Assistant Principal - Head of Academics (Secondary)

International School Uptown International School (UIS) is a leading educational institution in the United Arab Emirates, committed to providing high-quality international education that fosters academic excellence and holistic development. We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Assistant Principal - Head of Academics (Secondary) to join our leadership team. This position offers a unique opportunity for emerging leaders passionate about shaping secondary education and driving academic success.

Purpose of the Role

The Assistant Principal: Head of Academics is responsible for leading the school’s academic systems, with particular focus on assessment, student performance data, academic monitoring and the strategic oversight of subject outcomes. The role ensures that the school has robust processes in place to track, analyse and respond to student attainment and progress.

Working closely with Heads of Department and the Senior Leadership Team, the Assistant Principal: Head of Academics ensures that academic data is used effectively to inform decision making, identify trends and support improvements in student outcomes across the school.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Oversight

• Lead the development and oversight of the school’s academic monitoring systems.

• Ensure robust processes are in place to track student attainment and progress across all year groups and subjects.

• Analyse whole school academic performance data and identify trends, strengths and areas for improvement.

• Provide strategic oversight of academic outcomes and ensure departments respond effectively to performance data.

• Support the implementation of academic improvement priorities within departments.

Line Management

• Line manage the Heads of English, Mathematics and Science.

• Hold regular meetings with department leaders to review student outcomes, assessment data and progress.

• Ensure departments use assessment information effectively to identify students requiring support or challenge.

• Provide guidance and support to Heads of Department in responding to academic data and improving outcomes.

Assessment

• Lead the development and implementation of the school’s assessment strategy.

• Ensure consistency and clarity in assessment practices across departments.

• Oversee the design and scheduling of internal assessment cycles.

• Ensure assessment information is used effectively to inform academic planning and intervention.

• Support the preparation and analysis of external examination results.

Data and Reporting

• Lead the school’s approach to academic data collection, analysis and reporting.

• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of student attainment and progress to students, parents and leadership.

• Produce data reports for the Head of Secondary and Senior Leadership Team to support strategic decision making.

• Monitor performance across subjects, year groups and key student groups.

Timetabling

• Lead the development and management of the school timetable.

• Use timetabling software such as Timetabler or other recognised scheduling systems to construct and manage the school timetable.

• Ensure the timetable supports curriculum delivery, staffing allocation and effective use of school resources.

• Manage timetable adjustments throughout the academic year as required.

Whole School Leadership

• Contribute to the strategic leadership of the school as a member of the Secondary Leadership Team.

• Support the school improvement planning process through analysis of academic performance data.

• Work collaboratively with other senior leaders to ensure academic systems operate effectively across the school.

• Support the school in meeting external accountability requirements related to academic performance.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Qualified teacher with relevant degree and teaching qualification.

• Experience in middle or senior leadership within a school setting.

• Strong understanding of assessment systems and student performance data.

• Proven ability to analyse and interpret academic data to support improvement.

• Experience using timetabling software such as Timetabler or similar systems.

• Strong organisational, analytical and leadership skills.

Desirable:

• Experience within an international school environment.

• Experience supporting academic data systems or assessment frameworks.

If you are ready to take your first step into educational leadership while making a meaningful impact on secondary academics at UIS, we encourage you to apply. Join us in nurturing future global citizens through excellence in education.