, warm, and community-oriented school. Our positive relationships among staff, parents, and students are a testament to our inclusive approach, making everyone feel welcomed and part of a larger family. This sense of belonging sets us apart and should make you feel at home in our school.

Safa Community School is not just another school but an award-winning all-through UK curriculum school, from FS1 to Year 13, with 2,640 students. Follow our school Instagram channel for a glimpse into our vibrant community showcasing student achievements, community events, and much more at safa_scs. Discover how we nurture talent, foster creativity, and build a thriving environment for every student.

Safa Community School (SCS) is seeking a dynamic and outstanding leader to shape and develop life at Safa and to contribute significantly to our vibrant community. The successful candidate will be ready to play a pivotal role at this exciting time in our continuing growth and development.

The key areas of responsibility that attach to the position are set out below. The list is not exhaustive and the post holder may be expected to assume additional responsibilities as reasonably requested by the Headteacher of Secondary.

The Deputy Headteacher will provide visible, values-led leadership across the Secondary School, contributing to both academic excellence and student wellbeing. The exact portfolio will be shaped around the strengths of the successful candidate and may include a focus on Teaching & Learning, Pastoral & Student Experience, or a blended remit.

In Summary, The Professional Responsibilities Of The Post Are

Aims of the Post

• Developing and improving the quality of education offered to the pupils in the school through the promotion of the highest possible standards of education, equality of opportunity, and an environment that is conducive to excellence.
• Ensuring the attainment and progress of ALL students is commensurate with the most aspirational of performance targets.
• Ensuring SCS delivers a highly innovative and effective curriculum aligned with UAE objectives, UK curriculum and Exam board requirements.
• Have overall responsibility for all aspects of student academic progress and attainment.
  
  

Job Purpose

• To provide strong leadership that results in authentic, rigorous and disciplined first-class teaching and learning opportunities for students and staff.
• To raise academic standards and to hold each staff member and department accountable.
• To instigate and develop an innovative approach to teaching and learning that will stimulate all students to achieve their full potential.
• To manage a sizeable academic staff contingent and to motivate innovation and excellence in all areas of academic endeavour.
• To lead with other SLT members and to establish an authentic and rigorous academic culture.
• Research and implement current best practices internationally
• Provide or coordinate opportunities for academic enhancement and support
• Manage, mentor, and optimise the academic team
  
  

Curriculum Development

Ensure that innovative and appropriate approaches to learning are made available to students.

Evaluate national and international initiatives to promote learning and incorporate appropriate elements into SCS strategy for teaching and learning.

Ensure that the statutory requirements of the national curriculum are met.

Monitor and evaluate progress towards meeting student achievement target.

• Undertake curriculum and subject reviews.
• Mentor new HODs to ensure clarity of role and expectations.
• Support the delivery of a stimulating, innovative and responsive curriculum that will further develop the creativity, analytical thinking and academic achievement of pupils;
• Undertake needs analysis to ensure the curriculum is fit for purpose and new subjects are being offered to ensure role growth.
  
  

General Responsibilities

• To monitor standards of teaching and learning within departments to ensure the highest quality of provision and learning for all pupils;
• To cultivate and develop departmental self-review to ensure good progress in standards of teaching and learning;
• To keep up-to-date with educational reform and policy by ensuring awareness of education initiatives and their usefulness;
• To inform and liaise with the Head and, where necessary, present information regarding new developments to staff and Heads of Departments;
• To oversee the formulation of departmental action plans (reviews and updates);
• Supporting the strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the Secondary School
• Driving high standards of teaching, learning, curriculum and assessment
• Using data intelligently to support improvement while keeping students at the centre of decision-making
• Leading and strengthening pastoral systems that promote wellbeing, inclusion, behaviour and safeguarding
• Line-managing middle leaders and supporting staff development and performance
• Promoting a calm, positive and aspirational school culture grounded in clear expectations and strong relationships
• Working collaboratively with Primary and Whole-School leaders to ensure coherence and continuity
  
  

This role suits a leader who understands that excellent outcomes are built on excellent teaching, consistent systems and genuine care for young people.

Communication

• Prepare agendas for and chair meetings.
• To support effective communication by forwarding minutes and conclusions of meetings and any other documentation or memos to the relevant staff.
• Prepare analytical reports to ensure the HOS and other stakeholders are fully informed and updated on all aspects above.
• Keep parents and staff updated and informed.
  
  

Professional Development

• To provide or organise INSET training for the department staff (teaching and non-teaching) as appropriate.
• To have day-to-day responsibility for the monitoring, supporting and assessing staff.
• To identify development opportunities for staff within the department and through external agencies or courses.
• To delegate tasks in a way that maximises the use of available talent, experience and enthusiasm and provides development opportunities for all staff.
• To use the Performance Management cycle to enhance colleagues professional development aspirations.
  
  

Application Process

Closing date for applications is Tuesday, 17th February 2026 at 10h00 UAE time.

The Application Process Is

• All applications must be submitted on the TES/Schrole Portal. Only applications submitted through the Portal will be considered.
• Only applications with experience in UK Curriculum schools will be considered.
• Submit an up-to-date, full resume / CV.
• Submit a covering letter of no more than two A4 pages.
• Provide at least three referees’ names, telephone numbers (with international dialling codes), and email addresses. One must be a current employer.
• The closing date for all applications is Tuesday, 17th February 2026 at 10h00 UAE time.
• Applications will be assessed in order of receipt and interviews may occur at any stage after applications are received. We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date and therefore invite interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.
• Once initial interviews are concluded, arrangements will be made individually with those candidates who will proceed to the second round of interviews.
  
  

Upon request, feedback will only be provided to candidates who progress to the interview stages.

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