Vice Principal

Al Karamah School and Training Institute is a high-profile school for Emirati students, offering world-leading education and behavioural care. Based in Abu Dhabi, our aim is to make a real and lasting difference for every young person we support. The School and Training Institute caters for children and young people on the autistic spectrum, aged 3 to 25, who range from low to high functioning.

We have a strong track record of creating great, positive learning environments where young people are able to attain the highest educational, behavioural and personal outcomes, and are able to go on and have fulfilling lives and careers.

Al Karamah School opened in January 2019 and is designed drawing on our experience of creating a suitable environment which is attuned to child-centred learning.  The Training Institute was then opened in a state-of-the-art building in April 2021. With a dedicated therapy team, you would have the opportunity to join a team focused on the best possible outcomes for each and every young person. 

We are looking for a passionate, dedicated, and inspirational professional with a proven track record in achieving the very highest standards.  You will be a person able to see the possibilities of all our exceptional learners and develop a provision that enables them to thrive.

We are seeking an individual who:

• provides inspiration, motivation and vision to take the school forward
• is resilient, dynamic and committed
• has an understanding of both traditional and alternative educational models for ASC young people
• provides a relentless focus on enabling all young people to raise their achievement within our school and beyond
• maintains and develops the excellent existing relationships within the school and the wider community.
• works in partnership with colleagues, to ensure the school is world class in all aspects of its provision.
• can use outstanding pedagogy and inspirational leadership to drive up achievement to ensure our students have every possible chance of success in life.
• is an outstanding practitioner, with an unwavering commitment to the highest standards for teaching and learning.
• has excellent interpersonal and presentational skills. 
• has the ability to plan strategically.
• will be a visible and respected presence across the school and training institute.

We are deeply committed to the continuous professional development of our staff and you will be joining an enthusiastic, friendly, and well qualified team.  We believe the right candidates will find this post challenging, stimulating and rewarding.  We have ambitious and exciting expansion plans; for the right applicants there are possible opportunities for internal promotion. 

Experience of working in an SEN/ASC school as well as experience with behavioural difficulties is desirable but not essential, as long as applicants have relevant experience, a desire to become an ASC expert and really want to make a difference to young people’s life. You should be able to demonstrate a real passion for SEN / Autism.

Benefits

• You will be provided with a competitive employment package with benefits and tax-free salary dependent on qualifications and experience
• Good staff retention rates – the staff are happy at this school
• Peer support to settle in
• Access to strong formal CPD opportunities with UK links to universities offering qualifications through distance learning and informally working with SEN experts.
• First class resources, soft play areas, swimming pool and new classrooms that are streamed according to ability not age
• Small, well-resourced class of 5-10 students grouped by levels and ability, with very high adult- teacher ratios

Essential requirements:

• BA Education, or a relevant degree with a Post Graduate Certificate in Education
• Qualified Teacher Status
• Minimum of 5 years teaching experience
• Minimum of 3 years in a senior leadership position in a school or other educational setting

Desirable:

• Experience teaching young people with autism and other special educational needs.
• Post graduate qualification in autism, special needs or related areas.

References

For all roles we require a minimum of two references. Please be advised that references will be requested prior to interview for all roles within our schools and further education facilities.

Disclosure

Priory Aspris Education Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants must be willing to undergo safeguarding screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and disclosures with the relevant body at an enhanced level. We are an equal opportunities employer.