Secondary Vice Principal - American International School

Secondary Vice Principal - American Curriculum International School

Location

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Start Date:

August 2026

Overview

Byron Recruitment is seeking an experienced and accomplished Secondary Vice Principal for a senior leadership opportunity in Dubai. This role is ideal for an education leader who is passionate about academic excellence, student wellbeing, and building a positive, high-performing school culture.

The Vice Principal will play a key role in supporting the Principal in the strategic and operational leadership of the school. The successful candidate will have American curriculum experience. The role will help drive outstanding teaching and learning, strengthen staff performance, promote student achievement, and ensure the school operates in line with its educational vision and regulatory expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Principal in the overall leadership, management, and daily operation of the school

• Help shape and implement the school’s strategic priorities, improvement plans, and academic goals following American curriculum standards

• Lead and monitor teaching and learning standards across departments and year groups

• Use student performance data to identify trends, improve outcomes, and support school improvement initiatives

• Foster a culture of high expectations, inclusion, accountability, and continuous improvement

• Oversee student behaviour, attendance, safeguarding, and wellbeing practices to ensure a safe and supportive environment

• Line manage academic and administrative staff, providing coaching, guidance, and performance feedback

• Contribute to recruitment, onboarding, development, and retention of high-quality teaching and support staff

• Ensure American curriculum delivery aligns with school standards, regulatory requirements, and best educational practice

• Support the implementation of professional development programmes to strengthen teaching quality and leadership capacity

• Build strong relationships with students, parents, staff, and the wider school community

• Assist in preparing for inspections, accreditation processes, and compliance reviews

• Contribute to timetable planning, resource allocation, and operational decision-making

• Act as a visible and approachable leader within the school community

• Deputise for the Principal when required

Requirements

• Significant senior leadership experience within a school setting

• Knowledge of U.S. curriculum standards

• Proven experience in school improvement, academic leadership, and operational management

• Strong understanding of teaching, learning, assessment, and curriculum development

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage performance, and inspire professional growth

• Experience using data to drive student achievement and school improvement outcomes

• Strong knowledge of safeguarding, student wellbeing, and effective behaviour management practices

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills

• Ability to build trust and work collaboratively with staff, students, and parents

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively

• Commitment to high standards of education, inclusion, and student-centred leadership

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field

• Recognised teaching qualification

• Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field is highly desirable

Nice to Have

• Previous experience in an international school setting

• Familiarity with the UAE education sector and local regulatory expectations

• Experience leading inspection readiness or accreditation activities

• Experience working with diverse student and staff populations

• Additional leadership training or certification in educational management

What Success Looks Like

• Improved teaching quality and consistent academic standards across the school

• Strong student outcomes supported by clear interventions and effective use of data

• A positive, inclusive school culture where students and staff can thrive

• High levels of staff engagement, accountability, and professional development

• Smooth school operations and strong alignment with strategic and regulatory priorities

Leadership Environment

This is an opportunity to join a school leadership team where collaboration, integrity, and educational excellence are highly valued. The Vice Principal will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the student experience, contribute to long-term school development, and help shape a culture of continuous improvement.