Principal

Job Description

ADNOC Schools is currently seeking School Principal for January 2026 start to join our growing family of owned and operated schools in the UAE. The current vacancy is based in ADNOC School, Madinat Zayed in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

ADNOC School – Madinat Zayed offers world-class amenities and is designed to provide learners with a 21st Century curriculum using the latest technology and world-class facilities. The school delivers the renowned US Massachusetts/ Common Core curriculum and currently educates around 1,400 Emirati and international students from KG through Grade 12. In addition, high school students have access to AP (Advanced Placement) examinations, accredited by the US College Board. Students graduate with the American High School Diploma.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the highly successful Aldar family of schools and to help shape the future of Abu Dhabi’s leading school group.

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. The ability to manage the demands and needs of a wide range of stakeholders from Board level to parents, teachers and principals is essential. 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.

The successful candidate will be closely aligned with our core values and ethos and possess a genuine understanding and appreciation of the values of the region.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic, operational and financial responsibility for the school

• Strategic direction and leadership of school improvement

• Provide inspiring and purposeful leadership for the heads of campus, staff, students and the wider community

• To develop a school improvement plan founded in a secure understanding of data and classroom observation

• Monitor and evaluate the performance of the school and the quality of teaching and learning

• Continue to maintain an environment that promotes and secures outstanding teaching, effective learning, high standards of achievement and behavior.

• Develop and maintain effective links with the community including business and industry, to extend the curriculum and enhance teaching and learning

• Improve the existing system for the management of staff performance, incorporating target setting and individual development plans

• Continue to develop an organisation in which all staff feel valued and recognise that they are accountable for the success of the school

REQUIREMENTS

Essential

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related subject
• Coursework in educational and/or organizational leadership

Desirable

• NPQH
• Master’s degree in Education
• Leadership/Management
• Administrative/Leadership certification
• NPQH or Master’s in Education is preferred
• US curriculum experience is preferred

Minimum Experience

• 10 years of experience in the field of education, which includes: 5 years of teaching experience AND either 2 years as Vice Principal or 4 years as a Senior Leader

Job Specific Knowledge & Skills

• Ability to establish positive working relationships with a range of stakeholders, including the Board and Strategic Governance Group is essential
• Understanding of the operational and financial requirements to manage a successful school is essential

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