Head of Junior School - January 2027

Taaleem is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. 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 to share this commitment.All successful applicants must be willing to undergo enhanced child protection screening appropriate to the post, including various background checks including, receipt of high-quality references, proof of relevant qualifications, identification and police checks, including overseas checks. No member of staff will be able to start until these checks are complete and this process takes, on average, a month.We are seeking a dynamic founding Head of Junior School to join the founding team at Harrow International School Abu Dhabi in January 2027, or at a mutually agreeable time, ahead of opening in August 2027.As part of our founding team, you will play a pivotal role in building a vibrant and inclusive community where the learning of every individual is at the heart of daily life. Guided by the Harrow values, our staff will create an environment in which every pupil is nurtured, challenged, and empowered to achieve their very best.The successful candidate will provide exceptional leadership and strategic direction to the Junior School, ensuring a nurturing, challenging, and inspiring learning environment in line with the values associated with Harrow's educational standards. The Head of Junior School will oversee the academic, pastoral, and operational development of the Junior school, preparing students for continued excellence in education and life.Key Responsibilities:Leadership and StrategyProvide vision, inspiration, and clear direction to all members of the school community.Develop and implement a strategic development plan in collaboration the with the Harrow Abu Dhabi’s Board of Governors and Head Master.Embed Harrow’s educational philosophy, values and ethos throughout the school within the cultural context of the UAE.Lead school improvement planning, including preparation for regulatory and external evaluations, accreditations and other statutory requirements.Lead regular school meetings to communicate key messages ensuring all staff have clarity of expectations, professional competencies and outcomes.Collaborate and support the Head Master with the school’s enrolment, financial and business objectivesComply with all regulations and guidelines issued by the local authorities and regulators.Academic ExcellenceLead on curriculum development to ensure alignment to Harrow School UK, its comprehensive super curriculum provision and the UAE’s National Agenda.Implement and monitor the curriculum to ensure it is balanced, innovative and challenging to promote excellence and inclusion.Uphold the highest standards of academic achievement and personal development in pupils aligned with the Harrow values of honour, humility, courage, and fellowship.Monitor pupils progress and achievement and take action to correct any areas of concern.Enhance the reputation of the school in the UAE for excellence in its academic programmes.Pastoral LeadershipFoster a safe, happy, respectful and inclusive school environment.Promote the values and traditions of the Harrow house system, balancing academic, social and personal development to create lifelong networks of friendship and mentoring.Promote students’ social, moral and cultural development.Ensure safeguarding policies are fully embedded and staff are well‑trained.Staff Development and PerformanceRecruit, develop, and retain high-quality teaching and support staff.Lead, monitor, evaluate and support the quality of teaching, learning, and assessment.Promote a culture of high expectations, professional development, and collaboration.Lead the performance management process effectively to ensure continuous improvement.Parent, Community & External RelationsAct as the public face of the school to current and prospective families.Engage with stakeholders to gather feedback and support the continuous improvement of the school and its programmes.Maintain strong partnerships with parents, feeder schools, and the wider Harrow and Taaleem community to achieve business objectives.Represent the school at local events and international events to build the school’s network.Develop knowledge of the education landscape of Abu Dhabi, the UAE and the Gulf, including monitoring educational trends to ensure that Harrow International School in Abu Dhabi remains a highly respected school both nationally and internationally.Build and maintain positive relationships with all stakeholders.Operational ManagementWork closely with the Head Master and other Heads of Schools to ensure that all policies, procedures and routines across the school are reviewed regularly, and are compliant with regulations.Organise department timetables, oversee internal and external assessments, order and maintain teaching materials, equipme