Head of Senior – Al Hamra Campus - Required August 2026

The British International School Riyadh (BISR) has been delivering high-quality education to the international community since 1979. A well-established, not-for-profit, co-educational school, BISR educates students aged 3–18 across seven campuses in Riyadh.

BISR is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and recognised as a British School Overseas (BSO). We are proud members of COBIS, BSME, AoBSO and HMC. These accreditations reflect our commitment to high standards in leadership, safeguarding, teaching quality and student wellbeing.

At the heart of BISR are our shared REACH values — Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Challenge and Happiness — which shape our culture, guide decision-making and define what success looks like for our students, staff and wider community.

The Role

As part of the continued growth and development of our Al Hamra Campus, BISR is creating a new leadership position of Head of Senior School (Secondary). This is an exciting opportunity to shape the next phase of secondary education and play a defining role in the campus’s journey.

 

This post is a strategic investment reflecting increasing enrolment, expanding age ranges and the transition into formal examination years. From August 2026, Al Hamra will welcome its first cohort of Year 10 students, who will follow IGCSE courses (Pearson Edexcel and Cambridge). The Secondary School will comprise approximately 240 students across Years 7–10, reflecting both its maturity and its continued growth.

 

The Head of Senior School will provide confident, visible and values-driven leadership for the Secondary School, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning, behaviour and wellbeing. Working closely with the Principal and Head of Primary, the role ensures a coherent all-through educational experience while also establishing a strong and distinctive secondary culture.

 

As a member of the Al Hamra Senior Leadership Team, the Head of Senior School will contribute to whole-campus strategy and work collaboratively with secondary leaders across the BISR group, supporting shared standards, curriculum coherence and best practice under the One BISR approach.

 

This role reflects BISR’s high expectations of senior leadership: a relentless focus on learning and outcomes, strong examination provision, robust safeguarding practice, and a school culture where students and staff feel supported, challenged and motivated to succeed.

 

The Successful Candidate Will:

• Demonstrate a proven track record in senior leadership, having served as a Head of School, Head of Secondary or Deputy Head within a highly regarded British or international school.

• Bring strong experience of secondary curriculum leadership and examination preparation, ideally including IGCSE.

• Show the confidence and judgement to lead a growing secondary school through change and expansion.

• Be an accomplished people leader, able to develop teams, build capacity and sustain morale.

• Lead with integrity and high emotional intelligence, effectively balancing clear expectations and firm accountability with genuine care and support for staff and students.

• Ensure and be accountable for the full implementation of all safeguarding and child protection policies within the Secondary School, promoting and monitoring a consistently compliant and proactive safeguarding culture.

• Have experience of UK education or high-quality international school contexts.

• Fully embrace and model BISR’s Mission, Vision and REACH values.

• Hold a UK or UK-recognised teaching qualification.

We Offer:

• The opportunity to shape and lead a growing Secondary School at a pivotal moment in its development.

• Engaged students and supportive families.

• A collaborative, values-driven leadership culture.

• Strong professional partnership and support across the BISR group.

• A learning-focused organisation committed to continuous improvement and leadership development.

• The opportunity to live and work in a unique and rapidly developing international context.

Key Dates

• Closing date: Thursday, 12 February 2026

• Longlist interviews: 15 - 20 February 2026 (online)

• Final round interviews: 4 - 5 March 2026 (preferably in person)

• Appointment confirmed: Early March 2026

Note: Shortlisted candidates should be available to attend final interviews in person in Riyadh.

Important Information

• Job Description: Head of Senior JD (Jan 2026)

• Application Guidelines:  Guidelines

• Application Link: https://inteachers.net/job/4175 

• BISR reserves the right to appoint prior to the closing date.

• Comprehensive background and safeguarding checks apply.

• Safer Recruitment Policy

For more information, visit www.bisr.com.sa

Safeguarding

BISR is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment and will be subject to rigorous background checks prior to appointment.

BISR is unreservedly committed to creating and maintaining a safe and secure environment for all students. We believe that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and that every child, regardless of age, ability, gender, culture, religion, or background, has the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Our commitment extends to fostering a culture of mutual respect, trust, and transparency among students, staff, parents, and the wider community. We are dedicated to ensuring that all children are provided with a secure and nurturing environment that promotes their physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development.

All applicants, whether for teaching or non-teaching positions, must provide the following in support of their application:

All Applications Must Include:

• An up-to-date, two-page Curriculum Vitae, including a photograph.

• A statement in support of your application, addressing the following question: “How do you think you would be able to support our Mission and REACH motto?”

Teacher Applications Must Also Include:

• How do you demonstrate that you are a lifelong learner, and how does current pedagogical practice impact your classroom?

• How do you create a positive classroom climate and support student well-being in your current school?

• What strategies do you use to ensure that all learners in your classroom make good progress?

• What is your contribution to your current school community?

The school reserves the right to make an earlier appointment if a suitable candidate is identified.

For more information about the school, please visit our website: www.bisr.com.sa

 

 

 

BISR teachers should possess the following:

Qualifications:

• Qualified Teacher status.

• Certificate of Education (PGCE or B.Ed).

• Relevant training or qualifications for the specific post.

Understanding:

• Appreciation of a British school's demands in an international context.

• Commitment to the school's co-curricular life.

• Understanding of intercultural awareness and cultural sensitivity.

• Recognition of responsibility for students' holistic growth and well-being.

Experience:

• Experience in various contexts (UK and international).

• Experience teaching within a Key Stage or subject.

• Experience with positive behavior management strategies.

• Experience planning for diverse learning needs, including highly able students.

• Experience in curriculum development, monitoring, and assessment.

• Experience with second language students or willingness to train.

Skills and Abilities:

• Detailed knowledge of the English National Curriculum.

• Ability to create a stimulating learning environment and demonstrate creative teaching.

• Willingness to collaborate with colleagues.

• Good organizational skills for recording and evaluating progress.

• Effective communication skills with pupils, parents, and colleagues.

• Time management and ability to direct teaching assistants.

• Good ICT skills.

• Understanding of Assessment for Learning strategies.

• Desire to develop knowledge across the curriculum.

Personal Qualities:

• Warmth and sense of humor.

• Flexibility.

• Enthusiasm.

• Team player.

• Commitment to professional development.

• Willingness to participate in co-curricular activities.

• High expectations for self and students.

• First-class communication skills.

• Empathy with all stakeholders.

Equal Opportunities:

BISR values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture, committed to equality of opportunity and creating an environment where everyone is valued and respected as a global citizen.