School Principal

Horizon International School is recruiting a School Principal.

We are seeking a visionary Principal to lead us into the next exciting chapter of our journey – someone who shares our passion for developing every learner’s potential and understands the power of a close-knit school community.

About Horizon International School:

Our school culture is rooted in inclusivity and respect, where every child is encouraged to grow academically, emotionally, and socially. By focusing on individual strengths and creating meaningful connections, we prepare our students not only for academic success but for life beyond the classroom.

Established in 2008, Horizon International School (HIS) has grown to become a cornerstone of the Jumeirah community in Dubai. With a community of over 1,500 students, we are committed to providing a high-quality British education, taking pride in nurturing every student’s potential in an inclusive, supportive, and vibrant environment.

Our dedication to quality is reflected in our Outstanding rating by British Schools Overseas (BSO) and a Very Good rating by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). These accolades highlight our unwavering focus on excellence in teaching, learning, and student well-being.

Recently, HIS was recognised as one of the world’s Best Schools to Work, achieving Platinum Certification for outstanding leadership, a positive working environment, and a nurturing school culture.

About the role:

The next Principal will inherit a truly international school with a strong community ethos and significant ambition, providing a unique platform for innovation and development.

As Principal, you will benefit from the resources, expertise, and global network of Cognita, enabling you to shape the strategic direction of the school while contributing to the wider success of the group. Cognita values collaboration, professional growth, and a shared vision for success, creating a rewarding environment for all.

Responsibilities:

 HOLISTIC EDUCATION

• Stay at the forefront of national and international educational trends, elevating teaching standards, refining a forward-thinking curriculum, and delivering co-curricular programmes that celebrate diversity, inclusion, and global perspectives.
• Build a culture of professional excellence by fostering a high-performing learning community.
• Drive strategies that uphold exceptional teaching standards and implement a curriculum that seamlessly balances academic rigor with engagement and enrichment.
• Embrace a future-focused approach, ensuring students are equipped with pathways to succeed in an evolving global landscape, underpinned by unparalleled academic standards.
• Cultivate enduring and meaningful relationships with students, staff, parents, and the wider community, including Cognita schools.
• Place equal emphasis on academic achievement, pastoral care, and co-curricular excellence to unlock the full potential of every learner and drive sustained improvement.
• Champion a holistic approach to education by creating opportunities for all students to succeed, ensuring their diverse needs are met.
• Leverage data to identify areas for growth, inform improvements in student outcomes, and work collaboratively with the academic team to drive progress,

LEADERSHIP

• Exemplify commitment to the school community, develop staff leadership capacity, represent the school to the Ministry of Education and KHDA, and strengthen ties with local businesses and embassies.
• Partner with the Board to articulate and deliver an ambitious vision for the school, driving strategic goals and identifying innovative opportunities for the school and the broader Cognita network.
• Oversee the evolution of the campus through carefully planned facility enhancements, ensuring it remains at the forefront of world-class education.
• Ensure evaluations and appraisals are structured to promote impactful teaching, curriculum delivery, and meaningful assessments.
• Lead the creation and implementation of a dynamic vision for the school, ensuring it is underpinned by strategic school improvement planning, aligned with the school’s long-term goals.

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

• Drive the school’s continued success as a premier international institution, aligned with its Mission, Ethos, and Values.
• Recruit, inspire, and retain the most exceptional talent to sustain world-leading educational standards.
• Monitor and elevate school performance through detailed analysis of admissions, stakeholder satisfaction, and academic outcomes.
• Lead preparations for accreditation, ensuring consistent excellence through strategic self-evaluation and improvement.
• Collaborate with financial teams to deliver innovative, cost-effective strategies that balance fiscal responsibility with a relentless focus on quality. Develop a deep understanding of the school’s financial and operational landscape, securing its long-term sustainability.
• Uphold the highest standards of safety, compliance, and operational efficiency, ensuring accountability to the Board and fostering trust within the community.

GROWTH

• Lead with distinction in student recruitment and retention, implementing innovative admissions strategies that reflect the school’s premium standing and commitment to growth.
• Elevate the school’s profile by championing its Values, Ethos, and Brand, showcasing its achievements on both local and international stages.
• Forge impactful partnerships with external stakeholders to advance strategic goals and maintain a dynamic, inspiring presence throughout the school community

Qualifications and Experience:

• A graduate degree in education or a related field; a Master’s or equivalent professional development (e.g., NPQH) is preferred.
•  A proven record of outstanding leadership as a senior leader, ideally in a through school including delivering a range of post 16 academic outcomes.
• Demonstrated excellence as a classroom practitioner with a deep understanding of effective pedagogy.
• Strong business acumen, along with HR and compliance expertise, and an awareness of educational trends.
• International experience and a strong understanding of the Middle East region's educational landscape.

To apply, please email your detailed CV and a cover letter to Lynne Rennie, Head of Recruitment at Cognita ME, at lynne.rennie@cognita.com. Your cover letter should highlight your interest in the role and how your experience aligns with the key criteria.

The deadline for applications is 17th January 2025, but we encourage early submissions. References will only be contacted at the final stages of the process, and only with your prior consent.

Cognita is 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 5 years.