Head of Physical Education
About This Role
The British International School Jeddah (BISJ) is a prestigious co-educational international school in Saudi Arabia, with a proud 48-year history of excellence. It offers a vibrant and inclusive learning environment, a rich co-curricular programme, and an impressive record of outstanding student outcomes, with a strong emphasis on wellbeing.
Join a school where students are supported to flourish and thrive. An environment where students are empowered as lifelong learners with the skills, knowledge and attributes to excel. Innovative teaching within a robust British curriculum provides a stimulating environment for both educators and learners.
We are currently seeking a dynamic and inspirational Head of Physical Education (PE) to join our Secondary Section.
This role offers an exciting opportunity to drive excellence in physical education and provide strategic leadership for a dynamic and high-performing department. The successful candidate will also play a vital role in enriching students’ lives beyond the classroom through world-class wellbeing, competitive sports, and inclusive co-curricular programmes.
Key Responsibilities
As Head of PE, your focus will be on departmental leadership, curriculum management, and driving high standards across the discipline. Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
Strategic Leadership: Lead, manage, and inspire the PE Department staff, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous professional growth.
Curriculum Oversight: Oversee the development, implementation, and rigorous evaluation of the PE curriculum across all Secondary Key Stages to ensure alignment with the school's goals and exceptional student outcomes.
Academic & Athletic Excellence: Drive sustained improvement in teaching and coaching methods, utilising data-informed strategies to ensure all students achieve their full potential in PE and school sport.
Resource & Facility Management: Oversee the effective management of the departmental budget, sports equipment and facilities, ensuring rigorous health & safety standards are maintained.
Promoting Physical Literacy: Champion a curiosity for sport, healthy lifestyles and physical literacy throughout the school community through innovative classroom practice and an engaging, competitive co-curricular programme.
Pastoral Care: Put student wellbeing at the heart of the department’s approach, ensuring a nurturing, inclusive, and supportive environment for all learners.
School Leadership: Contribute actively and constructively to the wider strategic leadership of the Secondary Section as a key Head of Department.
Qualifications and Experience
A Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education or a related field (required).
A minimum of 2 years of teaching experience in PE, ideally within an international or British curriculum context.
Demonstrable and successful leadership experience within a school environment (e.g., Head of Department, Second in Charge, or similar).
Experience teaching GCSE, IGCSE, A-Level, or IB Diploma English is highly desirable.
Strong command of the English language, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
A proven commitment to professional growth, working collaboratively and supporting student success.
A strong set of values that align with our BISJ vision and mission.
Preferred Attributes
Passionate about holistic learning and committed to inspiring students through innovative and engaging teaching.
A collaborative team player with a proactive, flexible approach and a strong work ethic.
Committed to ongoing professional development and contributing to a supportive school culture.
Why Join BISJ?
To work in a leading international school, with a diverse and motivated staff and student body.
The opportunity to thrive in a culturally rich and diverse international community that celebrates differences and cultivates respectful, empathetic global citizens.
To grow as a professional through a world-class professional development programme with leading global experts supported by a generous CPD budget.
Supportive and collegial staff environment with an excellent remuneration and benefits package.
A chance to live and work in the vibrant and welcoming city of Jeddah, recently rated the second best city for quality of life in the Arab world.
Be part of a prestigious British international school with over 48 years of excellence, combining strong British educational values with a broad international outlook.
If you are an enthusiastic and experienced leader with a commitment to academic excellence and student enrichment, we would love to hear from you. Apply exclusively via the WhatSchool platform.
BISJ prioritises safer recruitment and child safeguarding, aligning with UK Keeping Children Safe in Education, the recommendations of The International Task Force On Child Protection, and other international standards. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will undergo thorough background checks, including written and verbal references; qualification verification; identity and police checks, including overseas checks.
The school reserves the right to make an earlier appointment should a suitable candidate be identified.
Data Protection (PDPL) In accordance with the Saudi Arabian Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), BISJ will process applicants’ personal information securely and confidentially, using it solely for recruitment purposes and only sharing it with authorised individuals involved in the selection process.