Assistant Headteacher Secondary

About Safa Community School

Safa Community School is 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. 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. Discover how we nurture talent, foster creativity, and build a thriving environment for every student.

Position Overview

Due to continued expansion and growth in our thriving school, SCS seeks to appoint a highly qualified, inspirational, and experienced leader to the post of Assistant Headteacher. The main responsibilities will be to lead and manage:

Pastoral care, support, and well-being.

Strategically lead and oversee a Key Stage and curriculum offering.

Develop and manage a thriving house structure at the very heart of our school.

Work alongside the Deputy Headteacher to ensure data and academic tracking accelerate progress and attainment over time.

Naturally, you will bring an excellent understanding of pedagogy, a strong track record of accelerating progress, and a creative approach to teaching and learning. You will be an inspiring leader with a natural flair for continuously challenging and empowering others to improve and strive for excellence.

Candidate Requirements

A high-quality degree.

Experience in middle leadership (essential).

Experience of senior leadership (desirable).

Leadership qualification (desirable).

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

A drive and enthusiasm to inspire, nurture, and empower teachers in pursuit of excellence.

High expectations that motivate, support, and challenge.

A confident educator who can organise, shape, and lead an effective team.

A willingness to make a broader contribution to school life.

The drive to continue to develop professionally through bespoke, high-quality CPD programmes.

The ability to adapt quickly to a fast-paced international, multicultural, and demanding environment.

Candidate Profile

It is desirable that the successful candidate:

Will hold relevant qualifications and QTS.

Has strong leadership and management experience.

Is an outstanding teacher with the ability to demonstrate outstanding practice and progress of students.

Works effectively as part of a team.

Actively keeps up to date with developments in secondary education.

Has a willingness to develop as a professional, taking opportunities to train further to progress in their career.

Additional Information

We offer the opportunity to work in a new, modern, spacious school with exceptional children who want to learn, supported by a great team. The successful candidate may have a teaching commitment. This role is being advertised as part of our strategic growth to meet increasing student enrollment and programme demand.

Safa Community School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

This job description will be reviewed regularly and may be subject to modification and amendment.

Application Process

Closing date for applications is Friday, 9th October 2026 at 10:00 UAE time.

The application process is as follows:

All applications must be submitted through the designated application portal. Only applications submitted through the portal will be considered.

Only applications with relevant experience will be considered.

Submit an up-to-date, full resume/CV with all employment gaps stated.

Submit a covering letter of no more than two A4 pages detailing how you will drive change at Safa Community School and how this will be undertaken.

Provide at least three referees’ names. One must be a current employer.

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. A demonstration lesson will be required.

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