Data Manager - August 2026

The Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai is looking for an Data Manager for an August 2026 start.

The Data Manager is a pivotal role that shapes the strategic direction of RGSGD through accurate, insightful reporting and evidence-based analysis. This position is fundamental to our commitment to educational excellence, enabling leaders and teachers to make informed decisions that directly impact student outcomes and school improvement. As the custodian of our data systems and insights, you will be the driving force behind our transformation into a truly data-informed school community.

About Cognita:

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.

At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world, wherever they’re starting from. We protect what’s special about them, while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger; ensuring they get an education that’s, quite literally, world class.

Overview

The Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai (RGSGD) is a leading British curriculum school (ages 3–18), committed to academic excellence, character development, and a holistic education. As part of the Cognita family of schools, RGSGD combines the heritage of the Royal Grammar School Guildford, UK, with a forward-thinking and ambitious educational vision.

As the Senior School continues to grow, RGSGD is preparing for its first public examination cohorts, with early GCSE entries in 2026, the first full GCSE cohort in 2027, and first A Level (A2) examinations in 2029.

The role:

You will be the driving force behind RGSGD's data strategy, ensuring our Management Information Systems work flawlessly to support every aspect of school operations. Your expertise will enable evidence-based decision-making across the school, from academic planning to student progress tracking, empowering our leadership team and teaching staff to act with confidence and clarity. You will be the trusted partner who transforms raw data into actionable insights that fuel our relentless pursuit of excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic MIS Management and Development

• Oversee the strategic implementation and continuous improvement of our Management Information System to align with best practice and school priorities

• Drive operational efficiency through system optimization, ensuring seamless data flow across all school departments and functions

2. Student Data Oversight

• Maintain the accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of all student data, including progress tracking, attainment records, attendance, and examination outcomes

• Establish robust data validation processes to ensure the highest standards of data quality across the school

3. Data Analysis and Reporting

• Produce comprehensive, insightful reports for senior leadership, teaching staff, and external stakeholders that translate complex data into clear, actionable narratives

• Develop bespoke reporting tools and dashboards that support informed decision-making at all levels of the schoo

4. Line Management and Staff Training

• Lead and develop a team of Data Assistants and Data Executives, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement

• Deliver comprehensive training programmes to staff on MIS systems, ensuring all users can access and interpret data effectively

5. Partnership with Academic and Leadership Teams

• Collaborate with academic and leadership teams to develop robust tracking systems and data frameworks that support school improvement initiatives

• Work closely with department heads to ensure data insights are embedded within curriculum planning and student progress monitoring

6. GDPR Compliance and Data Security

• Ensure full compliance with GDPR and all relevant data protection regulations, maintaining the highest standards of data integrity and security

• Establish and implement protocols that safeguard sensitive information and build trust within our school communit

7. External Provider Liaison

• Manage relationships with external MIS providers, overseeing system updates, troubleshooting issues, and implementing enhancements

• Oversee the delivery of reports via the Virtual Learning Environment and parent portal, ensuring accessibility and clarity for all stakeholder

8. School Improvement Planning

• Contribute meaningfully to school improvement planning through robust target setting and performance evaluation

• Provide data-driven insights that inform strategic priorities and support the school's continuous evolution

Education:

• A relevant degree or qualification in data, IT, or a related field

• Proven experience in a data management role within an educational setting

Experience:

• A track record of successfully managing MIS platforms such as SIMS, iSAMS, or equivalent systems, with the ability to deliver data-driven insights that inform decision-making

• Demonstrated experience in leading and training staff in data systems and processes

• Skills and Attributes. Advanced proficiency in Excel, Power BI, FFT Aspire, and similar data analysis tools

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present complex data clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences

• A collaborative, solutions-focused mindset coupled with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to excellence

To support your application, please include your current, up-to-date CV.

The school reserves the right to interview and appoint strong candidates before the official closing date, and therefore we would encourage candidates to apply early in the process.

Cognita is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects the same from its employees. All new staff will be subject to detailed and enhanced pre-employment clearance, including identity checks, criminal background checks for all countries lived in, qualification checks, employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps in employment, and satisfactory reference checks for all employment in the last 5 years.