Founding Principal
Role Overview
Founding Principal for a new premium UK curriculum school in Dubailand, Dubai, opening in September 2027.
The school will open to Year 6 and grow by one year group annually, serving Foundation Stage through Year 13 at full development.
Planned full capacity is 3,000 students; the first year is expected to have roughly 200 students.
The Principal holds the full strategic and operational mandate and works with a representative Governing Board chaired by the Group Managing Director.
Key Skills for This Role
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Founding Principal opportunity
Founding Principal for a new premium UK curriculum school in Dubailand, Dubai, opening in September 2027.
The school will open to Year 6 and grow by one year group annually, serving Foundation Stage through Year 13 at full development.
Planned full capacity is 3,000 students; the first year is expected to have roughly 200 students.
The Principal holds the full strategic and operational mandate and works with a representative Governing Board chaired by the Group Managing Director.
About the school
The school will follow the National Curriculum for England and Wales through GCSE/IGCSE and A Level and pursue British Schools Overseas accreditation.
It is backed by a financially strong group with more than 30 years in the region and an established UAE sister school rated Very Good by KHDA.
The school aims to combine premium facilities and standards with accessible fees.
At full capacity, facilities are planned to include 125 classrooms, specialist STEM, computer, art, music, and dance rooms, indoor PE spaces, prayer rooms, and extensive sports and outdoor learning areas.
Role priorities
- Set the academic vision, culture, and values from the first cohort.
- Build and lead the Senior Leadership Team and wider staff body.
- Establish scalable KHDA and MOE compliance and academic systems.
- Embed Emirati and Arabic excellence and structured inclusion in the school's identity.
- Lead admissions strategy and community engagement.
- Oversee growth from approximately 200 first-year students toward 3,000 at capacity.
Candidate profile
- Experienced UK curriculum school leader currently serving as a Principal, Head Teacher, or Vice Principal ready for a first Principal role.
- Demonstrated experience with the National Curriculum for England and Wales through GCSE, IGCSE, and A Level.
- Track record in, or strong commitment to, inclusive education and provision for Students of Determination.
- Experience or authentic interest in Arabic language provision and Emirati cultural integration is sought.
- Proven ability to build teams, systems, and culture through a new launch, expansion, or turnaround.
- KHDA or equivalent international regulatory experience is highly desirable.
Opportunity
- Founding mandate with autonomy to shape the school's academic direction, culture, and identity from year one.
- The school is supported by an experienced operator, established governance, and the resources of its ownership group.
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