Assistant Head Teacher

About the school

The Royal Grammar School Guildford Qatar (RGSGQ) has developed a strong partnership with the Royal Grammar School Guildford in the United Kingdom, one of the UK's leading independent schools with a long-standing tradition of academic excellence.

RGSGQ is an all-through British international school offering a co-educational education for students aged 3 to 18 years. Since opening in 2016, the school has grown to over 785 students and continues to develop its reputation as one of Qatar's leading British schools.

Students follow the Early Years Foundation Stage, the National Curriculum for England, IGCSE qualifications and AS Level programmes, delivered by highly qualified teachers in an environment where academic excellence, wellbeing and character development are equally valued.

Our modern campus, located just 20 minutes from Lusail and The Pearl, offers outstanding facilities including specialist teaching spaces, science laboratories, an Astro Turf, sports hall and outdoor swimming pool.

Our vision and values

At RGSGQ, we believe in preparing students for success in an ever-changing global society.

We inspire our students to become

• Independent learners
• Critical thinkers
• Creative problem solvers
• Resilient individuals
• Collaborative leaders
• Responsible global citizens

Everything we do is underpinned by our core values

• Inclusivity
• Scholarship
• Integrity
• Collaboration
• Courage
• Respect

Inspire excellence. Develop outstanding teachers. Transform learning.

About the role

Royal Grammar School Guildford Qatar is seeking an exceptional, innovative and inspirational educational leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Assistant Head Teacher (Teaching & Learning), Secondary School.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader with a passion for developing outstanding teaching, coaching teachers, improving classroom practice and ensuring every student receives an exceptional learning experience.

Working closely with the Head of Secondary and the Principal, the successful candidate will lead the strategic development of teaching and learning across the Secondary School while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional excellence.

Key responsibilities

Strategic leadership

• Support the Head of Secondary in delivering the school's vision and strategic priorities.
• Lead whole-school teaching and learning initiatives.
• Promote a culture of continuous professional improvement.
• Contribute to Senior Leadership Team decision making.
• Deputise for the Head of Secondary when required.
• Lead strategic projects to improve educational outcomes.

Teaching and learning

• Lead the school's Teaching and Learning Strategy.
• Develop a shared vision for outstanding classroom practice.
• Promote evidence-informed teaching approaches.
• Monitor the quality of teaching through lesson observations, learning walks and work scrutiny.
• Ensure consistency in teaching standards across all departments.
• Support Heads of Department in improving teaching quality.
• Lead instructional coaching programmes.
• Embed effective feedback and assessment strategies.
• Promote high levels of challenge, engagement and student independence.

Professional development

• Lead the school's Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme.
• Design and deliver high-quality staff training.
• Support leadership development across departments.
• Coordinate induction programmes for new teachers.
• Mentor Early Career Teachers (ECTs).
• Identify professional development needs through quality assurance.
• Promote reflective practice and professional enquiry.

Quality assurance

• Develop and implement robust quality assurance systems.
• Lead lesson observation programmes.
• Conduct learning walks and book scrutiny.
• Monitor departmental teaching standards.
• Evaluate the impact of professional development.
• Support departments in achieving improvement targets.
• Ensure consistency of expectations across the school.

Curriculum implementation

• Support the implementation of an ambitious curriculum.
• Ensure curriculum delivery reflects best practice.
• Promote effective differentiation and adaptive teaching.
• Encourage innovative approaches to curriculum delivery.
• Support departments in curriculum planning and sequencing.

Assessment for learning

• Promote effective formative assessment strategies.
• Ensure assessment informs teaching and learning.
• Support teachers in using assessment to improve progress.
• Monitor the quality of feedback provided to students.
• Promote consistent assessment practices across departments.

Staff performance

• Lead appraisal and performance management processes.
• Coach and support middle leaders.
• Line manage designated members of staff.
• Identify future leaders through talent development.
• Foster a culture of accountability and professional growth.

Innovation and educational technology

• Promote innovative teaching strategies.
• Lead the effective integration of educational technology.
• Encourage research-informed practice.
• Support staff in using digital learning tools effectively.
• Monitor the impact of technology on student learning.

Student achievement

• Promote high expectations for all learners.
• Ensure teaching meets the needs of all students.
• Support strategies that improve progress and attainment.
• Work collaboratively with pastoral leaders to remove barriers to learning.
• Celebrate academic success and student achievement.

Inspection and compliance

• Lead preparation for inspections and accreditation visits.
• Ensure teaching and learning meet inspection standards.
• Maintain evidence of school improvement.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding and statutory requirements.

Stakeholder engagement

• Build positive relationships with students, parents and staff.
• Communicate teaching and learning priorities effectively.
• Represent the school professionally within the wider educational community.

Essential qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an internationally recognised equivalent.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject.
• Recognised teaching qualification (PGCE, BEd or equivalent).
• Evidence of ongoing professional development.

Desirable qualifications

• National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL), NPQH or equivalent.
• Master's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Teaching and Learning or a related field.

Essential experience

• At least 8 years of successful secondary teaching experience.
• A minimum of 3 to 5 years in a middle or senior leadership role.
• A proven record of improving teaching quality across a school.
• Experience of leading professional development programmes.
• Experience coaching and mentoring teachers.
• Successful leadership of teaching and learning initiatives.
• Experience conducting lesson observations and quality assurance.
• Experience preparing for inspection or accreditation.
• Experience leading whole-school improvement initiatives.

International school experience

Desirable but not essential

• Experience in a British Curriculum school.
• Experience delivering IGCSE and AS Level programmes.
• Experience working in an international school environment.

Essential skills

• Outstanding instructional leadership.
• Excellent coaching and mentoring skills.
• Strong understanding of effective pedagogy.
• Expertise in evidence-informed teaching.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational and strategic planning abilities.
• Ability to inspire and motivate others.
• High levels of emotional intelligence.
• Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Personal qualities

• An inspirational and visible leader.
• Passionate about teaching excellence.
• Committed to developing others.
• Highly organised and resilient.
• Collaborative and approachable.
• Innovative and forward-thinking.
• A role model for professionalism and integrity.
• Student-centred in all decision making.
• Committed to safeguarding, inclusion and wellbeing.
• Positive, enthusiastic and possessing a good sense of humour.

What we offer

• Competitive tax-free salary.
• Housing allowance.
• Annual return flights.
• Private medical insurance.
• End of service gratuity.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Supportive Senior Leadership Team.
• Opportunity to shape the teaching and learning culture of one of Qatar's leading British international schools.

Safeguarding

Royal Grammar School Guildford Qatar is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

All successful applicants will be required to complete comprehensive pre-employment checks including:

• Enhanced DBS Certificate (or international equivalent).
• Overseas police clearance certificates covering all countries lived or worked in during the last 10 years.
• Identity verification.
• Qualification verification.
• Employment history checks.
• Professional reference checks, including the current Principal or Headteacher.
• Right to work checks.
• Medical fitness clearance.
• Child protection and safeguarding screening.

This role is for August 2026. If you are looking for a unique international teaching opportunity and that next step in your career then please get in touch to find out more. We look forward to hearing from you.