Assistant Headteacher

Job Description

Assistant Headteacher – Head of Arabic & Islamic Studies

Fortes Education has been a leading education provider in the UAE for over four decades with premium international schools and nurseries that have experienced outstanding success and growth. Our schools offer the most innovative and character-building education in the entire Middle East region. Our core ethos and philosophy of education is Positive Education (PosEd). Through PosEd, our schools foster active engagement in learning, celebrating character strengths and accomplishments. We encourage children to cultivate fulfilling relationships with others and seek meaning and purpose in their own lives.?We enable children to become happy learners and develop into innovative thinkers, confident young adults, and life-long learners. Our students develop resilience, a growth mindset and deep character strengths that allow them to flourish in an ever-changing world.?

About Sunmarke School – Where Amazing Happens

Sunmarke School provides an ambitious and inspiring, values-based education that nurtures the hearts and minds of students so that they can flourish and achieve their dreams. Powered by our unique signature programmes, Sunmarke is a uniquely innovative school, transforming young lives. This was reflected in Sunmarke School winning the coveted ‘Most Innovative School’ award at the Which School Advisor ceremony in Dubai and London and by our world class IB results ranking in the Top 68 schools Globally and twice in the Top 3 in Dubai. These are matched by our A Level and GCSE results which place us in the top 10 schools in Dubai.

Sunmarke is an all–through school which offers a premium education across a fantastic range of pathways for students including the National Curriculum of England, GCSE/IGCSE, ‘A’ Levels, BTEC and the IB Diploma Programme. We also offer a suite of Signature Programmes unrivalled in Dubai. With unique experiences in Environmental and Sustainability Studies, students learn in Forest School settings, as well as utilising cutting-edge hydroponic technology to examine how science can support sustainability in future terrains. Our world-class STEAM centre and curriculum offers students an incredible opportunity to apply their learning in solving real-world problems, from Foundation Stage through to Year 9. We run best-in-class mini-MBA programmes for our Year 10 to 13 students in conjunction with the Peter Jones Academy and Wharton Investors programme, to ensure their future success in business and entrepreneurship. We are technologically very innovative and have a world class AI and Robotics lab that offers unrivalled experiences in these fast changing areas. Additionally we run comprehensive AI programmes for students in all core subjects, as well as deepening other subjects through Augmented and Virtual Reality AR/VR experiences. We have outstanding performing arts opportunities with fantastic facilities and amazing teachers to help our more creative students truly find their voice. We are home to the Fortes Pro Sports Academy where international professional sports coaches work exclusively with our students to reach new heights of performance and to elevate our students to national and international titles.

Sunmarke School was judged by the Dubai School Inspection Bureau (DSIB) as a ‘Very Good’ school in our 3rd year of operation and ‘Outstanding’ in our British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspection in 2019.

We present an exciting opportunity to join our all through school and to play an important part in our journey to “outstanding”. Sunmarke School, Dubai is one of our flag-ship schools, located at a prime location in Jumeirah Village Triangle.

About You

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to lead our Arabic & Islamic department from August 2026. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership across Arabic & Islamic department, ensuring high-quality teaching and outstanding student achievement.

The Assistant Headteacher – Head of Arabic & Islamic Studies will support and develop Arabic & Islamic teachers, drive continuous improvement, and promote excellence in teaching and learning to secure strong academic outcomes.

This is a pivotal Senior Leadership Team role with whole-school responsibility for the vision, direction and impact of Arabic & Islamic Studies provision across our all-through school.

We Are Looking For Certain Qualities

• Bachelor’s degree in Arabic, Islamic Studies, Education, or related field &/or a Postgraduate qualification in educational leadership
• Strong knowledge of MOE curriculum requirements and KHDA expectations
• Deep understanding of effective pedagogy in Arabic language acquisition and Islamic education of KHDA and British inspection standards
• Experience with UAE inspection frameworks and international accreditation systems
• Minimum 8-10 years leadership experience within Arabic and/or Islamic Studies in a senior leadership role
• Proven track record of raising attainment and improving teaching quality
• Experience leading curriculum development and assessment systems
• Experience working in an international or high-performing school environment
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into action
• Data-driven and impact-focused
• Strong communicator with staff, parents, and senior stakeholders
• Collaborative leader who builds high-performing teams
• Culturally aware and sensitive to the UAE context and values
• Resilient, adaptable, and able to manage complexity
• Committed to excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement
  

Our Offer

• Excellent tax-free salary
• Medical Insurance for self, spouse & 2 dependents
• Annual Flights for self, spouse & 2 dependents
• Annual paid vacation
• An enthusiastic learning community of students, teachers, parents, and Board members, who are dedicated to maximise student achievement, and creating positive learning opportunities in and out of the classroom.
• Working within a team of highly driven and supportive colleagues
• Excellent professional development
• Working in Dubai, one of the world’s most sought-after work and travel destinations
  

Application Process

If you have the passion, energy, and commitment to drive accelerated outcomes for young people, we will welcome your application. In return, you will join a rapidly evolving organisation that can offer you a central role in our future growth plans.

Interested candidates are invited to complete our Online Application by visiting: http://forteseducation.com/Careers/Current-Openings?

Please follow the instructions provided to complete and submit your application.?

You Should Submit

• A copy of your curriculum vitae/résumé.?
• A cover letter, preferably of no more than two pages. The letter should outline the following:
• How has your previous experience prepared you for the post in question?
• What will your success criteria be at the end of your first year in post?
• Appointment Start?Date:? August 2026
  

Closing Date: ?Sunday, 3rd May 2026, 5 p.m. (UAE time)?

Safer Recruitment Statement

Fortes Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Policies for safer recruitment are aligned with the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection. At Sunmarke School, we hold ourselves to a high standard of effective practices in relation to child protection, and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to various background checks, including receipt of satisfactory references, proof of relevant qualifications, identification, and police checks, including overseas checks.