Assistant Head - SENCO (Whole School)

Al Rabeeh Academy is seeking an enthusiastic, adaptable and committed Assistant Head Teacher to lead Special Educational Needs, Inclusion and G&T across the whole school. This position will commence from mid-August 2019. 

The Assistant Head Teacher through collaboration with the senior leadership team will coordinate all SEND, Inclusion and G&T support for our students to ensure they acquire the relevant learning they need to achieve their aspirations. The successful applicant will need to be sympathetic to the ethos and values of Al Rabeeh Academy with a high population of Emirati/Arab students, and be able to adapt their support to  accelerate rates of student progress to reach expected attainment levels.

Al Rabeeh Academy is a purpose built school, opened in August 2017 and is a part of a growing network of schools. The Al Rabeeh name has been synonymous throughout the city for high quality education and pastoral care since 1979.  The founding school, Al Rabeeh School, is a successful, well-established primary school with an excellent reputation and was recently rated a Band ‘A’ School in an ADEK full school inspection. Both schools are members of British Schools in the Middle East (BSME) and are committed to professional development and the CPD programmes BSME offers.  

Al Rabeeh Academy is a bilingual private school from FS1 to Year 13, delivering the English National Curriculum, alongside Arabic Language, Islamic Studies and Social Studies (taught by Arabic teachers). The secondary school children are taught in segregated classes. The successful candidate will be a highly committed team player with the drive, energy and passion to develop Al Rabeeh Academy, which will open opportunities for internal promotion, as the academy grows. 

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team you should already have  leadership experience within a vibrant and diverse school and be ready to take on the next challenging stage of your career. The successful candidate will have the energy, charisma, personality and educational philosophy to drive standards across the phase and develop close and genuine relationships with staff, students and parents. 

Applicants must be fluent English speaking and must have a relevant bachelors or masters degree in Special Needs Education or a related field with a minimum of 5 years’ teaching experience in schools that follow the British National curriculum. The SEN qualification in the UK is not sufficient to gain local authority approval.

Applicants must demonstrate:

We are seeking to appoint energetic, highly motivated and inspirational teachers to take a strategic role in the leadership and management of the Academy in partnership with the Director of Schools and our aspirational senior leadership team. The successful candidate will be non-class based with some teaching responsibility and will lead on whole school initiatives. With an excellent knowledge of the English National Curriculum you will show both a commitment to, and the impact you have had, on whole school improvement.

We are looking for applicants who can demonstrate:

Comprehensive knowledge and experience of current UK SEND, inclusion and G&T initiatives and pedagogy

Incredibly high expectations for themselves and others 

An aptitude to lead, motivate and inspire others with a proven track record in managing change

Ability to adapt to the local educational context of the United Arab Emirates

Respect the views of parents, and show an appreciation for the importance of parental support in the learning process

A proven track record in commitment to excellence, and the maximising of academic and personal achievement for all children

Successful performance management, quality assurance processes, monitoring and appraisal of others 

An ability to foster effective relationships with students, parents and other stakeholders

An innovative practice and a desire for career progression 

Successful experience in school improvement planning and the school self-evaluation process

Resilience and a solutions focused work ethic and a willingness to go the extra mile

Experience of working in a new and developing school (advantageous)

Experience of  leadership in a 3-18 school (advantageous)

Experience of teaching, leadership and management in the Middle East (preferable)

Package Details: 

• Competitive salary (tax free) 

• High quality furnished accommodation, plus utilities or housing allowance 

• Annual return air ticket / allowance 

• Comprehensive medical insurance cover

• End of service gratuity

• Visa arranged by the school

To apply please use the ‘apply now’ button and follow the process, or forward an up-to-date CV, covering letter and photograph to the Principal and Director of Schools, Ms Alison Lamb at jobs@alrabeehac.ae 

Closing date for applications: Thursday, 28th March 2019, but Skype and telephone interviews may take place ahead of this date so an early application is advantageous. While we thank all applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.