Head of Secondary Female

Downe House Riyadh is seeking a passionate and highly skilled Head of Secondary to join our growing team from August 2026
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The successful candidate will inspire, challenge and support students to achieve their full potential while contributing positively to the academic and pastoral life of the school.

We welcome applications from reflective, innovative practitioners who are eager to make a meaningful impact within a supportive and ambitious learning environment.

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; our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can “Thrive in a rapidly evolving world”.

We nurture each student’s distinct personality and strengths, supporting them academically, socially and emotionally wherever they are in the world. They get to be part of something bigger – ensuring they receive an education that is, quite literally, world class.

Opened in September 2022, Downe House Riyadh delivers a world‑class British curriculum in partnership with one of the UK’s most celebrated girls‑only private schools. With over a century of excellence, Downe House UK consistently ranks among the country’s top five all‑girls’ schools.

Located in the prestigious Aqeeq neighbourhood in northern Riyadh, the school offers a British curriculum enriched with Downe House UK’s tradition and expertise. The programme is carefully adapted for Saudi Arabia, ensuring girls excel in Arabic, Islamic Studies and core subjects.

The close partnership between the Riyadh and UK schools is evident in both philosophy and practice. At the heart of the Downe House ethos is the individual: every girl’s strengths, challenges and interests are recognised, with bespoke pathways that foster confidence and success.

• A first‑class British education leading to IGCSEs and A Levels
• Academic excellence in girls’ education
• Exceptional pastoral care and opportunities for personal growth
• A wide range of co‑curricular activities

• Pre‑Prep:
  Nursery to Year 2 (ages 2–7)
• Prep:
  Year 3 to Year 8 (ages 7–13)
• Senior:
  Year 9 to Year 13 (ages 13–18)

Boys and girls are admitted from Pre‑School to Year 4.

The state‑of‑the‑art campus features dedicated libraries, central atriums, science and design labs, art studios, a 450‑seat theatre, music, dance and drama facilities, IT labs, and both senior and learner swimming pools.

The Head of Secondary plays a pivotal role in shaping the journey. Responsible for the strategic leadership and day‑to‑day management of the Secondary phase (Years 6–13), the Head of Secondary ensures excellence in academic standards, pastoral care and holistic development opportunities. A key member of the Senior Leadership Team, this role is central to embedding the school’s mantra: “Work Hard, Aim High”, into every aspect of secondary education.

The Head of School will work closely with the Principal, Vice Principal and SLT.

This role requires an individual with deep contextual understanding of working within the Kingdom, strong professional credibility with parents and external bodies, and the ability to balance operational rigour with sensitivity, discretion and cultural intelligence.

• Provide strategic and visible leadership for the Secondary School in line with the Downe House Riyadh DNA and ethos.
• Inspire staff and students to embrace ambition, excellence and perseverance in all they do.
• Lead by example, ensuring our girls leave school as advocates for themselves, their communities and the world.
• Work collaboratively with SLT, ELT and the KS Leads to ensure smooth transitions and whole‑school alignment.

• Working with the KS3, KS4 and HoSF Leads in curriculum development that reflects global best practice, with a strong focus on IGCSE, A Level and BTEC success, while preparing students for Qadyrat and Tashilli for Saudi University entrance.
• Ensure teaching and…