Summary
International Schools Partnership (ISP) is inviting expressions of interest from experienced educational leaders for future Head of School and Principal opportunities for Academic Year 2027/28 and beyond. Leaders would provide strategic direction, improve teaching and student outcomes, develop teams, strengthen community relationships, and oversee operational and commercial performance. ISP is interested in candidates with a strong record in school leadership, safeguarding, inclusion, school improvement, and evidence-based decision-making. The posting identifies ISP Middle East in the United Arab Emirates but does not specify a school, city, salary, or employment terms.
The posting
As published on internationalschoolspartnership.com. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
Job Description
Expressions of Interest | Academic Year 2027/28
Lead, Inspire. Make an impact
International Schools Partnership (ISP) is seeking expressions of interest from exceptional educational leaders who are considering their next international school leadership opportunity for the 2027/28 academic year.
ISP is a continually growing global schools group, with 120+ schools across 25+ countries and a growing community of students, teachers and educational leaders around the world. As we continue to expand, we are building relationships with talented Principals, Heads of School, Deputy Heads and senior educational leaders who could lead one of our schools into its next phase of development.
If you are an ambitious, values-led leader who is passionate about learning, people, community and school improvement, we would like to hear from you.
About ISP
ISP is a growing global community of international schools, united by a shared belief that Amazing Learning happens when we begin with our children and students.
Our schools are diverse in their locations, communities, curricula and cultures, but are connected by a common purpose and set of principles. We put students first, treat everyone with care and respect, operate effectively, act with financial responsibility and learn continuously.
Our continued global growth creates exciting opportunities for educational leaders to join ISP at a time of significant development and to contribute not only to the success of their own school, but to the wider ISP community.
As a Principal / Head of School, you will have the opportunity to lead a school within this international network, while working closely with your Regional Managing Director and colleagues across ISP.
The opportunity
Our Principals / Heads of School lead with vision, empathy and integrity, creating safe, inclusive and supportive environments where students and adults can thrive.
You will provide strategic and inspirational leadership across the school, driving exceptional learning outcomes while developing a strong school community and ensuring the school operates successfully.
The role encompasses four key areas of leadership:
People Development & Wellbeing
Build a high-performing, engaged and empowered school community where students and colleagues feel safe, valued and supported to achieve their potential. Develop leadership capacity, succession and a culture of continuous professional learning.
Student Learning Outcomes
Lead the relentless pursuit of high-quality teaching, learning, progress and achievement. Embed ISP's Learning.First approach and use evidence, data and professional development to drive sustained improvement and exceptional outcomes for students.
Community & Exceptional Customer Experience
Position the school as a School of Choice within its local community. Build strong and trusted relationships with students, parents, carers and stakeholders, while strengthening the school's reputation, engagement, retention and enrolment.
Commercial Success
Take ownership of the school's overall operational and commercial performance. Ensure resources are used effectively, support sustainable enrolment and income growth, and deliver financial and organisational targets while maintaining the highest standards of education, safeguarding and student experience.
Who are we looking for?
We are interested in hearing from leaders who can demonstrate a strong track record of educational leadership and school improvement.
You may currently be a:
- Principal / Head of School
- Deputy Head / Vice Principal
- Head of Primary or Head of Secondary
- Senior educational leader preparing for your first Principal / Head of School position
- Experienced school leader currently working in the UK or internationally
We are particularly interested in leaders who demonstrate:
- Inspirational and strategic educational leadership.
- A strong commitment to safeguarding, student wellbeing and inclusion.
- A proven ability to improve teaching, learning and student outcomes.
- The ability to develop high-performing teams and future leaders.
- Strong emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent stakeholder and community engagement.
- Commercial and financial awareness.
- A data-informed and evidence-based approach to decision-making.
- The ability to lead change effectively.
- A collaborative mindset and willingness to share and learn across an international network.
- The ambition to create a school that is recognised by its community as a School of Choice.
Your next leadership opportunity
With 120+ schools and continued expansion across the globe, opportunities within ISP are continually evolving.
Our schools operate in a wide range of educational and cultural contexts, meaning that every leadership opportunity is different. By registering your interest with ISP, you will have the opportunity to be considered for future Principal / Head of School positions for Academic Year 2027/28 and beyond, where your experience, leadership style and aspirations align with the needs of a particular school.
We are interested in building relationships with outstanding leaders before specific opportunities arise, so if you are thinking about your next move, we would encourage you to get in touch.
ISP Principles
Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding
and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.
Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.
Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.
Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.
Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.
ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles
ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.
ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.