Assistant Headteacher - ELL & EAL

About Fortes EducationFortes 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 Middle East, guided by Positive Education (PosEd). We foster active engagement in learning, celebrate character strengths, and help children cultivate meaningful relationships, purpose, resilience, and a growth mindset to flourish in an ever-changing world.Fortes Education is expanding with flagship schools including Sunmarke School, which provides an ambitious, values-based education and a range of pathways from the National Curriculum of England to the IB Diploma Programme. Sunmarke School has earned recognition for innovation and outstanding results in international assessments.About Sunmarke SchoolSunmarke School offers a premium education across pathways including the National Curriculum of England, GCSE/IGCSE, A Levels, BTEC, and the IB Diploma Programme. It features signature programmes in Environmental and Sustainability Studies, Forest School, hydroponics, STEAM, mini-MBA programmes, AI and Robotics labs, AR/VR experiences, performing arts, and the Fortes Pro Sports Academy. Sunmarke is located in Dubai’s Jumeirah Village Triangle.About YouDue to growth and strategic development, we are seeking an exceptional, experienced and forward-thinking leader for the position of Assistant Headteacher – ELL & EAL (Whole School) from August 2026. This is a pivotal Senior Leadership Team role with whole-school responsibility for the vision and impact of English Language Learning provision across the all-through school. The successful candidate will drive language development to ensure academic success, inclusion, and equity for all learners.The Assistant Headteacher – ELL & EAL will provide clear leadership of EAL provision across all phases, developing and implementing a cohesive whole-school strategy aligned with the School Improvement Plan and Fortes Education priorities. You will ensure that EAL learners access the full British curriculum and achieve outcomes in line with or exceeding whole-school attainment benchmarks. You will contribute to whole-school strategy, inspection readiness and performance outcomes, lead high-impact teaching practices, and influence curriculum design to ensure accessibility and academic rigour. This role requires a strategic leader who can operate at scale, drive excellence in teaching and learning, lead professional development in EAL pedagogy, and use data to close attainment gaps. You will lead and develop a team of EAL specialists, ensuring consistency, accountability and high performance across the school.In Addition, The Role Will InvolveLeading robust systems for assessment, tracking and monitoring of language development.Ensuring strong transitions and continuity of progress across phases.Championing inclusive practice and equitable access to the curriculum.Building strong partnerships with parents and the wider community.Contributing to inspection readiness and ensuring alignment with KHDA and British Schools Overseas standards.We are looking for a dynamic and highly skilled leader with a proven track record of leading EAL provision at scale, driving whole-school improvement and influencing teaching practice. You will bring deep expertise in language acquisition and a passion for ensuring every learner thrives in a diverse, international environment. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious leader who is committed to excellence, collaboration and innovation, and who believes in the transformative power of language in unlocking student success. If you believe you have the vision, expertise and drive to lead this critical area, Sunmarke School offers an exceptional platform for your next leadership challenge.We Are Looking For Certain QualitiesThe Assistant Headteacher should hold at minimum a bachelor’s degree with PGCE or equivalent teaching qualification. Specialist qualifications in TESOL, EAL, Applied Linguistics or related field.Deep understanding of second language acquisition theory and research-informed EAL practice within a British curriculum context.Strong knowledge of the British curriculum and UK assessment frameworks.Secure understanding of KHDA and British inspection standards.Proven middle leadership experience within a Middle East or international British school context.Experience leading EAL provision at scale within a large school.Experience analysing attainment and progress data to drive measurable improvement.Experience influencing mainstream teaching practice and curriculum design.A creative and innovative practitioner and a highly effective leader who can inspire and develop excellence in others through coaching and mentoring.Ability to build and develop highly effective teams, organisational structures and academic processes with an ability to delegate wo