Whole School Horticultural & Sustainability Teacher - August 2026
About This Role
Al Ain English Speaking School (AAESS) is seeking an exceptional Whole School Horticultural & Sustainability Teacher for August 2026 with the passion, vision and expertise to lead and deliver an inspiring, practical and academically rigorous sustainability and horticulture programme across EYFS to Sixth Form.
This is a unique and exciting opportunity to shape environmental education within a thriving British curriculum school, embedding sustainability, outdoor learning and student leadership into the heart of school life.
About Cognita:
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, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.
At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world, wherever they’re starting from. We protect what’s special about them, while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger; ensuring they get an education that’s, quite literally, world class.
About AAESS:
Al Ain English Speaking School is one of the oldest schools in Al Ain with a reputation that goes beyond the city boundaries. It sits in the ‘Garden City’ renowned for being an oasis in the desert. AAESS is an all through school with over 2200 children from 3 to 19, and continually growing. The campus is spacious and welcoming and prides itself with good facilities such as our fantastic indoor swimming pool; floodlit tennis courts; 566 seat auditorium; food prep and nutrition kitchen; automotive garage; TV & radio production studio and two Apple Mac suites. We deliver the British Curriculum and offer iGCSE, AS and A Levels, with our 6th Form students securing places in prestigious universities all over the world.
Al Ain English Speaking School is the first school in Al Ain to hold the British Schools Overseas Award, where we are endorsed by the British Government and quality assured by Ofsted. Additionally, the school holds the prestigious Silver Carnegie Mental Health Award, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and the mental well-being of its students and staff.
Al Ain English Speaking School is a caring and multicultural community that enables all individuals to realise their potential in a dynamic and innovative learning environment. We value enquiry, perseverance and reflection, treating one another with respect and integrity, while learning together to become responsible and enterprising global citizens.
Purpose of the Role
The Whole School Horticultural & Sustainability Teacher will lead, develop and deliver an inspiring, practical, and educationally rigorous horticulture and sustainability programme across AAESS (EYFS–Sixth Form). The postholder will help embed environmental literacy, sustainable practice, outdoor learning, and student leadership into the life of the school.
This is a unique role designed to support AAESS’s vision for future-ready learners by developing pupils’ knowledge, skills, and values in sustainability, food growing, biodiversity, responsible resource use, and environmental stewardship. The role will combine teaching, curriculum enrichment, project leadership, and community engagement.
Key Responsibilities
1) Teaching and Learning (Whole School)
Plan and deliver high-quality horticulture and sustainability learning experiences for pupils across EYFS, Primary, Secondary, and (where appropriate) Sixth Form.
Design age-appropriate programmes that develop progression in knowledge, practical skills, and understanding of environmental sustainability.
Deliver lessons and practical sessions that are engaging, safe, inclusive, and linked to real-world sustainability challenges.
Use a range of teaching strategies to motivate pupils, including inquiry-based learning, project-based learning, outdoor learning, and student-led initiatives.
Adapt teaching to meet the needs of all learners, including SEND, EAL, and pupils with varying levels of prior experience.
Promote high expectations for behaviour, participation, and care of tools, spaces, and resources.
2) Curriculum Development and Integration
Develop a whole-school horticulture and sustainability framework aligned to the school’s curriculum aims and values.
Work with Heads of Department and curriculum leaders to integrate sustainability themes into subjects (e.g., Science, Geography, DT, Art, PSHE, Business, Sixth Form enrichment).
Contribute to cross-curricular projects linked to:
biodiversity and ecosystems
food systems and healthy living
climate awareness and environmental responsibility
water conservation and efficient resource use
recycling, composting, and waste reduction
sustainable innovation and student enterprise
Support progression from Early Years exploratory outdoor learning through to more advanced student-led sustainability action in Secondary and Sixth Form.
Develop schemes of work, lesson plans, risk-assessed practical activities, and appropriate assessment approaches.
3) School Garden / Horticulture Provision
Lead the design, organisation, and development of AAESS’s horticultural spaces (e.g., garden beds, planting areas, shaded growing spaces, containers, sensory areas, composting zones, greenhouse/polytunnel if applicable).
Establish and maintain seasonal planting plans appropriate to the UAE climate and school calendar.
Teach pupils practical horticultural skills, including:
soil preparation and composting
planting and propagation
watering and irrigation awareness
plant care and maintenance
harvesting and safe food handling (where relevant)
Ensure horticultural resources, tools, and storage are well-organised, maintained, and safe.
Work collaboratively with the Facilities Team to support irrigation, shade, maintenance, and sustainability of school growing areas.
4) Sustainability Leadership and School Improvement
Support the development and implementation of AAESS’s sustainability strategy and action plans in line with school priorities.
Promote sustainable practices across the school, including student and staff awareness initiatives.
Help coordinate and monitor practical sustainability initiatives such as:
recycling campaigns
reduction of single-use plastics
energy and water conservation awareness
campus greening and biodiversity projects
Use data and evidence (where appropriate) to evaluate impact (e.g., student participation, project outcomes, environmental improvements, pupil voice).
Contribute to school self-evaluation and improvement planning in relation to sustainability education and enrichment.
5) Enrichment, Student Leadership and Community Engagement
Lead or support eco clubs, gardening clubs, sustainability committees, and student leadership opportunities.
Develop opportunities for pupils to take ownership of projects through roles such as eco ambassadors, garden leaders, or sustainability champions.
Organise whole-school events and campaigns (e.g., sustainability week, planting days, Earth Day activities, community growing events).
Build positive links with parents and local community partners to enhance learning opportunities.
Where appropriate, establish partnerships with local organisations, environmental groups, farms, nurseries, or sustainability initiatives in the UAE.
Celebrate and showcase pupil work and impact through assemblies, displays, newsletters, and school communications.
6) Assessment, Monitoring and Reporting
Assess pupil learning and participation appropriately for the nature of the programme, using a range of formative and practical methods.
Track progress in skills, knowledge, and engagement (as applicable to the timetable model).
Provide feedback to pupils that supports improvement and reflection.
Contribute to reports, curriculum reviews, and presentations for SLT/governors as requested.
Gather pupil voice and stakeholder feedback to refine provision.
7) Health, Safety and Safeguarding
Ensure all teaching and practical activities are conducted in line with school safeguarding, health and safety, and risk assessment procedures.
Conduct and maintain appropriate risk assessments for gardening tools, outdoor learning, manual handling, environmental exposure, and any practical activities.
Promote safe and responsible use of equipment and materials.
Maintain strong supervision and clear routines during outdoor and practical sessions.
Be fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
8) Professional Responsibilities
Contribute positively to the wider life of the school and uphold AAESS values and professional standards.
Attend relevant meetings, training, CPD, and school events as required.
Work collaboratively with colleagues across all phases.
Engage in professional learning related to sustainability education, horticulture, and outdoor learning.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications and Experience
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Education, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Horticulture, Geography, Biology, Agriculture, or a related field.
Recognised teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE, B.Ed., or equivalent).
Experience teaching children and/or young people in a school setting.
Experience planning and delivering practical, engaging learning.
Strong understanding of sustainability concepts and environmental education.
Practical knowledge of horticulture/gardening (school, community, or professional context).
Experience working collaboratively with colleagues across teams/phases.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
Experience in an international school and/or British curriculum context.
Experience delivering outdoor learning programmes across multiple age groups.
Horticultural qualification or training (formal or accredited).
Experience leading eco initiatives, school garden projects, or sustainability accreditation work.
Knowledge of UAE environmental context, climate, and suitable planting/growing practices.
Experience running clubs, enrichment programmes, or student leadership initiatives.
Skills and Attributes
Passion for sustainability, environmental stewardship, and hands-on learning.
Ability to inspire children and young people across a wide age range (EYFS–KS5).
Strong organisation and project management skills.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with staff, pupils, and parents.
Creative, proactive, and solution-focused approach.
Strong classroom and behaviour management.
Commitment to inclusion and adapting learning for diverse learners.
Working Hours and Flexibility
• The role follows the school’s standard full-time teaching schedule and academic calendar.
• May be required to support after-school clubs, sustainability initiatives, school events, and community engagement activities.
• Flexibility may be required during key school events or whole-school initiatives.
Benefits include:
A tax-free salary
A four-and-a-half-day working week, in line with new UAE laws, with a full-time salary
High-quality furnished accommodation
Generous medical insurance
Annual return flights to your home country
Visa costs and end-of-service gratuity
Year-round sunshine
Benefits of living in Al Ain & the UAE
Living in Al Ain City, offers teachers extremely affordable living in an exceptionally friendly and cosmopolitan environment. Staff enjoy an excellent lifestyle, with plentiful leisure facilities (E.g. Rugby, Golf, Swimming, discounted hotel memberships) and fascinating tourist attractions (E.g. Al Ain Zoo, Wadi Adventure, Jebel Hafeet).With the thrill and bright lights of Dubai and Abu Dhabi on our doorstep, staff have extensive opportunities for travel around the Gulf region and further afield.
Applications can be submitted via the TES online application form, only fully completed application will be processed. To support your application, please include your current, up-to-date CV. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The school reserves the right to interview and appoint strong candidates before the official closing date, and therefore we would encourage candidates to apply early in the process.
Al Ain English Speaking School and Cognita are 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 10 years.