Barka, Oman
Lead the launch of a new international school in one of Oman's fastest-growing communities
GEMS School Management (GSM) invites applications from exceptional, entrepreneurial school leaders for the position of Founding Principal of GEMS Adrak Global School, a new British curriculum school opening in Barka, Oman, in September 2027.
Developed through a strategic partnership between GEMS School Management and Adrak Developers LLC, one of Oman's leading construction and development organisations, this is a distinctive opportunity to establish and lead a new school from inception, shaping every aspect of its educational vision, culture, operations and long-term success.
Located within Hai Al Naseem, a landmark master-planned residential community being developed under Oman's national housing strategy, the school will serve a rapidly growing population of Omani and international families and is positioned to become a leading educational destination in the Sultanate.
The Principal will work closely with Robert Tarn CBE, Chief Executive Officer of GSM, and David Irish, Global Director of Education, to create a school that combines the highest standards of British education with an ambitious vision for innovation, inclusion and community engagement.
About GEMS Adrak Global SchoolOpening in September 2027, GEMS Adrak Global School will be a purpose-built British curriculum school serving students from FS1 to Year 13, with student numbers growing in phases towards an ultimate capacity of approximately 1,690 students.
The school will be situated within the new Hai Al Naseem development in Barka, an emerging community expected to accommodate thousands of residents and benefit from excellent connectivity to Muscat and the wider Al Batinah region.
Supported by GSM's global expertise, systems and quality frameworks, the school has been designed to offer:
- A high-quality British curriculum
- Outstanding teaching and learning
- Strong pastoral care and student wellbeing
- Innovative and future-focused educational experiences
- Inclusive provision meeting diverse learner needs
- A vibrant and engaged school community
- Clear pathways to leading universities worldwide
This is a genuine founding leadership role.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:
- Establish the vision, values and culture of a new international school
- Lead all aspects of pre-opening planning and operational readiness
- Shape the staffing structure and recruit a high-calibre team
- Develop an ambitious School Development Plan from inception
- Create a culture of academic excellence and continuous improvement
- Build strong partnerships with parents, community stakeholders and regulatory authorities
- Drive enrolment growth and establish the school's reputation in the market
- Embed safeguarding, wellbeing and inclusion at the heart of the school
- Lead the school through its opening phase and subsequent growth journey
- Position the school for future accreditation and international recognition
Essential
- Significant senior leadership experience in high-performing international schools
- Strong understanding of British curriculum education
- Experience leading diverse and multicultural staff teams
- Excellent strategic, operational and financial management capability
- Proven ability to engage effectively with parents and external stakeholders
- Strong commitment to safeguarding and student wellbeing
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills
Desirable
- Previous founding school or school start-up experience
- Experience with in the Middle East or broader international education sector
- Experience leading through accreditation, inspection or quality assurance processes
- Experience driving enrolment growth and market positioning
As Founding Principal of GEMS Adrak Global School, you will:
- Launch and shape a flagship international school from the ground up
- Work directly with senior leaders across GSM and GEMS Education
- Access world-class educational expertise, leadership support and professional development
- Join a growing portfolio of GSM-managed schools across multiple countries
- Influence the development of education within one of the Gulf's most ambitious emerging communities
- Leave a lasting legacy through the creation of a school that will serve generations of students and families
This is more than a principalship. It is an opportunity to build a school from first principles, establish a lasting educational legacy, and lead one of the most exciting…
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