Head of Secondary

ISP Head of Secondary Role Profile

Purpose of Role

• To lead all aspects of the secondary department to ensure it is a safe, happy and successful learning community
• To work closely with other leaders to ensure all aspects of the school are successful so that The Aquila School becomes the school of choice for the community
• To ensure that the school promotes the ISP approaches to learning

About the school:  

The Aquila School opened in September 2018, initially with only primary children, adding a year group every year. We started with 67 pupils any in August 2025 we expect to have just over 1500. In August 2024 we opened our sixth form and in August 2025 we will have our first year thirteens. We follow the English National Curriculum adapted to meet the needs of the community we serve. Key stage four pupils take a range of IGCSEs and BTecs – our first set of results from Summer 2024 were very positive. In the sixth form we offer a range of IBDP, IBCP, BTec and Asdan pathways. The secondary department has recently moved into their own purpose built extension to the school. The Aquila School is genuinely inclusive and across the school there is a clear sense of purpose – relationships are a strength of the school and it is a happy place to work and learn – and this sense of community is regularly a feature recognized by families and visitors.  Staff enjoy working here – it is hard work as we work tirelessly to ensure the pupils have as many opportunities as possible.

The school is located in a growing  residential area of Dubailand – about a twenty minute drive from Downtown Dubai. We work hard to ensure that  teachers are  skilled at ensuring that children are actively learning throughout each lesson, lessons are relevant and engaging  and ensuring that children make as much progress as possible and love coming to school under our school purpose – safe, happy learning.  

Children and families love our school due to our focus on amazing learning and developing a sense of community and school connectedness. Teachers enjoy working here because they are genuinely empowered to teach the children what they need to learn right now.  Key strengths of the school are relationships, pupil progress, the sense of fun and community, well being, inclusion, leadership and the range of opportunities both in and out of the classroom.

The Aquila School was  the first new build school designed and managed by The International Schools Partnerships (ISP) a rapidly growing organisation with  almost ninety schools in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, South America  and the USA.   

Our school mission is known and understood by all and underpins decision making in our school –

‘A happy community school with amazing learning at its heart where pupils are empowered to make choices, be kind, compassionate learners, engage in meaningful learning experiences, make exceptional progress and understand their role as global citizens’ 

ISP Principles

Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.

Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.

Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.

Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.

Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• To successfully  lead all aspects of the secondary department
• To ensure children are safe and well cared for at all times
• To contribute to the leadership and day to day running of the whole school
• To lead, support and direct the work of others, as appropriate
• To lead CAS activities, participating and leading staff training and contributing to the establishment and development of the school community
• To comply with our agreed policies and Aquila Ways
• To actively engage with our school community e.g. through newsletters, informal dialogue, reporting, supporting school functions and contributing to community and marketing activities
• To actively participate in the performance management process of self and others
• Building relationships and showing credibility as a leader – especially of teaching and learning
• Ensuring outcomes for all children are as high as possible
• To maintain a sense of school connectedness for staff and encourage staff retention
• Improving teaching – especially for teachers who are not yet consistently good.
• Making sure that the pathways and curriculum on offer for all year groups in secondary are aligned with pupil interest, local requirements and the school budget
• Ensuring the staffing and leadership structure is appropriate to enable us to raise standards and improve outcomes so that there can be a significant number of uplifts in the next DSIB inspection
• To minimize the number of leaving pupils and to maximize the number of joiners – working alongside the marketing and admissions team
• To be visible and high profile.
• Further develop enrichment activities for the pupils
• Lead on events such as sports evening, family workshops, presentations, information meetings, coffee mornings  etc.
• Make sure the SEF and SIP etc. are complete and up to date – completed under your guidance by members of your team.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

• Qualified teacher status recognised in the UK     
• At least ten years teaching experience post qualification- which must include time spent teaching KS3/4/5 in the UK / Ireland     
• Previous experience of a senior leadership position in a through school or secondary school (deputy or head teacher / Principal)     
• Clear understanding of the role - how to further develop secondary while maintaining the ethos of our school     
• Clear understanding of the ethos of the school
• Experience of raising standards and having high outcomes in external assessments     
• Experience of developing a curriculum for KS3, 4 and 5 and preparing children for life and learning beyond school     
• Experience of growing a school and maximizing re-enrollments and enrollments     
• Willingness to work above and beyond to contribute to the development of a learning community     
• Ability to form and maintain professional working relationships with all members of the school community     
• Credibility as a leader of learning     

Desirable:

• Experience working in an international school in the UAE      
• Educational leadership qualification (MA/ED or NPQH)    
• Experience of BTEC/IB in KS5    
• Experience of inspecting other schools (eg Ofsted, Cobis, BSO)

ISP Leadership Competencies

You consistently demonstrate and role-model the ISP Leadership Competencies in all that you do.

1. Collaboration. Takes an active part in leading their school or region; is cooperative and a genuine team player, developing positive, supportive relationships with colleagues to solve problems and maximise opportunities.

1. Learning & Getting Better. Continually demonstrates personal commitment and passion for learning and getting better using evidence and feedback; supporting others in their continual learning, development and growth.

1. Innovation Leadership. Is good at creating an environment where ideas for learning initiatives and services are generated and is able to motivate and inspire others through the process of creation through to completion.

1. Outcome driven. Can be counted on to find solutions. Is consistently looking to exceed goals and is focused on KPIs.

1. Resilience. Can deal with setbacks and challenges calmly and effectively.

1. Community Focus. Is committed to meeting and exceeding the needs and expectations of our students and their families.

1. Integrity & Ethical Management. Has the ability to work ethically and with integrity; helps others feel valued; upholds and models the ISP Vision, Purpose and Principles.

1. Leading & Inspiring Others. Supports, encourages and inspires students, colleagues and teams so that they give their best.

1. Understanding People. Is a very good judge of talent, can objectively articulate the strengths and motivations of people inside or outside the organisation.

1. Influencing & Communication. Consistently informs, influences and inspires students, parents and colleagues through timely and effective communication.

1. Agile. Responds and adapts to changing circumstances; manages and solves problems by providing solutions in a climate of ambiguity.

1. Strategic, Commercial & Financial Awareness. Has the ability to apply understanding of the business and industry to improve effectiveness and profitability.

1. Planning & Decision Making. Makes decisions on the best course of action and then plans, organises, prioritises and balances resources to achieve the desired outcome.

1. Diversity & Equity. Has the sensitivity, awareness and skill to understand the values, behaviours, attitudes and practices across cultures that supports all children and adults to learn and work effectively.

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history. 

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.