Executive Principal

Ras Al Khaimah Academy (RAK Academy) is one of the oldest, largest and most prestigious international schools in the UAE. The school was established in 1975 as a not-for-profit organisation working through a Board of Directors to oversee the development of the school - a status that exists to this day.

The group now operates as a family of schools on separate five sites, all based within 40 kms of each other and offering a variety of curriculum pathways, including modified English National Curriculum, Primary Years Programme, IGCSE, A Level and IB Diploma, depending on location and individual preference. Presently, over 3,800 students from 71 different nationalities are educated at the five schools. Over the past ten years the Academy has grown markedly, in both student numbers and reputation for developing academic achievement; certainly, it is the international school of choice in the Emirate.

RAK Academy is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS), the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) and British Schools Overseas (BSO). The five schools offer everything needed to succeed: supportive management, staff and parents and, most importantly of all, students who are still to reach their full potential. Ongoing development of high standards of behaviour, raising expectations and embedding quality teaching and learning are the main priorities in the school's improvement journey over the next five years. Staff are encouraged to inspire learning, not only through their teaching expertise, but also by their pastoral commitment and care for each individual student.

The RAK Academy Family of Schools is non-selective, and encourages a mixed intake. Academic results are good and improving, with pockets of under achievement- the most recent IGCSE results exceeded the UK average pass rates in both progress and attainment. IB Diploma results are consistently above the world average. RAK Academy's schools consist of the following, including the age groups they educate and the number of students on roll:

RAK Academy - British Primary School, Khuzam site
Age: 3-11
Number on roll: 1,409

RAK Academy - International Primary School, Khuzam site
Age: 3-11
Number on roll: 1,188

RAK Academy - International Secondary School, Khuzam site
Age: 12-18+
Number on roll: 874

RAK Academy - British School, Al Hamra site
Age: 3-17
Number on roll: 212

RAK Academy - British School, Al Rams site
Age: 3-7
Number on roll: 174

RAK Academy comprises a 'family' of schools that continue on their journey to educational improvement in all areas.

Through an inclusive admissions system, the schools put their students at the very heart of what they do. They promote passionately the belief that all their students, whatever their profile, should be encouraged, both academically and pastorally, to become global thinkers, rounded individuals, well-equipped for the next stage of their lives. The schools want them to develop a deep appreciation of the similarities and differences between everyone and the advantages a multicultural outlook can bring. This ethos, coupled with improving academic success rates increasingly provides RAK Academy students with the optimum route into the world of higher education and/or work.

RAK Academy has a dedicated team of teaching staff who are well-supported and given opportunities to access a range of CPD. The dedication of all its staff and students has resulted in widespread change across the schools and, by working in partnership with parents to support all their young people, the schools are striving towards ever-improving outcomes for all their students in all of the schools. Young people only have one chance in life to have a rewarding educational experience and they want to ensure that RAK Academy provides this.

RAK Academy intends to be a family of schools working collaboratively, but each with its own uniqueness and identity. Its mission is: to create a culture of lifelong learning; to deliver a broad, balanced and challenging education that enables all learners to succeed; and to create a safe, stimulating and engaging learning environment. As global citizens, RAK Academy students show an open-minded interest in the world, they are respectful, tolerant and understanding of others. RAK Academy students embrace challenge whilst taking responsibility to achieve their best. They strive to learn the skills and knowledge needed to excel as lifelong learners.

The RAK Academy community is based upon the principle that, as a group sharing the same educational aims, mutual support and encouragement for all will ensure that students feel secure and valued. This principle underpins daily routines and practice and is embedded in the vision: "Learning Excellence with a Community Heart".

The Board of Directors at this not-for-profit, multi-school trust are seeking to appoint an outstanding leader as Executive Principal for August 2020, or as soon as available, to oversee the leadership of the family of schools. The Executive Principal will be expected to provide professional leadership and management for the Academy, promoting a secure foundation from which to achieve high standards in all areas of the schools' work. To gain this success the Executive Principal must establish high quality education by effectively managing teaching and learning to maximize and realize the potential of all students. The Principal must establish a culture that promotes excellence, equality and high expectations of all students.

As Executive Principal, the successful candidate will be given the opportunity to put their many skills to good use, with the support of a committed Board of Directors. A successful educational culture is only possible when all in a school community have open and honest discussions. The Board do not believe in shying away from the bigger decisions about their students' educational experience or from difficult discussions with staff regarding performance. They actively encourage this robust dialogue so that everyone knows their own role in ensuring that quality teaching and learning remains uppermost in all decision making.

The successful candidate will be joining an academy group where students must be at the heart of everything they do. The post will be a demanding one; the students and staff need outstanding leadership in their very real journey towards the future improvement of their schools.

Ras Al Khaimah itself is a beautiful place to live and work, with a wide range of regional attractions. The local RAK community is supportive and becoming ever more appreciative of the academic demands placed on their children as a necessary prerequisite of successful future life chances. RAK Academy wants to be at the heart of the community and they are determined in this drive to make RAK Academy schools a regional asset for companies who wish to relocate with their employees' families to this area.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Edward Clark on +44(0)1256 862840 or +44 (0)7718 588616, or email at edward@lsceducation.com. To apply for the post, please visit http://www.lsceducation.com and submit your up-to-date CV and a letter of application quoting code RAKEP. The letter should incorporate how you meet the person specification, why you are applying for the position and what particular attributes and qualities you would bring to the role.

Key Dates
Closing date: 5 January 2020
Longlist interviews: 15, 16 January 2020 (by video conference)
Shortlist/Final interviews: 29, 30 January 2020 (at RAK Academy, UAE)

RAK Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undergo relevant background checks.