Headteacher

About the role

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the Middle East's most established and respected British international schools.

Established in 2005, DESS College has built an exceptional reputation for academic excellence, outstanding pastoral care and a strong sense of community. Consistently rated outstanding by both BSO and KHDA, DESS College is recognised as a school where high achievement is matched by deep care for every student and an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement.

We are seeking an exceptional secondary headteacher who understands how to sustain excellence while shaping the future. Someone who can provide strategic direction, inspire confidence, develop people and ensure that the highest standards remain embedded across every aspect of school life.

This is not a role focused on transformation or turnaround. DESS College is thriving. The opportunity is to build on considerable strengths, preserve the values and culture that make the school distinctive, and lead the next chapter of an already highly successful school.

The successful candidate will join a school with exceptional strengths: a highly capable staff body, engaged students, supportive families and outstanding facilities. They will also become part of a long-established, not-for-profit school group with a 65-year heritage of educational excellence in Dubai.

This role is for someone who is excited by the responsibility of leading a successful school and ensuring it continues to set the standard for British international education in the region.

The challenge is not to build excellence, but to sustain it, strengthen it and shape what comes next.

What we offer

DESS College offers a competitive package commensurate with the seniority and importance of the role. It includes a highly competitive salary, a generous housing allowance, annual flight allowance, comprehensive medical insurance, and 100% fee remission for children at DESS schools, subject to meeting admissions criteria.

Specific package details will be discussed with shortlisted candidates.

Additional information

Headteacher brochure - provides a comprehensive overview of DESS College, the headteacher opportunity, and the qualities, experience and leadership required for this role.

DESS Direction 2025 - 2028 - outlines our strategic vision, priorities and ambitions for the future of the DESS family of schools.

Application process

Odgers has been appointed to support the recruitment process and manage applications on our behalf.

To apply, submit a comprehensive CV, together with a covering letter, outlining your interest in the role and highlighting how your skills, experience and achievements meet the requirements of the position.

Please also provide the names of three referees. Referees will only be contacted at the final stage of the recruitment process and only with your prior consent.

All applicants will receive an automated acknowledgement from Odgers to confirm receipt of their application.

Safer recruitment statement

DESS is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers who work with the school to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo a rigorous screening process that includes: verification of qualifications, birth certificate and passport; obtaining satisfactory references (including current or most recent employer and at least one from a previous employer); providing a police certificate(s) from the UAE (if applicable) and from all countries that the applicant has resided in for the last five years and one from their home country if they have resided there in the last ten years; prohibition checks (for applicants with a UK background). Any employment gaps on the application form will be addressed during the interview and may be explored further.

DESS welcomes applications from UAE nationals who have the relevant qualifications and experience.