Lead – School Improvement

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Aldar Education is seeking a Lead School Improvement to drive the LEAD Framework across its charter schools in Abu Dhabi, strengthen instructional leadership, elevate teaching, embed a culture of excellence, use data to inform decisions, and support inspection readiness and cross‑school collaboration. The role requires a Bachelor’s in Education with a teaching qualification (PGCE), an MA is preferred, at least 2 years of senior leadership experience (Vice Principal), deep knowledge of school improvement and data analytics within the UAE ADEK context, and strong coaching skills plus willingness to extend beyond the standard day. Benefits include medical, housing, flights, school places, and professional development. To apply, tailor your CV and cover letter to the LEAD pillars, show measurable impacts, and highlight collaboration and safeguarding commitment.

Aldar Education is currently seeking a Lead - School Improvement to support our growing family of managed schools in the UAE.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the highly successful Aldar Education family of schools and to help shape the future of Abu Dhabi’s leading school group.

As the leading education group in Abu Dhabi, we provide inclusive and innovative learning that inspires and empowers communities. We offer a range of brands for all learners in our community, from nursery through to adult education.  We offer the broadest choice of curricula. In the largest number of locations in Abu Dhabi.

Starting with one school and 250 students in 2007, Aldar Education has grown into a highly sought-after education provider, now supporting over 38,000 students in 31 schools and a growing network of almost 5,000 educators, with over 100 nationalities, offering a wide range of curricula and ancillary services such as a Teacher Training Academy. 

Working collaboratively, our education network’s purpose is to empower the next generation to shape our future, directly supporting the educational goals of Abu Dhabi’s government. Today, Aldar Education’s efforts are guided by the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 plan, which aims to build a sustainable knowledge-based economy through premium education.  

The successful candidates will be closely aligned with our core values and ethos and possess a genuine understanding and appreciation of the values of the region.

The successful candidate will combine an excellent track record of outstanding and inclusive teaching practice and pedagogy and an ability to inspire and develop others.

Main Duties:

Drive School Improvement Strategy

• Lead the implementation of the LEAD Framework to ensure all Charter schools meet and exceed performance expectations.
• Support school leaders in identifying strengths and areas for growth through rigorous diagnostic reviews and performance analysis.

Strengthen Instructional Leadership

• Coach and build leadership capacity in school principals and senior leaders to drive whole-school improvement and accountability.
• Deliver targeted professional development aligned to leadership standards and the LEAD Framework pillars.

Elevate Teaching & Learning

• Collaborate with school teams to improve the quality of teaching through instructional walkthroughs, data-informed planning, and evidence-based pedagogical strategies.
• Monitor the impact of instructional initiatives and provide timely, constructive feedback to ensure continuous refinement.

Embed a Culture of Excellence

• Promote a shared vision of high expectations across all levels of the school community.
• Support the development and monitoring of School Improvement Plans (SIPs) aligned with LEAD priorities and ADEK standards.

Use Data to Drive Impact

• Lead the use of school-wide performance data to inform decision-making, identify trends, and drive academic progress.
• Support schools in setting ambitious, measurable targets for student achievement and staff development.

Ensure Accountability & Progress

• Facilitate regular school improvement review cycles and contribute to internal quality assurance processes.
• Report progress to senior leadership and recommend interventions or resource allocation where necessary.

Enable Inspection Readiness

• Support schools in preparing for ADEK inspections by aligning practices with inspection frameworks and addressing any identified gaps.

Foster Collaboration & Best Practice Sharing

• Create cross-school learning networks to share successful strategies, innovations, and impactful practices across the Charter network.

Support Strategic Projects

• Contribute to group-wide educational projects and initiatives, including pilot programs, innovation labs, and curriculum enhancements aligned with LEAD goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of Education – Charter Schools, contributing to the wider goals of the Charter School programme.
• To undertake any other task deemed appropriate by the Director of Charter Schools.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in education or Bachelor’s degree with postgraduate qualifications in teaching (e.g. PGCE) essential
• MA in Education is an advantage but not required

Minimum Experience:

• At least 2 years senior leadership in a school setting, as a Vice Principal.

Job Specific Knowledge & Skills:

• Deep understanding of school improvement processes and educational leadership.
• Proven expertise in data analysis and evidence-based school transformation.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and drive change.
• Effective coaching, mentoring, and adult learning facilitation.
• Knowledge of ADEK regulations and UAE education context preferred.
• Capable of managing growth and instilling high standards.
• Initiate effort and energy beyond the typical workday, where the tasks require additional commitment.

What We Offer:

Aldar Education is a family of world-class, child centered, and innovative schools based in the UAE. We educate over 34,000 students across our group of owned and managed schools and as we grow so does our need for highly skilled, inspirational, and dedicated school leaders. We offer an attractive remuneration package including medical cover, flights, housing, and free child school places. Our future-focused learning model includes both students and staff so we place a special emphasis on professional development, coaching and training. 

Successful candidates will have access to a wide network of professionals and opportunities to both lead and contribute to training others as well as developing themselves.

Aldar Education is keen to hear from like-minded, forward thinking school leaders who would welcome the challenges and opportunities that we have to offer.

This job description is not all inclusive. Aldar Education reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are also mindful of our national development strategy and encourage UAE Nationals in their application at our company.

Aldar Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and police clearance.