Director of Sport - Aug 2026 - Abu Dhabi, UAE

Director of Sport – Aug 2026 – Abu Dhabi, UAE

Director of Sport required for excellent British international school in Abu Dhabi, UAE, for August 2026.

• Director of Sport – Aug 2026 – Abu Dhabi, UAE

Director of Sport
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Region: Middle East
Start Date: August 2026
Curriculum: UK
Length of Contract: 2 years (renewable)

The School

Based on the community and family-oriented ethos of one of England’s leading independent schools, this school opened in Abu Dhabi in 2014. Now with a pupil population of over 2,300 spanning Foundation Stage 1 to Year 13, they are proud to be rated as Outstanding by ADEK and ranked in the top 100 Private Schools around the world, and in the top 15 Private Schools in the Middle East. Their educational philosophy centres on the unique talents of each child, recognising and nurturing the innate ability in every individual. Through their supportive family atmosphere, they aim to produce grounded young men and women capable of tackling life’s challenges with confidence, determination and courage.

The Location

Abu Dhabi offers an exceptional blend of professional opportunity and enriching lifestyle, making it a truly appealing destination for those seeking a fresh and rewarding career move. As the capital of the UAE, it combines world‑class infrastructure with a warm, community‑focused environment where educators are highly valued and supported. You can enjoy a modern and incredibly well‑resourced school campus, while living in a safe, multicultural city known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant cultural scene, and year‑round sunshine. With a welcoming expatriate community and an emphasis on work‑life balance, Abu Dhabi provides an inspiring setting where you can enjoy an exceptional quality of life.

The Role

This is a key leadership role, responsible for leading and developing a high-quality, inclusive and ambitious sports programme across the whole school. The school is seeking an outstanding and forward-thinking leader who can inspire excellence in sport while ensuring broad participation, enjoyment and lifelong engagement in physical activity. The successful candidate will bring strong leadership experience, (particularly within the UK curriculum), a clear vision for sport in a leading independent school, and the ability to deliver both high-performance pathways and a vibrant participation programme within a dynamic and ambitious school environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership of sport and physical education, ensuring a cohesive, high-quality programme that promotes participation, performance and wellbeing.
• Lead the development and delivery of a whole-school sports strategy, overseeing curriculum PE, co-curricular sport and performance pathways.
• Involve themselves fully in the school community and, as such, must be prepared to attend occasions such as community events, concerts and plays across the school.
• Maintain good discipline at all times in accordance with school rules, and to use the School’s behaviour systems consistently.
• Attend all CPD, parents’ evenings and meetings as needed.
• Follow all School policies consistently including, assessment, marking, teaching & learning, behaviour, safeguarding and child protection policies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education with a PGCE OR a Bachelor of Education in PE.
• Minimum 2 years of post-qualification teaching experience at relevant age range. Previous leadership experience is also essential.
• Experience of teaching the UK National Curriculum school, preferably in an independent school context.
• Previous international teaching experience, particularly within the Middle East, would be an advantage.
• Proven track record of excellence in an education setting.
• Be able to provide a relevant and up to date police check and references.
• Tax‑free salary paid on a scale linked to teaching experience and qualifications
• Accommodation (furnished or unfurnished)
• Shipping allowance
• Medical insurance
• School lunches free during term-time
• Opportunities for professional development
• 2 year contract with renewal options