Head of Performing Arts

Job Overview

Al Rabeeh Academy is seeking an experienced and passionate Head of Performing Arts to join our dynamic, high-performing team from January 2027.

As Head of Performing Arts, you will lead the department while maintaabeeh Academy is seeking an experienced and passionatebining a teaching timetable across Key Stages 3, 4 and 5. You will be responsible for driving high standards of teaching and learning, developing the curriculum, supporting staff, and raising achievement across the department. Experience of teaching GCSE Performing Arts is essential, and A Level experience is desirable.

The successful candidate will inspire students through engaging and creative lessons, while leading high-quality performances, productions, and enrichment opportunities that promote creativity, confidence, and collaboration across the Academy.

Why Al Rabeeh Academy?

Al Rabeeh Academy is a progressive, innovative, and rapidly growing school in Abu Dhabi. Al Rabeeh Academy has achieved an Outstanding British Curriculum school (BSO) and is rated Very Good in the 2024/2025 ADEK inspection. We have built an inspiring culture where staff and students truly flourish, a community where people are happy, engaged, and thriving. With a strong focus on AI-driven learning and exceptional pastoral care, all centred around our core values of Respect, Responsibility, and Resilience. We are shaping the next generation of World leaders. Al Rabeeh Academy is moving forward with purpose and energy, reflected in our exceptional staff retention rate.

Al Rabeeh Academy opened in 2017 and continues to grow as part of a respected network of schools with a long-standing reputation in Abu Dhabi. Since 1979, the Al Rabeeh name has been synonymous with high-quality education. We are proud members of British Schools in the Middle East (BSME); our students and staff benefit from inter-school competitions, tournaments, and a wide range of high-quality professional development opportunities within a strong regional community. Al Rabeeh Academy continues to strengthen its reputation as a school of choice for families seeking a balanced, values-driven education.

Al Rabeeh Academy offers the English National Curriculum alongside Arabic from FS1 to Year 13. We are seeking teachers who are not only skilled but also bring the right mindset, are driven, and are genuinely excited to make a real difference. The Academy continues to grow and evolve, resulting in significant opportunities for professional development and internal promotion. We seek teachers who embody our values, lift the culture around them, and inspire students every single day. The ideal candidate will teach with purpose, collaborate proactively, and embrace challenges as opportunities continue to grow.

Our Facilities

Al Rabeeh Academy is a modern, purpose-built campus with well-equipped classrooms, specialist science and ICT labs, art and music rooms, and a spacious library. The school provides excellent sports facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, multi-purpose sports hall, shaded outdoor play areas, Padel tennis courts, and AstroTurf pitches. Dedicated EYFS spaces create a safe, engaging environment for our youngest learners. Our secure and well-maintained campus supports high-quality teaching and a vibrant learning experience.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking a Head of Performing Arts who can:

• Deliver engaging and well-structured lessons aligned with the British curriculum.
• Demonstrate the ability to teach Performing Arts (Drama, Dance, and/or Music) up to at least GCSE level, and ideally A Level.
• Lead, inspire, and manage the Performing Arts department, ensuring consistently high standards of teaching, learning, assessment, and student achievement across all Performing Arts disciplines.
• Develop and implement a clear vision for Performing Arts, driving continuous improvement, innovation, and excellence within the department.
• Model outstanding creative, performance, and critical thinking skills through inspiring and highly effective teaching approaches.
• Use a range of formative and summative assessment strategies to monitor, track, analyse, and improve student progress and attainment across both practical and theoretical components.
• Lead curriculum planning, quality assurance, departmental development, and the creation of high-quality teaching resources and performance-based learning experiences.
• Monitor the quality of teaching within the department through lesson observations, coaching, mentoring, and professional development, ensuring excellent outcomes for all students.
• Support and develop members of the Performing Arts team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and a culture of continuous professional growth.
• Plan, direct, and oversee school productions, concerts, showcases, performances, and community events, ensuring they reflect the highest standards of creativity and professionalism.
• Manage departmental budgets, resources, facilities, and specialist equipment effectively to maximise learning opportunities and maintain safe, inspiring learning environments.
• Support the academic and pastoral development of students, promoting the school's values, routines, and high expectations.
• Build positive relationships with parents through clear and professional communication regarding student progress, attainment, performances, and next steps.
• Actively promote and raise the profile of Performing Arts across the school and wider community through performances, competitions, partnerships, enrichment opportunities, and extracurricular activities.
• Work collaboratively with senior leaders and colleagues to contribute to whole-school improvement priorities, curriculum innovation, and cross-curricular initiatives.
• Participate fully in school productions, performances, extracurricular activities, professional development, school events, and wider whole-school initiatives, modelling enthusiasm, commitment, and professionalism at all times.
  
  

Qualifications And Experience

Applicants must:

• Be a fluent English speaker
• Bachelor’s degree in Education or a relevant subject with PGCE / QTS (or equivalent teaching qualification).
• Experience teaching the English National Curriculum, preferably in an international setting.
• Strong classroom management skills and commitment to student wellbeing.
• Show excellent leadership and management of a team
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and organisational skills.
  
  

Why Join Us?

We Offer An Attractive Package, Including

• Competitive, tax-free salary
• Furnished accommodation
• Annual return air ticket/allowance
• Comprehensive medical insurance and life insurance
• End-of-service gratuity
• Visa arranged by the school
  
  

How To Apply

Complete the application form on the website via the Quick Apply button. Submit:

• CV (maximum 2 pages)
• A recent professional picture inserted in the right-hand corner of the CV
• A scanned degree certificate
  
  

Important Notes

• The school reserves the right to begin recruitment before the closing date, so early applications are encouraged.
• Interviews will be conducted in Abu Dhabi or online with the Executive Principal, Mr. Riaan Huyser.
  
  

Safeguarding Statement

Al Rabeeh Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to robust safer recruitment checks, including identity verification, references, criminal background checks, and child protection screening in line with school and regulatory requirements.

Join Us

For more information about Al Rabeeh Academy and to confirm your choice of joining our vibrant, family-oriented community, please visit:

https://alrabeehacademy.ae/

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