Head of Secondary, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Hartland International School

As an Outstanding BSO school (April 2025 inspection), entering our eleventh year of operation, Hartland has established a reputation for excellence in learning, teaching and leadership in the region. Our student body consists of over 2200 students from over 110 nationalities, making Hartland a truly unique and international community where a strong blend of academic challenge, enrichment opportunities and pastoral support for all, targets and inspires excellence. All that we do is underpinned by a values-based family community of teachers, children and parents providing the best possible education for every child in our care.

In the summer of 2025 at GCSE level, 53% of all grades at 9-7 and 77% at 9-6. The success continued with 92% of all grades at 9-5, and 98% of all grades at 9-4, demonstrating a broad and deep level of success for every student. The school is proud to report a 100% pass rate for grades 9-1.

In Sixth Form, we offer a full and broad curriculum that allows students to access a wide range of courses at some of the world's best universities. Our A level and BTEC courses provide a pathway to training and employment, and our focus on skill development is highly valued by employers. The proportion of students achieving A*-A grades was 25% with A*-C grades continuing its upward trend over the past three years, rising from 67% in 2023 to 77% in 2024 and reaching 82% in 2025. Our value-added performance remains exceptionally strong and our results this year underline the continued strength of teaching and learning within our Sixth Form, and the capacity for our students to make exceptional progress regardless of starting point.

The Post

At this time, we are seeking to appoint a Head of Secondary to lead a very experienced and committed team of staff and students. This is an exciting opportunity for someone to work alongside the rest of the Senior Leadership Team in shaping the provision and practice in this part of a whole school environment. Applications are invited from suitably qualified practitioners who are passionate and forward thinking and who will thrive in the vibrant learning environment of Hartland. By being ambitious, not only for students but for yourself, you will help us to build and maintain a school that truly makes a difference to the lives of all who are part of the Hartland family.

Integral to this role is the willingness to be part of a team who are committed to the through nature of the school and as such, you will share in the responsibility for teaching, learning, and pastoral care. You will provide leadership and advice to staff, students and parents and will help the schools ambitions to drive standards and outcomes for all.

The Head of Secondary is a key member of the Senior Leadership Team of the school. It is expected that you will provide professional highly effective leadership and management and will thereby contribute to the overall effectiveness of the school. You will be expected to work closely with all staff to contribute towards the continued success and development of Hartland International School.

The successful candidate will:

• Hold a relevant degree and teaching qualification
  
• Be able to evidence a strong track record in shaping impactful curricula and driving whole-school improvement that leads to meaningful, sustainable change.
  
• Currently be a Head of School or have a minimum 3 years experience as a Deputy Head in a high performing British curriculum school
  
• Be an experienced school leader with significant experience in shaping and leading high performing teams with a proven ability to enhance academic outcomes for all students.
  
• Be committed to supporting and leading whole-student growth and character development in line with the Hartland Values (which can be found on our website)
  
• Be a visible leader and team player with exceptional communication and personal skills, demonstrating flexibility, resilience and energy to thrive in a dynamic international environment
  

In return you will have the opportunity to work in a premium state-of-the-art modern school with a committed and dedicated staff. We have a proactive approach to continuing professional, personal development and wellbeing, and the successful candidate will join a school where our values and our community are integral to our ethos. You will receive a competitive and attractive tax-free salary, high quality fully furnished accommodation, private medical insurance, annual airfare to home country and an End of Service Gratuity .