Head of School

To commence in January 2024 (an earlier or later start date may also be possible)

Brighton College – awarded the title of ‘School of the Decade’ by the Sunday Times – is consistently recognised as the UK’s top co-educational independent school. It was one of the first to take its distinctive and innovative education to a global market through the establishment of international schools. The Brighton College International (BCI) group now has schools in Abu Dhabi (established 2011), Al Ain (2013), Bangkok (2016), Dubai (2018) and Singapore (2020). The family of schools is continuing to grow, with Brighton College Vietnam opening in Hanoi in August 2023, and Brighton College Prep Kensington opening in London in September 2023. Every school shares the academic, pastoral and co-curricular approach developed so successfully by Brighton College in the UK. They collaborate with and support each other, under the leadership of the BCI team, while implementing the vision of the family of schools in their local contexts.

Brighton College, with its partner in the UAE, Bloom Education, is now seeking an inspirational, charismatic and ambitious Head to lead Brighton College Abu Dhabi. The school is well-established, successful academically and characterised by the pillars of curiosity, confidence and kindness that are at the core of all Brighton College schools, yet it also reflects the cultural context in which it operates. Graded ‘Outstanding’ by ADEK, the school was also one of the top schools in the UAE for GCSE and A-level results in August 2022, and the highest performing school in Abu Dhabi.  

This opportunity represents a career-defining, professional challenge for a proven senior leader who shares our aim of developing well-educated, respectful and intellectually curious young men and women ready to take a full, active and positive role in the world. All our leaders and teachers understand the values of a British independent school education, the expectations of parents for the highest educational standards and the needs of our pupils who are very motivated to learn.

We are looking for an educational leader with the energy and vision to lead this world-class academic institution, distinctive in its own right but with the Brighton College DNA running right through it.

The successful candidate will have strong leadership experience with a track record of delivering academic excellence (including an in-depth knowledge of the British curriculum), supported by outstanding pastoral and co-curricular programmes that are essential to the success of any Brighton College school. The role will require creativity, innovation, the ability to lead strategically, and the political and commercial sensitivity to be able to work effectively with Brighton College in the UK, Bloom Education and external agencies. They will be enthusiastic about working within the group and, like all other Heads in the Brighton College family, will be expected to lead with authenticity, purpose and a deep-seated commitment to the progress and development of each and every pupil within their school.

The position comes with an attractive salary and a competitive package including medical cover, flights, housing and free child school places.

This appointment is being managed on behalf of Brighton College International by RSAcademics. For a preliminary, confidential conversation with Jean Sullivan, Head of International Search, or Keith Clark, Head of International Appointments, please contact JeanSullivan@RSAcademics.com

Further, detailed candidate information about this, including information on how to apply, is available at www.rsacademics.com

The deadline for the receipt of applications is Wednesday 19 April 2023 at 10:00 (UK)/13:00 (UAE). Preliminary Interviews with RSAcademics may commence before the applications deadline and Brighton College reserves the right to appoint a candidate prior to the closing date. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

Only applications submitted in accordance with the process set out in the candidate information will be accepted.

Brighton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils and expects all employees to share this commitment. All applicants should read the College’s Child Protection Policy, which is available on our website, and are required to declare any information as requested on the application form. Enhanced disclosure with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) in the UK and a local police certificate will be requested for the successful candidate.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

The safeguarding responsibilities of the role are indicated in the candidate information.

RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.