Assistant Headteacher - ELL & EAL

About us:

Fortes Education has been a premier education provider in the UAE for more than 40 years, operating distinguished international schools and nurseries that have achieved remarkable success and expansion. Our institutions deliver the most cutting-edge and character-focused education in the Middle East.

Our foundational philosophy, Positive Education (PosEd), emphasizes active learning engagement while celebrating individual strengths and achievements. We inspire children to build meaningful relationships and find purpose in their lives. This approach helps students become joyful learners, innovative thinkers, confident individuals, and lifelong learners. Our students cultivate resilience, a growth mindset, and core character strengths that empower them to thrive in a dynamic world.

About Sunmarke School – Where Amazing Happens

Sunmarke School offers an inspiring and ambitious values-driven education that develops students both academically and personally, helping them reach their aspirations. Our distinctive signature programs position Sunmarke as an exceptionally innovative institution, evidenced by our recognition as the ‘Most Innovative School’ at the esteemed Which School Advisor awards in Dubai and London.

As an all-through school, Sunmarke provides an exceptional education across a vast array of pathways, including the National Curriculum of England, GCSE/IGCSE, A Levels, BTEC, and the IB Diploma Programmes. Our students consistently achieve accolades such as ‘best in world’, ‘best in Middle East’, and ‘best in country’ across various subjects. Recent IB results indicate that Sunmarke School ranks among the top three schools in Dubai and 69th globally. Our unparalleled suite of Signature Programs presents transformative learning experiences, such as Environmental and Sustainability Studies, where students engage in Forest School settings and employ advanced hydroponic technology to explore sustainability in future environments; a world-class STEAM curriculum that allows students to tackle real-world challenges from Foundation Stage to Year 9; Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) experiences complemented by cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence applications; exceptional performing arts facilities including a black box theatre and auditorium, as well as music and media suites; and a robust sports program enhanced by professional coaching, which led to Sunmarke being crowned overall champions at the BSME Games.

Sunmarke School has consistently received a ‘Very Good’ rating from the Dubai School Inspection Bureau (DSIB) since its third year and is regularly deemed ‘Outstanding’ by British Schools Overseas (BSO). We offer an exciting opportunity to join our all-through school and contribute significantly to our journey towards excellence. Sunmarke School, located in the prime Jumeirah Village Triangle area, is one of our flagship institutions.

About you:

To support our ongoing growth and strategic vision, we are looking to appoint an exceptional, experienced, and forward-thinking leader to the role of Assistant Headteacher – ELL & EAL (Whole School) starting in August 2026.

This critical position on the Senior Leadership Team entails overall responsibility for the vision, direction, and effectiveness of English Language Learning across our comprehensive school. The chosen candidate will be instrumental in ensuring that language development is a key driver of academic success, inclusion, and equity for all students.

As the Assistant Headteacher – ELL & EAL, you will provide authoritative leadership for EAL provision across all phases, crafting and executing a unified whole-school strategy that aligns with our School Improvement Plan and Fortes Education objectives. You will ensure that EAL students have full access to the British curriculum and achieve results that meet or surpass whole-school attainment standards.

As a vital member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will help shape the overall school strategy, prepare for inspections, and enhance performance outcomes. You will spearhead the development of impactful teaching methodologies, integrating effective language acquisition practices in mainstream classrooms and influencing curriculum design to ensure accessibility alongside academic rigor.

This role demands a strategic leader capable of operating on a large scale—promoting excellence in teaching and learning, facilitating professional development in EAL pedagogy, and utilizing data effectively to bridge attainment gaps between EAL and non-EAL students. You will also lead and nurture a team of EAL specialists, ensuring consistency, accountability, and high performance throughout the school.

Additional responsibilities will include:

• Establishing robust systems for assessing, tracking, and monitoring language development

• Ensuring smooth transitions and continuity of progress across educational phases

• Advocating for inclusive practices and equitable curriculum access

• Fostering strong partnerships with parents and the broader community

• Contributing to inspection preparedness and aligning with KHDA and British Schools Overseas standards

We seek a dynamic and highly skilled leader with a proven history of managing EAL provision on a large scale, driving overall school improvement, and influencing teaching practices. You should possess extensive expertise in language acquisition and a fervent commitment to ensuring every learner thrives in a diverse, international setting.

This opportunity is perfect for an ambitious leader dedicated to excellence, collaboration, and innovation, who recognizes the transformative role of language in unlocking student success.

If you possess the vision, expertise, and determination to lead this vital area, Sunmarke School provides an outstanding platform for your next leadership endeavor.

We are looking for specific qualities:

• The Assistant Headteacher should hold at least a bachelor’s degree with PGCE or a recognized equivalent teaching qualification, along with specialist qualifications in TESOL, EAL, Applied Linguistics, or a related field.

• A thorough understanding of second language acquisition theories and evidence-based EAL practices in a British curriculum context.

• Strong familiarity with the British curriculum and UK assessment frameworks.

• A solid grasp of KHDA and British inspection standards.

• Demonstrated middle leadership experience in a Middle Eastern or international British school environment.

• Experience in leading EAL provision at scale within a large educational setting.

• Proficient in analyzing attainment and progress data to drive measurable improvements.

• Experience in influencing mainstream teaching practices and curriculum design.

• A creative and innovative practitioner who leads by example, inspiring and motivating others through coaching and mentoring.

• Ability to build and develop highly effective teams, organizational structures, and academic processes, along with a capacity to delegate responsibilities and support colleagues.

• Strong relationship-building skills.

• Ability to maintain a positive and enthusiastic attitude under pressure.

• Effective organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, make decisions, and manage time efficiently.

Our Offer:

• Competitive, tax-free salary

• Furnished accommodation

• Relocation allowance

• Medical insurance for yourself, spouse, and two dependents

• Annual flights for yourself, spouse, and two dependents

• Paid vacation annually

• A vibrant learning community of students, educators, parents, and Board members dedicated to maximizing student achievement and creating enriching learning opportunities both in and out of the classroom.

• Collaboration within a team of highly motivated and supportive colleagues

• Excellent professional development opportunities

• The chance to work in Dubai, one of the world’s most desirable work and travel destinations

Application Process:

If you are passionate, energetic, and committed to driving positive outcomes for young people, we invite you to apply. In return, you will join a rapidly evolving organization that offers you a central role in our future growth initiatives.

Interested candidates should complete our Online Application by visiting: https://careers.forteseducation.com/CurrentOpening.aspx

Please follow the provided instructions to complete and submit your application.

You should include:

• A copy of your curriculum vitae/resumé.

• A cover letter, ideally not exceeding two pages. The letter should address:

• How your previous experience has prepared you for this position.

• Your approach to delivering outstanding well-being and pastoral care in the Secondary School at Sunmarke School.

• Your success criteria for the end of your first year in the role.

Appointment Start Date: August 2026

Closing Date: Sunday, 5th April 2026, 5 p.m. (UAE time)

Successful candidates will be invited to participate in our Assessment Centre, either in person or online, on Tuesday, 7th April 2026.

Safer Recruitment Statement

Fortes Education is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Our safer recruitment policies align with the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection. At Sunmarke School, we uphold high standards of effective practices regarding child protection and are committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of children.

We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will undergo various background checks, including satisfactory references, proof of relevant qualifications, identification, and police checks, including overseas checks.