Principal

PRINCIPAL, SWISS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL DUBAI (SISD)

Nord Anglia Education has an exciting and challenging opportunity for an outstanding, internationally experienced leader in education, to drive the ongoing success of this market leading day and boarding school in Dubai.

The job description can be downloaded here and the candidate brochure via this link.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL

Swiss International School Dubai (SISD) is ranked among the top 100 private day and boarding schools globally and is one of only 50 all-through International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools worldwide. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of an institution that sets the benchmark for international education.

SISD prides itself on delivering a holistic, world-class education through flexible bilingual pathways and the full IB continuum from ages 3 to 18. The approach combines Swiss standards of excellence with a vibrant multicultural community of over 100 nationalities, creating an environment where students thrive academically and personally.

The state-of-the-art campus, located just minutes from downtown Dubai and the international airport, offers an inspiring setting for learning and living. With outstanding facilities and a warm, close-knit boarding community, SISD is more than a school—it’s a second home for students aged 11 and above.

We are seeking a visionary Principal to lead this exceptional school into its next chapter. You will join a team of highly experienced educators and work in partnership with families to deliver personalised learning experiences that nurture intellectual growth, character development, and global citizenship.

Why SISD?

• One of the only schools in the region authorised to offer the full IB continuum
  

• Unique bilingual programmes in English/French and English/German
  

• Consistently outstanding academic results, with an average point score of 34 in 2025 and an IBDP pass rate of 98%

• A dynamic, diverse community in one of the world’s most exciting cities

If you are an inspiring leader with a passion for excellence and innovation in education, this is your chance to make a lasting impact at one of the most prestigious international schools in the world.

SISD has become part of the Nord Anglia Education family, a dynamic global network of 90+ premium schools across 37 countries. This partnership opens the door to world-class collaborations with institutions such as MIT, UNICEF, and King’s College London, as well as access to the innovative Global Campus. These connections will offer exceptional opportunities for both students and staff to explore, grow, and realise their full potential.

WHY LEAD WITH NORD ANGLIA?

At Nord Anglia, the Principal is central to each school’s success. We carefully match leaders to the unique character and needs of each school, ensuring you’re set up to thrive. You’ll have the autonomy to lead your school your way, while operating within a clear framework of expectations that drive excellence across student outcomes, financial performance, marketing, and stakeholder engagement.

This transparency of purpose is a strength: you’ll know exactly what success looks like and be supported to achieve it. You’ll be part of our global senior leadership team, collaborating with fellow Principals in your region and across our network to share best practice and elevate your school’s offer.

From day one, you’ll benefit from:

• Regional support teams and peer networks
  

• The Principal In Role Support (PIRS) programme, including knowledge and support alongside other new Principals. executive coaching and peer to peer mentoring.
  

• Extensive professional development via Nord Anglia University, including leadership programmes, global conferences, and tailored learning pathways.
  

• Competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, health insurance, accommodation, and schooling for your children.
  

• The possibility of career progression across school, regional and global leadership roles.
  

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking a strategic Principal to lead this exceptional school into its next chapter. You will join a team of highly experienced educators and work in partnership with families to deliver personalised learning experiences that nurture intellectual growth, character development, and global citizenship.

We’re seeking a visionary and strategic leader with cultural awareness of the Swiss/European culture – speaking French/German is beneficial (but not essential). Boarding experience would also be desirable. You’ll bring deep knowledge of the IB and values and a passion for inspiring high-performing teams. You will understand how to balance educational excellence with commercial performance, and be confident using data to drive improvement and meet clear KPIs across academics, finance, marketing, and stakeholder engagement. You’ll thrive in a collaborative, global environment, contributing to the wider success of Nord Anglia Education while leading your school with clarity, purpose, and ambition.

HOW TO APPLY

We welcome applications from individuals who are passionate about education and have the skills and experience to make a significant impact on our students and school community.

To apply for this role, please follow the apply link and upload a CV and letter of application through our careers page.

Application Deadline: Wednesday 10th December

Interviews: Week commencing 12th January 2026

Start Date: August 2026

At Nord Anglia Education we are committed to providing a world-class, safe, happy environment in which children and young people can thrive and learn. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our pupils where we embrace all race, abilities, religions, genders, and cultures.

All post holders in regulated activity (having regular unsupervised contact with children) are subject to appropriate national and international vetting procedures including satisfactory criminal record checks from both your country of residence/birth and any country of residence within the last 10 years.

We welcome applications from suitable qualified persons from all diverse backgrounds.