Director of Studies
Candidate Information Pack
Contents
ā¢ About Us
ā¢ A Warm Welcome
ā¢ Academic Life
ā¢ Our Campus
ā¢ Living in Cairo
ā¢ The Role
ā¢ About You
ā¢ Benefits
ā¢ Application Process
About Us
Uppingham Cairo opened to pupils aged 3 to 13 in New Giza in September 2024 in sight of the Great Pyramids of Giza. It is the first overseas branch of Uppingham School, a leading co-educational independent boarding school in the UK and will expand over time to cater to pupils aged 3 to 18.
Based on the values and ethos of Uppingham School, Uppingham Cairo embraces Egyptās rich history and culture to bring a school of exceptional quality.
We care about who our pupils become. We believe in the transformative power of education. Yes, our priority is to deliver a wide-ranging curriculum; however, in the context of the 21st century, it will be our pupilsā personal qualities and values, not just exam results, that will set our pupils apart.
A Warm Welcome
I am delighted that you are considering joining Uppingham Cairo as the Director of Studies.
This is a tremendously exciting time to be joining the School. Our first pupils joined us in September 2024, and they are already thriving in our ground-breaking Day Boarding environment. For the first time since 1584, there is another Uppingham. Not only in name but in character, philosophy, values and ambition - the connection is genuine, it is wholehearted and it is exciting.
āWe are building something extraordinary For the young people of Cairo.ā
As you will see from the wealth of information In this briefing pack, we are unashamedly ambitious for our new school. We were awarded full British Schools Overseas (BSO) Accreditation through inspection by ISI as well as membership of HMC, IAPS, BSME, COBIS and many other world leading organisations, in our Founding Year.
We know that we are building something extraordinary for the young people of Cairo, and we know how significant and important a task that is.
We are looking for exceptional people to join us, as our school expands in all year groups, and our current 3rd Formers began studying their GCSE courses in September 2025.
If this role represents a challenge and an opportunity that genuinely excites you, I would be delighted to hear from you.
With all good wishes,
Emma Webb Headmistress
Academic Life
Our commitment to a holistic education is as wholeheartedly held here in Cairo as it is in historic Uppingham School in Rutland, UK. Intellectual rigour, exploration, critical analysis, creativity, risk taking, communication, teamwork - all are central to the way we guide, nurture and inspire our young people.
Our role is to give our pupils the skills, confidence and capabilities to navigate their own paths through life - and the unshakeable sense of self they need to influence the world around them.
Every child navigates through education differently. Pupils thrive when they follow a curriculum that is right for them. Through our innovative teaching and wide range of options, we create a curriculum suited to each childās interests, aptitudes and aspirations.
Academic rigour and aspirations matter to us and through our unique Day Boarding Programme, social and community initiatives, we encourage and inspire pupils to become self-aware, thoughtful and independent.
We help them to explore their motivations, strengths and ambitions; to find the right path for them. Our size means we offer unrestricted subject choices. We challenge and stretch all pupils - in the classroom and beyond.
We keep our curriculum fresh and relevant by embracing new technology and collaborating with leading institutions around the world to develop state-of-theart learning and sporting programmes.
Our Campus
Uppingham Cairo is located in the prestigious New Giza area in sight of the Great Pyramids of Giza. Our outstanding campus is genuinely world leading; encouraging curiosity, discovery, self-expression and excellence in every pursuit.
Our facilities include:
ā¢ The Leonardo Art and Design Department, including bespoke facilities for Fine Art, Ceramics, Photography, Design & Technology, Computer Aided Design and Textiles as well as individual Studio Spaces for pupils from the 4th Form
ā¢ The Donald Campbell Sportsā Centre, including an indoor swimming pool, Multi-Purpose Sportsā Hall, indoor and outdoor Performance Gym and Indoor Running Track
ā¢ Natural grass Sportsā Pitch, Tennis, Mini-Tennis, Padbol, Paddle, Squash and Basketball Courts
ā¢ The Barbara Matthews Theatre, with a full size theatre, Black Box Theatre, Music Department classroom and Individual Music Practice Rooms
ā¢ The Johnson Early Years Department, with a Senior indoor swimming pool, beach, school farm and garden
ā¢ The Thring and Abercrombie Buildings house the Senior School academic department classrooms alongside Biology, Physics and Chemistry laboratories, computer science suites, the House Common Rooms, the Thring Dining Room, Dance Studio and the Thring Senior Library
ā¢ The Queen Elizabeth II Senior School Building house the Upper Pre-Prep and Lower Prep Departments alongside the QEII Dining Room, Music Room, Art Room, Exhibition Hall and Senior Library
ā¢ The Rutland Sixth Form Building, with bespoke study group classrooms, the Sixth Form Common Room, Sixth Form Laboratories and academic libraries
Living in Cairo
Uppingham Cairo is located in a safe haven of open spaces and suburban communities yet close enough to the capital for staff to enjoy the hustle and bustle of this extraordinary city.
Cairo is a very vibrant and welcoming city, rich in culture and history. Well used to tourists from all over the world, many of the locals speak English. It has a very Western feel with all the modern conveniences and services you are used to ā home delivery, Amazon, Uber, shopping centres and restaurants to cater for every taste.
The working week is Sunday to Thursday. Friday is much like a Sunday in the UK so services may vary slightly to the rest of the week.
The cost of living in Egypt is very low, compared to the UK (around 86% less). Domestic help and services are very affordable; utilities are around Ā£15ā20 per month and eating out is extremely reasonable. This means that staff can save whilst enjoying a high quality of life on their expatriate salaries.
Uppingham Cairo is located in 6th of October City, approximately 30km southwest of the capital, just 12km from the Pyramids of Giza (which are visible from the school) and 13km from the new Grand Egyptian Museum.
The area offers a relaxed, suburban lifestyle of spacious, upscale accommodation in secure communities or compounds with large, landscaped grounds and cleaner air.
Communities are walled and gated, with security at each entrance, making them extremely safe and family friendly. Many have amenities such as parks, play areas, lakes, shops, restaurants, cafes, gyms, pools and golf courses.
The Role
CONTEXT
The Director of Studies is responsible for ensuring the quality of academic standards for each pupil in the senior school and 6th form, whilst drawing the highest professional standards from those who teach in their department.
Uppingham Cairo strives for the highest academic outcomes, and demands that teaching is creative, inspirational and innovative. A culture of self-reflective and collective professional development is at the heart of our professional values, and it is a core responsibility of Director of Studies to lead and promote that culture.
On a day-to-day basis, Director of Studies will initially be accountable to the Head of Senior school . As the school grows, line management responsibilities will be shared between the Head of Junior school, Head of Prep, Deputy Head (Academic) and Junior school.
The School reserves the right to adapt the needs of the role as circumstances demand or opportunities arise.
PURPOSE
The Director of Studies holds strategic and operational responsibility for the academic life of the Senior School, including the Sixth Form.
The postholder will safeguard and advance the intellectual standards, academic culture and curriculum ambition of Uppingham Cairo, ensuring that the school delivers an education fully aligned with the academic ethos and expectations of Uppingham.
This is a senior leadership role of considerable influence. The Director of Studies will shape the academic vision of the Senior School, drive innovation in teaching and learning, and ensure that pupils are intellectually stretched, supported and inspired to achieve at the highest level.
The role combines strategic leadership with close operational oversight of teaching, learning, assessment and academic outcomes, ensuring that Uppingham Cairo develops a reputation for academic rigour, scholarship and excellence.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Academic Vision and Culture
ā¢ Work with the Headmistress and Head of Senior School to articulate and deliver an ambitious academic vision for the Senior School that reflects the values and intellectual character of Uppingham.
ā¢ Promote a culture of scholarship, curiosity, intellectual risk-taking and academic ambition across all year groups.
ā¢ Ensure that pupils are consistently challenged and supported to achieve excellent academic outcomes and to develop independence, resilience and depth of thought.
ā¢ Lead the development of a distinctive academic identity for Uppingham Cairo, ensuring alignment with leading British independent school practice while responding thoughtfully to the local and international context.
Leading Teaching and Learning
ā¢ Lead and manage the implementation of high-quality teaching and learning across the Senior School.
ā¢ Monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching through lesson visits, work scrutiny, data analysis and professional dialogue.
ā¢ Ensure that classroom practice reflects the highest expectations of scholarship, engagement and academic discipline.
ā¢ Develop and lead a coherent programme of academic professional development for teaching staff, including coaching, mentoring and research-informed practice.
ā¢ Support Heads of Department in developing strong academic teams with clear standards and shared expectations.
ā¢ Model excellent classroom practice through teaching and professional conduct.
Strategic Academic Leadership
ā¢ Provide strategic leadership of teaching and learning across the Senior School and Sixth Form.
ā¢ Anticipate future developments in curriculum, assessment and pedagogy, ensuring the school remains innovative, academically rigorous and forward-looking.
ā¢ Lead the design, review and continuous improvement of the academic curriculum, ensuring breadth, balance, stretch and coherence across all subjects and key stages.
ā¢ Ensure strong academic transition between Junior School, Senior School and Sixth Form, with a clear and progressive academic journey for all pupils.
ā¢ Contribute to whole-school improvement planning, self-evaluation and the development of strategic priorities relating to academic provision
Curriculum Development and Innovation
ā¢ Oversee the ongoing development of the curriculum to ensure it remains challenging, relevant and intellectually ambitious.
ā¢ Encourage innovation in pedagogy, curriculum design and assessment, drawing on evidence-informed practice and emerging educational research.
ā¢ Ensure academic enrichment, extension and super-curricular opportunitie sare embedded within the life of the Senior School.
ā¢ Support the development of pathways that prepare pupils effectively for leading universities and future careers.
Assessment, Tracking and Academic Intervention
ā¢ Lead and oversee systems for assessment, tracking and reporting across the Senior School and Sixth Form.
ā¢ Ensure that pupil attainment and progress data are used intelligently to raise standards and inform teaching.
ā¢ Identify underperformance early and coordinate effective academic interventions in partnership with pastoral and SEND teams.
ā¢ Monitor progress of high-attaining pupils to ensure appropriate stretch and challenge.
ā¢ Oversee reporting to parents, ensuring clarity, accuracy and high professional standards.
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ā¢ Provide regular analysis of academic performance to the Headmistress ,Head of Senior School and Governors as required.
Communication and Representation
ā¢ Represent the academic life of the school confidently to current and prospective parents.
ā¢ Ensure that the schoolās academic philosophy and provision are clearly communicated through publications, events and the website.
ā¢ Work closely with colleagues across the school to ensure consistency of message and alignment with whole-school priorities.
ā¢ Support preparation for inspection, accreditation and external review.
Responsibilities as a Member of the Senior Leadership Team
ā¢ Contribute actively to the strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the school.
ā¢ Demonstrate visible leadership presence around the school and in its wider life.
ā¢ Support whole-school initiatives and uphold the highest professional standards at all times.
ā¢ Participate in self-evaluation, policy development and school improvement planning.
ā¢ Attend Governorsā meetings and present reports where required.
ā¢ Maintain a consistent and unified leadership message to staff, pupils and parents.
Leadership of Staff
ā¢ Provide inspirational leadership, guidance and professional challenge to Heads of Department and academic staff.
ā¢ Support recruitment, induction and development of teaching staff within the Senior School.
ā¢ Foster a collaborative professional culture rooted in high expectations, mutual respect and continuous improvement.
ā¢ Lead appraisal and performance management processes related to academic provision where appropriate.
Operational and Administrative Leadership
ā¢ Oversee the effective operation of academic systems within the Senior School, including timetabling (as appropriate), reporting cycles, assessment processes and academic calendars.
ā¢ Assist with the preparation and review of academic sections of school handbooks and policies.
ā¢ Contribute to the effective deployment of academic resources and budget planning with the Head of Senior School.
ā¢ Deputise for the Head of Senior School when required.
Wider Professional Responsibilities
Uppingham Cairo is a Day Boarding School, open from 7.30am ā 9.00pm Sunday to Wednesday, and until 4.30pm on Thursdays.
All staff are expected to:
ā¢ Be aware of and committed to the ethos and values of Uppingham Cairo as a Day Boarding School
ā¢ Make a positive contribution to the wider life and ethos of the School and contribute to the Day Boarding Programme which runs until 9pm Sunday āWednesday; this includes active participation in House activities, assemblies, duties, the Co-Curricular Programme, Parentsā Evenings and other related commitments.
ā¢ Carry out any task that can be reasonably be expected of them in their role
ā¢ Take an active role in the development and implementation of school policies and in the whole life of the School
ā¢ Ensure that there are equal opportunities for all
ā¢ Follow school procedures as outlined in the staff handbooks
ā¢ Promote environmental awareness across the School.
ā¢ Develop effective professional relationships with colleagues, exercising sound judgement in seeking advice and specialist support, and deploying support staff appropriately.
ā¢ Take responsibility for the continuous improvement of teaching through appropriate professional development and respond constructively to advice and feedback from colleagues.
ā¢ Communicate promptly and professionally with parents regarding pupilsā achievements, behaviour and wellbeing, in accordance with the Schoolās communication procedures, and make purposeful use of the Schoolās electronic communication systems to support teaching, learning and engagement with the wider community.
ā¢ Be fully committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
About You
Essential
Education, skills, training and qualifications
ā¢ University degree from a recognized academic institution
ā¢ Recognised teaching qualification, UK PGCE or other teaching qualification giving QTS
ā¢ Strong pedagogical knowledge, including AfL
ā¢ Working knowledge of the National Curriculum
ā¢ Understanding of UK Safeguarding and Child Protection protocols
ā¢ Demonstrable commitment to professional development
ā¢ Strong ICT skills; an interest in and enthusiasm for the use of technology in education
ā¢ Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills with the ability to deal confidently with a wide range of people including staff, pupils and parents
ā¢ Outstanding planning and organizational skills
ā¢ Able and willing to contribute to the Co-Curricular Programme
Experience
ā¢ Comfortable working as part of a team
ā¢ Experience of, or a clear understanding of UK Independent Schools and/or British International Schools
Personal Qualities
ā¢ Commitment to the ethos of the school as a Day Boarding School and a belief in the unlimited potential of every pupil
ā¢ Ability to embrace and manage change
ā¢ Emotional intelligence. An ability to relate well to children and develop effective professional working relationships with adults
ā¢ Passion, resilience, integrity and optimism
ā¢ Approachable and empathetic to the needs of others
ā¢ Enthusiasm and an ability to use own initiative
ā¢ Ability to prioritise and work flexibly as workloads require, and a willingness to take ownership of tasks
ā¢ Attention to detail and ability to actively question and clarify information
ā¢ A role model who demonstrates professionalism at all times
ā¢ A positive outlook on life combined with energy, thoughtfulness, resilience, patience and a lively sense of humour
Desirable
ā¢ Knowledge of international accreditation, inspection and evaluation framework
ā¢ Experience using educational technology such as iPads and Virtual Learning Environment
Benefits
ā¢ Competitive Salary
ā¢ Fully furnished and equipped high quality accommodation in close proximity to the School
ā¢ Airconditioned transport to and from the School during term time
ā¢ Meals when on duty, including lunch for all teaching staff
ā¢ Annual return flights
ā¢ Comprehensive Private Healthcare Scheme Membership
ā¢ Free access to primary healthcare at the on-site Medical Centre
ā¢ Free annual flu vaccination
ā¢ 100% School fee discount for up to 2 children and 15% uniform discount
ā¢ Free membership to the Uppingham Cairo Sports Centre, including use of gym and swimming pool
ā¢ Comprehensive Professional Development Programme with ongoing mentoring and coaching
ā¢ Employee Assistance Programme and access to Occupational Health Services
Application Process
Applications should be made by sending a fully completed Uppingham Cairo Application Form, including at least 2 referees and Cover Letter, to recruitment26@uppinghamcairo.com.
CVs may also be sent in addition to the Application Form.