Assistant Head Teacher - Academic

The Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai is looking for an Assistant Head Teacher - Academic for an August 2026 start.

The Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai (RGSGD) seeks an exceptional, dynamic, and innovative leader to establish and drive the academic life of the Senior school as it prepares for its first-ever GCSE results in 2027. This pioneering role requires a strategic, forward‑thinking individual to shape the academic and operational framework for this vital phase, while also overseeing critical whole‑school academic systems and operations.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the Assistant Head Teacher, Academic will play a crucial role in whole‑school leadership, taking on responsibilities that extend beyond their designated remit as needed. This is a key moment to join a strong, established SLT at an exciting time, with the first GCSE results in 2027 and RGS students reaching Year 11.

The successful candidate will be instrumental in shaping the academic future of RGSGD during this pivotal phase of the school’s development.

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 is 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.

RGSGD is designed for boys and girls aged from 3 to 18. We currently welcome students from FS1 to Year 10, and the school will grow year by year.

Our school embodies the ethos and values that have underpinned the Royal Grammar School Guildford in the UK for over 500 years. These, combined with a spirit of innovation and development, will prepare pupils for the challenges of the 21st and 22nd centuries. We lead by example, stay true to our values, innovate, collaborate and strive to be the very best we can be.

The Assistant Head Teacher, Academic will be responsible for the successful implementation and oversight of Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, ensuring students achieve exceptional outcomes while developing the skills, character, and resilience needed for Sixth Form and beyond. They will lead on logistics, curriculum, structure and operations, working closely with SLT to embed high expectations. Challenge and AG&T provision will be crucial aspects.

In addition to Academic leadership, this role encompasses critical whole‑school academic operations including senior cover, senior duties and senior data and senior timetabling. The post‑holder must possess a logical, systematic mind, be highly proficient with software systems, and demonstrate exceptional accuracy in all aspects of their work.

Line Management:
Heads of Department, Examinations Officer and Careers Lead.

1. Establishing and Leading Key Stage 4

• Design, implement, and lead the structure for Key Stage 4, ensuring a smooth transition from Key Stage 3
• Drive academic success, ensuring the first GCSE cohort (Class of 2027) achieves outstanding results
• Lead on academic tracking, ensuring targeted interventions for students who require additional support

2. Leading GCSE Strategy & Student Performance

• Set and embed a culture of high aspirations, ensuring students are ambitious and well‑prepared for examinations
• Oversee GCSE subject choices, supporting students and parents in making informed decisions
• Work closely with Heads of Department to monitor progress, ensuring consistency and excellence in teaching and learning
• Track student performance data, identifying trends and ensuring all students are progressing towards their potential
• Work…