Head of Prep & Pre-Prep School

About Gordonstoun Jubail Island

Gordonstoun has been at the forefront of character-based education for over 90 years. Our diverse curriculum challenges students academically, physically, and socially through activities ranging from classroom learning to outdoor adventures and community service. Our motto, Plus Est En Vous, inspires students to realize their full potential. We also emphasize service and contribution to our school community, the wider UAE, and the world.

The school honors the core Emirati tradition, Al Sanaa, which represents Emirati customs of social behavior, respect, and hospitality, emphasizing politeness, proper upbringing, and etiquette like honoring guests and respecting elders.

Our faculty is devoted to fostering enthusiasm in pupils and encouraging the highest academic achievement while exemplifying compassion, service, and challenge. Gordonstoun's philosophy values broad personal development beyond academic excellence, encouraging students to be stretched and nurtured across four key pillars:

• Academic excellence across all subjects
• Outdoor education focused on resilience and teamwork
• Service and community involvement
• Character building emphasizing integrity, responsibility, and courage

Joining Gordonstoun is not merely a job but a lifestyle dedicated to holistic education.

General Staff Responsibilities

• Adhere to safeguarding, child protection, and health and safety policies.
• Uphold the school’s core values: Compassion, Courage, Integrity, Service, and Respect.
• Engage in weekly service activities with students and participate in character and challenge events as required.
• Be flexible to participate in evening, Friday afternoon, and weekend events as needed.
• Contribute actively to community-related school events involving children, families, staff, and broader stakeholders.
• Promote and enhance the school’s reputation and spirit with enthusiasm.
• Support the school policies and perform additional duties requested by the Principal.

Role Purpose

• Assist the Principal in defining and executing Gordonstoun’s vision and strategy, offering leadership across Prep and Pre-Prep education.
• Ensure curriculum, teaching methods, and assessment from early years through Prep are engaging and promote high achievement for diverse learners.
• Provide exemplary leadership securing exceptional standards in Early Years and Primary education, ensuring a seamless educational experience.
• Oversee education operations including budget management, staffing plans, timetabling, and day-to-day school functions.
• Ensure compliance with ADEK standards, regulatory obligations, and academic plans.

Key Responsibilities

• Foster and exemplify belief in the value of every student.
• Offer dynamic and effective leadership for staff and pupils in Prep and Pre-Prep, collaborating with school leadership and community stakeholders.
• Set clear, ambitious educational goals aligned with Gordonstoun’s mission and values.
• Support leadership efforts to motivate and align the school community with UAE Vision 2031 and global best practices.
• Dedicate commitment to UAE heritage, modeling cultural respect and integrity.
• Lead continuous improvement via strategic planning, monitoring, and reporting for school development.
• Ensure school policies meet all national, regional, and institutional criteria.
• Maintain knowledge of inclusive education frameworks and promote equitable learning environments for students with special educational needs.
• Encourage a culture of shared responsibility, collaboration, and high standards.
• Work closely with governance bodies, parents, and staff for well-informed decision-making and resource management.
• Participate and lead in professional development and ADEK-related events in the UAE.

Candidate Profile

Commitment and Values:

• Strong alignment with Gordonstoun Jubail Island’s core values, embracing challenge, service, compassion, independence, and adventure.
• Respect and authentic engagement with UAE culture and traditions.
• Personal traits including honesty, resilience, humility, self-discipline, and genuine care for others.
• Open, respectful attitude towards diverse cultures, backgrounds, and faiths.
• Proactive in service, recognizing and responding to needs without prompting.
• Able to challenge students appropriately while being mindful of their wellbeing.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Valid teaching qualification alongside a university degree.
• Advanced leadership qualifications such as NPQH are advantageous.
• Extensive senior leadership experience addressing academics, staff management, and school operations.
• Proven track record leading Early Years and/or Primary education across FS1 to Prep stages.
• Familiarity with ADEK or analogous regulatory systems and readiness for inspections.
• Skilled in strategic planning aligned with national initiatives like UAE Vision 2031.

Key Skills and Attributes:

• Strong strategic and operational leadership capabilities.
• Deep expertise in Early Years and Primary curricula, instruction, and assessments.
• Experience managing special educational needs and inclusion programs.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, and staff performance management skills.
• Effective relationship-building with governors, staff, parents, and community members.
• Authentic commitment to embedding UAE cultural heritage throughout school life.