Head of English - August 2026

AAESS is thrilled to announce a vacancy for a distinguished Head of English, set to join our team in August 2026.

We are searching for a dynamic and inspiring leader to oversee our English department, ensuring exceptional teaching and learning experiences across all key stages. The ideal candidate will be dedicated to promoting academic excellence, enriching the curriculum and assessment practices, and fostering a love for reading, writing, and literature throughout our school community.

About Cognita:

Cognita is a prominent global entity in independent education, founded in 2004. Our thriving community encompasses over 100 schools in 16 countries, including Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East, serving more than 85,000 students. While each school has its distinct identity, we share a unified mission: to create an environment where every individual can thrive in a rapidly changing world.

At Cognita, we honor the individuality of each student, celebrating their unique traits and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, regardless of their starting point or location. We protect their unique characteristics while offering a rich tapestry of knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. Our students partake in an education that is genuinely world-class.

About AAESS:

Al Ain English Speaking School, one of the oldest educational establishments in Al Ain, enjoys a reputation that reaches far beyond the city. Located in the ‘Garden City’, famous for its desert oasis, AAESS serves over 2200 students aged 3 to 19 in an all-through setting, with continuous growth. Our spacious and welcoming campus features outstanding facilities, including an impressive indoor swimming pool, floodlit tennis courts, a 566-seat auditorium, a food preparation and nutrition kitchen, an automotive garage, a TV and radio production studio, and two Apple Mac suites. We provide the British Curriculum, offering iGCSE, AS, and A Levels, with our 6th Form students gaining admission to esteemed universities globally.

AAESS proudly became the first institution in Al Ain to secure the British Schools Overseas Award, recognized by the British Government and quality-assured by Ofsted. Additionally, we are recipients of the Silver Carnegie Mental Health Award, underscoring our dedication to academic excellence and the mental well-being of our students and staff.

AAESS nurtures a caring and diverse community that empowers every individual to reach their full potential in a dynamic and innovative educational environment. We cherish inquiry, perseverance, and reflection, treating each other with respect and integrity while learning collaboratively to become responsible and enterprising global citizens.

Role Overview:

We are keen to welcome passionate, enthusiastic, and innovative educators of the highest standard to our supportive and progressive team. Founded in 1979, our school is one of the first British institutions in Al Ain, highly regarded by the local community for its forward-thinking educational approach. AAESS is a DFE registered BSO (British Schools Overseas) in Al Ain with an inspection rating of Very Good.

We take immense pride in our students, who consistently earn Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards and have achieved Cambridge and Pearson Highest in the UAE, Middle East, and World awards, particularly excelling in French, Maths, and Psychology.

The successful candidate will:

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Demonstrate enthusiasm and maintain strong teaching practices, with a solid grasp of Secondary and/or Primary education.

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Have experience teaching the National Curriculum in British Schools.

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Flourish in a professionally enriching environment.

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Foster an organized and inspiring learning atmosphere.

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Exhibit enthusiasm and a positive demeanor towards students.

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Commit to ongoing improvement across all aspects of school life.

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Reflect on practices and strive for performance enhancement.

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Communicate effectively with parents and colleagues both within and outside the school.

Benefits include:

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A competitive and attractive tax-free salary.

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A four and a half day work week in line with new UAE legislation, with a full-time salary.

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High-quality furnished accommodation.

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Comprehensive medical insurance.

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Return annual flights to your home country.

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Visa fees and end-of-service gratuity.

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Year-round sunshine.

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Middle Management positions may be available for suitable candidates.

Benefits of living in Al Ain & the UAE:

Living in Al Ain City offers teachers an affordable lifestyle in a remarkably welcoming and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Staff enjoy an excellent quality of life with various leisure amenities (e.g., Rugby, Golf, Swimming, and discounted hotel memberships) and captivating tourist attractions (e.g., Al Ain Zoo, Wadi Adventure, Jebel Hafeet). With the dynamic energy of Dubai and Abu Dhabi just a short distance away, staff have abundant opportunities for travel throughout the Gulf region and beyond.

This is a full-time, permanent role offering a highly competitive salary. Interested candidates should submit their applications via the TES online application form; only fully completed applications will be reviewed. Please include your current, updated CV to support your application. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The school reserves the right to interview and appoint strong candidates before the official closing date, so we encourage early applications.

Al Ain English Speaking School and Cognita are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expect the same dedication from our employees. All new hires will undergo thorough pre-employment clearance, which includes identity verification, criminal background checks for all countries of residence, qualification verification, employment checks addressing any gaps in employment, and satisfactory reference checks for all employment within the last 10 years.