Head of Senior School & Sixth Form

The British International School, Al Khobar (BISAK) following the retirement of the current successful post holder the school seeks a dynamic and inspirational school leader to become the new Head of Senior School and Sixth Form from September 2023. The successful candidate will take on a thriving school with a strong pupil roll, solid academic results and a superb teaching and support staff.

Working in close cooperation with the wider Extended Leaders Team (ELT), the Head of the Senior School and Sixth Form is responsible to the Principal for all aspects of the life of the Senior School including its day-to-day leadership and management. They will be an experienced senior leader with well-developed and proven organisational and leadership skills, and able to foster the respect and confidence of all members of the school community. This role would suit a professional with existing experience as a head teacher or someone ready to take on their first headship. The position will be effective from September 2023.

The British International School, Al Khobar (BISAK) has been providing the very best education for the wider community of Al Khobar since 1977. Since 2019 we have occupied our new state of the art campus. The move to our campus in 2019 not only demonstrates the success of our school but the trust the community has in us. We are committed to the growth and development of our school with the support of our community and the British Embassy. We are a not for profit school, so all our resources are used to support our pupils learning. Our Governing body are volunteer British passport holding parents who are elected by our British parents to ensure the future of our school.

BISAK is proud to be British Schools Overseas Inspected and a founder member of the Association of British Schools Overseas (AoBSO) as well as a founding member of the British Schools of the Middle East (BSME). BISAK is also an Accredited Member of the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) and a member of the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools (IAPS).

In April 2022, our British School Overseas (BSO) inspection led by PENTA International stated that: “BISAK provides a high standard of education, as a result, pupils make excellent academic progress and attainment. Pupils show positive attitudes to learning and their behaviour is excellent. The levels of care provided ensure all pupils feel safe and thrive at school. Strong leadership ensures a focus on continuous improvement. Pupils and their parents are proud to be part of the school community”. 

We encourage everyone in our school to make the most of their opportunities, to learn something new each day and to reflect upon their experiences. We encourage our pupils to work hard and always try their very best at everything that they do. We will assist them, by providing them with the best possible learning environment and outstanding teaching, in an atmosphere of order, discipline and care.

Our school motto, “Let there be peace on earth” symbolises what we expect from all members of our school. We are a community, and a family. This ideal impacts upon every element of our academic and personal lives.

Working at BISAK provides a unique opportunity to be part of a successful international all-through school. Both the Preparatory School and Senior School and Sixth Form work very closely together to ensure our pupils experience the same holistic experience.

Further details are available on our website: www.bisak.org

The Post

The post holder will be expected to play a lead role in the development of the Senior School and Sixth Form and to ensure that its teaching, learning, pastoral and administrative practices are commensurate with best practice in the UK and internationally.

Person Specification

• graduate with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and significant leadership experience in school.
• clear evidence of willingness to continue learning and developing as a reflective practitioner including evidence of the NPQH or equivalent course.
• enthusiastic and innovative teacher with a genuine passion for teaching, who can motivate and inspire staff and pupils.
• proven ability to effectively lead and work with a team in a collaborative manner.
• committed to contributing to a holistic approach to education.
• recent experience teaching the National Curriculum of England & Wales and GCSE and A level.
• strong professional development background working with and supporting the development of colleagues.
• understands principles of formative and summative assessment.
• relevant experience of timetabling, budgeting and the efficient allocation of resources.
• meets our CHILD PROTECTION and SAFEGUARDING requirements in full.
• excellent communication skills with all stakeholders.
• maintains outstanding professional relationships with colleagues across the whole school.

Remuneration

BISAK operates its own teaching scale, which reflects that in the UK, and is related to teaching experience. All salaries are paid tax free. In addition, all teachers appointed from outside Saudi Arabia on an overseas contract receive free accommodation (excluding telephone and internet), private health insurance, annual flight allowance and generous fee remission for up to 2 eligible children.

How to apply

Please apply by completing the online application form on the TES website including a letter of application, addressed to the Principal (Mr. Stephen Viner) as a pdf document.

Applications must include the contact details for at least three professional referees one of whom should be your current headteacher/principal.

Completed applications should be submitted electronically via ‘Apply Now’ on TES Online. The school reserves the right to interview potential appointees and to make an appointment when the right candidate is found. Thus, early applications are encouraged. Interviews for the post in the first instance will most likely take place by Teams.

Contract term: 31st August 2026 renewable

Closing date: ongoing

Safeguarding

The British International School, Al Khobar is committed to safeguarding and protecting children and young people. As such, all posts are subject to safer recruitment practises, including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks. UK and EU-based passport holders will be required to obtain an ICPC check. Previous employers will be contacted.