Head of Upper School (Years 9-11) - August 2026

King’s College Doha is seeking a passionate, highly qualified, and committed individual to fill the role of Head of Upper School within its Senior School, commencing August 2026. Located on the esteemed Mesaimeer campus, the selected candidate will report to the Deputy Head Pastoral and will be responsible for overseeing the pastoral care, academic progress, and specific needs of students in Years 9-11.

This position is essential in guiding the strategic direction of the Senior School, collaborating closely with the Deputy Head Academic, Deputy Head Pastoral, and the Head of Sixth Form (Years 12-13).

About Cognita:
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we have developed a vibrant network of over 100 schools across 16 countries, including regions such as Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East, serving more than 85,000 students. While each school has its unique identity, we share a unified mission: to create an environment where individuals can “Thrive in a rapidly evolving world.”

At Cognita, we value the individuality of each student. We support their unique personalities and strengths, providing comprehensive academic, social, and emotional guidance, irrespective of where they begin their journey. We celebrate their distinct qualities while equipping them with a broad spectrum of knowledge, opportunities, and exemplary practices, allowing them to be part of a larger community and receive an education of the highest standard.

About King’s College Doha:
King’s College Doha offers an outstanding UK-style independent education to the international community in Qatar, situated within some of the region's finest facilities. Since its successful opening in September 2016, the school has positioned itself among Doha’s top educational institutions.

Our partnership with our UK counterpart, King’s College Taunton, is a significant advantage. Joint efforts in vision and ethos, curriculum development, professional advancement, and extracurricular opportunities help uphold our high educational standards. This collaboration allows both students and educators in Doha to benefit from the expertise and reputation cultivated by King’s College UK over the past 150 years.

King’s College Doha provides:
• A distinguished, diverse British curriculum within an international framework;
• A commitment to academic excellence for all learners;
• Outstanding pastoral care and personal growth opportunities;
• A wide range of extracurricular activities that enhance the school experience.

We blend a strong academic emphasis with a robust co-curriculum, ensuring students enjoy a rich and extended school experience. Our dedication to pastoral care is essential; we believe children reach their full potential when they feel happy, supported, and secure in their environment. All staff members work hard to nurture a strong sense of community and foster supportive relationships, ensuring every child knows they have someone to rely on.

Currently, King’s College Doha accommodates over 1,700 students aged 3 to 18 (Pre-School to Year 13) and will continue to expand as we grow our Sixth Form.
• Pre-Prep: Pre-School (EY1) – Year 2
• Prep: Year 3 – Year 8
• Senior School: Year 9 – Year 13

Our campuses are conveniently located in the Al Thumama and Mesaimeer districts, easily accessible from all areas of Doha and just a twenty-minute drive from the city center. Our impressive facilities for the Prep and Senior School include a dedicated library, a central atrium, science laboratories, an art and design center, music and drama rooms, several computer labs, a sports hall, a swimming pool, and extensive outdoor sports areas. The Pre-Prep Campus also boasts exceptional child-centered facilities designed specifically for younger learners.

Recently, King’s College Doha received the highest recognition from Qatar National Schools Accreditation and is a member of the British Schools of the Middle East (BSME). The Ministry of Education ranks King’s College Doha among the top schools in the region.

Role Purpose:
King’s College Doha is actively looking for an inspiring and well-qualified Head of Upper School for its Senior School, effective August 2026. Based at the iconic Mesaimeer campus, the selected candidate will be accountable to the Deputy Head Pastoral for overseeing the pastoral care, academic development, and individual needs of students in Years 9-11.

Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Management
• The Head of Upper School will manage the daily operations of the Heads of Years 9-11.
• Inspire, mentor, and develop departmental staff through effective leadership and professional development initiatives.
• Facilitate curriculum planning and innovation in alignment with the school’s mission and forward-thinking educational practices.
• Ensure high standards of teaching and learning are maintained for optimal student outcomes.

Skills and Expertise
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage with individuals at all levels, resolve conflicts with sensitivity, and inspire others.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within an academic leadership team, demonstrating initiative and creativity while motivating others.
• Strong organizational skills, maintaining composure under pressure and meeting tight deadlines.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities paired with a proactive and positive approach to change management.

Person Specification
(Essential=E, Desirable= D)
• A genuine enthusiasm for working with children. (E)
• A minimum of four years relevant teaching experience. (E)
• A recognized teaching qualification. (E)
• Strong leadership and organizational skills. (E)
• Experience in an international or independent school environment. (D)
• Experience in teaching students with English as an Additional Language. (D)

Personal Qualities:
• Ability to inspire a love for learning and high performance.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• High energy, creativity, and a positive, proactive attitude.
• Commitment to active involvement in school life.

Professional Expectations
As a member of King’s College Doha, you will:
• Maintain professionalism, integrity, honesty, and transparency in all actions.
• Adhere to the Qatari Code of Ethics.
• Engage in whole-school self-evaluation and improvement initiatives.
• Attend meetings, parent events, curriculum evenings, and school functions.
• Collaborate effectively and support collective leadership decisions.
• Foster a strong ethos of “we are better together” within the school community.

Our Offer:
The successful candidate will receive an accommodation allowance, private medical coverage, flight allowances, an end-of-service gratuity, and a competitive tax-free salary. There will also be a strong commitment to supporting the professional development and career goals of the successful candidates.

To apply, please complete your application through the TES online application form; only fully completed applications will be considered. Be sure to include your current, updated CV.

Interviews may be conducted online or in person.

The school reserves the right to interview and appoint exceptional candidates before the official closing date, so early applications are encouraged.

Thank you for considering a role at King’s College Doha. Due to the expected high volume of applications, only those shortlisted will be contacted.

King’s College Doha and Cognita are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expect the same dedication from all employees. All new hires will undergo comprehensive pre-employment checks, including identity verification, criminal background checks for all countries of residence, qualification verification, employment history checks—covering any gaps in employment—and satisfactory reference checks for all positions held in the last 10 years.