Vice Principal

Job overview

Horizon English School is seeking an exceptional Vice Principal to work closely with the Principal and Senior Leadership Team to drive academic excellence, foster a culture of wellbeing, and ensure operational efficiency within our vibrant learning community.

About Horizon English School Dubai

Founded in 1989, Horizon English School (HES) is one of the longest standing British schools in Dubai. Nestled in the heart of Jumeirah, Horizon is home to an international community of approximately 1300 children and almost 200 colleagues. Our school has been rated as outstanding by the KHDA and BSO for several years and is accredited with BSME (British Schools in the Middle East).

This is a rare opportunity to join the senior leadership team. We’re looking forward to meeting candidates who believe:

• In the need to build trusting relationships with children and colleagues alike
• That every child can achieve wonderful things given the right environment
• That they can always improve
• In the value of collaboration with others to push for the highest of standards

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.

Role overview

As Vice Principal, you will work closely with the Principal and Senior Leadership Team to provide professional leadership that ensures the school achieves its strategic goals. You will be responsible for maintaining the highest standards of teaching and learning, staff development, school operations, and community engagement, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and high-performing school environment.

Key responsibilities

• Establish and sustain high-quality, research-informed teaching across all subjects.
• Develop and implement a broad, structured, and coherent curriculum that supports student success.
• Promote high standards of behavior and a positive learning culture that fosters excellence.
• Ensure valid, reliable, and proportionate assessment practices are used to track progress.
• Provide strategic oversight for special educational needs and inclusive learning practices.

• Uphold and drive the school’s ethos, vision, and strategic direction.
• Develop a culture of high staff professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Lead professional development programs, ensuring high-impact training and mentoring.
• Drive evidence-informed school improvement strategies to sustain excellence and innovation.
• Forge strong partnerships with parents, the local community, and educational networks.

• Oversee day-to-day school operations, including timetabling, events, and logistics.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding policies, prioritising student and staff welfare.
• Manage financial and human resources effectively, ensuring efficiency and sustainability.
• Implement risk management and ensure policies and procedures support school-wide effectiveness.

• Enhance the school’s reputation and parental engagement through strong communication.
• Support the admissions and retention strategy, ensuring an outstanding parent and student experience.
• Act as an ambassador for the school, championing its mission and values.

Skills & competencies

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Expertise in curriculum development, student performance monitoring, and instructional leadership.
• Proven ability to manage teams, resolve problems, and maintain relationships with stakeholders.

Our offer

The successful candidate will benefit from accommodation allowance, private medical cover, flight allowances, end of service gratuity and an attractive tax-free salary. In addition, there will be a significant commitment to supporting the development and career goals of the successful candidates.

Applications can be submitted via the TES online application form, only fully completed application will be processed. To support your application, please include your current, up-to-date CV.

Interviews will take place online and in person. Local candidates will be interviewed in school. For overseas candidates, the interview will be online.

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.

Thank you for your interest in Horizon English School. Due to the large number of applications expected, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Safeguarding statement

Horizon English School and Cognita are 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 10 years.