Secondary Head of Creative Arts (Founding Role – August 2026)

RAK Academy:

RAK Academy is a family of highly regarded international schools that provide both British and International Baccalaureate curriculum pathways. Our vision is to develop Learning Excellence with a Community Heart.

By ensuring excellent leadership at all levels throughout our schools, we aim to provide our students with a world‑class education grounded in innovation, sustainability, and community values.

RAK Academy Al Hamra:

Located in the south of Ras Al Khaimah in the Al Hamra community. RAK Academy – Al Hamra is a growing primary and lower secondary school delivering an adapted UK National Curriculum from Pre-K to Grade 8 alongside the UAE MOE subjects. Grades 6 to 8 form our brand-new secondary school, opening its doors for the first time in August 2026. We are accredited by the British Schools Overseas (BSO), benchmarked against leading international British schools and are able to fully deliver the ECT induction to teachers.

The Role (Founding Position):

RAK Academy – Al Hamra is seeking a positive, driven, and inspirational founding Head of Creative Arts to lead the establishment of our new secondary Creative Arts department. This is a rare opportunity to shape curriculum pathways, artistic culture, assessment systems, and teaching standards in a school opening for the first time in August 2026.

As a founding middle leader, the Head of Creative Arts will:

• Lead the design and implementation of the Creative Arts curriculum for Grades 6–8.

• Establish assessment systems, departmental policies, and high‑quality teaching expectations

• Build a vibrant culture of creativity, expression, and artistic excellence across the new secondary school

• Support the recruitment, induction, and development of Creative Arts teachers

• Work closely with the Head of School, Deputy Head, and primary arts leads to ensure continuity and progression

• Coordinate curriculum planning, exhibitions, performances, resource management, and professional development needs

• Teach across multiple key stages as the school grows

This role is ideal for a leader who thrives in dynamic environments, enjoys building systems from scratch, and is motivated by the challenge and excitement of shaping a new school.

Essential:

• Bachelor’s degree in Design and Technology or Art and Design.

• Post Graduate Certificate in Education (or equivalent)

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) 

• Have an excellent understanding of teaching and learning

• Be highly proficient in the use of technology to support teaching and learning

• Engage, motivate and support students 

• Be a reflective practitioner with the ability to think creatively and innovate

• Be a positive and enthusiastic member of staff and have a growth mindset

• Be willing to be fully involved in extra-curricular activities

• Have excellent communications skills 

• Experience of teaching GCSE/IGCSE/A-Level courses (Early Career Teachers are welcome to apply)

Desirable:

• National Professional Qualification Middle Leadership (NPQML).

• National Professional Qualification Leading Teaching (NPQLT) 

• Experience contributing to or leading curriculum development

• Have a proven record of increasing student outcomes.

The school offers:

• A tax‑free salary inclusive of housing allowance

• Benefits including annual travel allowance, medical insurance, UAE residency visa

• Access to extensive internal and external professional development

• A supportive leadership team and opportunities for rapid career progression

• A unique opportunity to shape a new secondary school from its foundation

Single status candidates and teaching couples are encouraged to apply.

To apply for this position please use 'QUICK APPLY' 

RAK Academy Family of Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must have undergone a child protection screening to receive an offer of employment. You will be required to provide a Police Verification Check from your home country along with attestation of your qualifications’ and personal documents e.g. Degree, Marriage Certificate etc. The list of checks will be provided to candidates shortlisted for an interview. 

Please note: 

Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

RAK Academy reserves the right to make an appointment at any stage of the recruitment process.