Founding Head Of Secondary

TES FE News

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