Founding Head Of Secondary

Job Overview

RAK Academy

RAK Academy is a not-for-profit, government-owned school group with a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and community engagement. The Al Hamra secondary school will offer the UK National Curriculum, including GCSEs, A Levels, and BTEC qualifications, and will be underpinned by unique strengths in sustainability, sport (golf and sailing), mathematics, and coastal environmental learning.

The Role

The Board and Executive Leadership of RAK Academy are seeking to appoint an exceptional Founding Head of Secondary to lead the launch and develop the new secondary phase at Al Hamra campus, commencing August 2026. This is a rare opportunity to shape a school from inception, establishing a culture of excellence, inclusion and innovation that reflects RAK Academy’s values and strategic vision.

The successful candidate will provide professional, highly effective leadership and management that delivers outstanding outcomes across all aspects of secondary

school life. They will articulate a compelling vision, build high-performing teams, and ensure the school is strategically planned, operationally sound, and inspection ready. The role demands a leader who can drive rapid growth, manage phased expansion, and embed systems that support student achievement and wellbeing.

Essentials

• Master’s degree in education or related field or National Professional Qualification in Headship (NPQH)
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Recent and successful senior leadership experience in a secondary school context
• Proven track record of school improvement and inspection readiness (UAE, BSO, Ofsted or equivalent).
• Outstanding communication skills in both written and spoken form
• Proven educational leadership and excellence in teaching practice
• Experience in building and sustaining high-performance teams.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
• Financial literacy and strategic resource accountability
  
  

Remuneration Package

• Attractive tax-free salary including housing allowance.
• Flights at the beginning and end of contract for employee, spouse and dependents 18 years and below
• Medical coverage for employee, spouse and 2 dependent children 18 years and below.
• Annual travel allowance for employee, spouse and dependents 18 years old and below.
• Two free school places for children 18 years old and below.
  
  

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Haneen Waleed, Senior Administration Assistant to the Executive Vice Principal, at haneen.waleed@rakacademy.org. If you would like to submit a formal application for the post, please apply via the TES.If you encounter any issues during the application process, please email HR@rakacademy.org.

How to Apply

To apply for the post, please visit complete the TES application form and submit your up-to-date CV and a letter of application. The letter should incorporate how you meet the person specification, why you are applying for the position and what attributes and qualities you would bring to the role. Full details can be found in the candidate pack below.

Closing date: 31st October 2025

RAK Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undergo relevant background checks.

RAK Academy reserves the right to appoint a successful candidate prior to the closing date, and so an early application is advantageous.

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