Head of Islamic Studies Department for August 2026 Start

About This Role

THE POST

ADNOC Schools is currently seeking Head of Islamic Studies Department to join our growing family of owned and operated schools in the UAE. The current vacancy is based in ADNOC School, Sas Al Nakhl, Abu Dhabi for August 2026 start.

Successful candidates will combine an excellent track record of effective leadership experience, developed in the UK, USA or other international settings, with strong inter-personal skills and cultural awareness with the ability to manage the demands and needs of a wide range of stakeholders from Board level to parents, teachers and Principals. Exceptional communication skills combined with being a visible leader and ambassador for the school are pivotal to this role.

The role requires high level strategic thinking combined with a firm grasp of how to ensure outstanding education outcomes across the school. Candidates must be committed to working in partnership with other schools within the group and developing ways to engage with strategic partners to support the work of the school, the group as a whole and the UAE’s wider education vision.

Successful candidates will be closely aligned with our core values and ethos and possess a genuine understanding and appreciation of the values of the region.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensuring curriculum coverage, continuity and progression in the subject for all students.
• Ensuring clear guidance for teaching the subject and enhancing key skills through the schemes of work including research and technology-based learning.
• Ensuring that there is a clear departmental assessment policy in line with school guidance and examination requirements providing internal examination papers and external examinations entries, as required.
• Evaluating the teaching of the subject in the school and taking action to improve further the quality of teaching.
• Developing links with other members of the local and extended school community in order to extend the subject curriculum, enhance teaching and develop students’ broader understanding of the subject.
• Ensuring implementation of school policies on issues such as equal opportunities, teaching and learning, behaviour management.
• Promoting effective departmental expectations of behaviour in line with whole school policies.
• Chairing department meetings and representing the department on various curriculum groups and school events as required.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of staff as required by the school policy and using the process further to develop the personal and professional effectiveness of individual staff.
• Identifying departmental training needs and supporting and co-ordinating delivery of appropriate high quality professional development.
• Inducting new staff with particular emphasis on the needs of trainee and newly qualified teachers.
• Working with the HOD, Middle/High School Co-ordinators and the SENCO to ensure appropriate subject specific targets are set and work is differentiated and well matched to meet student needs.
• Ensuring that senior managers, the Principal, the ELT, SGG and Members of the Board are kept well informed of all relevant matters.
• To be responsible for efficient and effective deployment of staff and resources through:

1. Establishing staff and resource needs.
2. Allocation of available subject resources, which are in line with the UAE cultural sensitivities.
3. Deploying staff involved in the subject to ensure the best use of subject, technical and other expertise.
4. Ensuring the effective and efficient management and organisation of learning resources including ICT.
5. Managing accommodation to create an effective and stimulating environment for the teaching and learning of the subject.

Minimum Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in a related subject with PGCE or other teacher qualification

Desirable

• Master’s degree in Education
• Leadership/Management
• Administrative/Leadership certification
• Demonstrable experience managing College Board Programming

Minimum Experience

• 6 years’ experience, including 4 consecutive years teaching performance exceeds standards and expectations as evidenced by Performance Appraisal

Job Specific Knowledge & Skills

• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills
• Able to work in an environment with frequent interruptions
• Able to make judgments and work under pressure
• Able to communicate effectively at all levels
• Able to organize tasks and multi-task
• Able to think and plan strategically
• Must possess supervisory and leadership skills
• Must be competent in IT
• Must have integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality

WHAT WE OFFER

ADNOC Schools offer an attractive remuneration package. Our future-focused learning model includes both students and staff and so we place a special emphasis on professional development, coaching and training. Successful candidates will have access to a wide network of professionals and opportunities to both lead and contribute to training others as well as developing themselves.

ADNOC School and Aldar Education are keen to hear from like-minded, forward thinking school leaders who would welcome the challenge and opportunities that we have to offer.

APPLICATION

Interested applicants should forward:

• 1 side A4, letter of interest
• Most recent resume/CV

As much as we would be delighted to entertain all applicants, due to the high volume of applications and robust selection process, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted within 10 business days.

ADNOC Schools are committed to the safeguarding of children and young people, and any offer of appointment will be subject to any relevant medical checks and clearance from appropriate safeguarding authorities.