UK teacher and education leadership recruitment for the UAE
Hiring from the UK for a school or university in the UAE? We can help. We find UK trained teachers, SEN and inclusion staff, and heads and senior leaders for international schools, and we run executive search for senior university appointments.
Our UAE work is led by our team. They'll be your contact from the first call right through to the offer.
Are you a teacher thinking about the move? Our Teach in the UAE guide is written for you, and registering is free. We never charge candidates a fee.
Contact the UK team
For UAE schools
Tell us who you need and we'll do the legwork: the searching, the first conversations and the honest questions. You'll only meet people we've properly spoken to.
UK qualified teachers
Most schools hiring from the UK look for a recognised teaching qualification, such as a PGCE or B.Ed with QTS, or an equivalent, and solid experience in UK classrooms. Let us know the phase, the subject and your curriculum.
For British curriculum posts, we look for teachers who know the English National Curriculum inside out. If you follow a different curriculum, just tell us and we'll search with that in mind.
SEN and inclusion staff
Whether it's a class teacher with strong SEN experience or someone to lead your inclusion provision, tell us about your pupils and what matters most to you. We'll keep the search focused on that.
Heads and senior leaders
Heads, deputies, heads of phase and other senior roles. Before we approach anyone, we'll want to understand how your school runs, what the role really involves and what kind of leader would thrive with you.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi each have their own regulator: KHDA for private schools in Dubai, and ADEK across the emirate of Abu Dhabi. We've put the local detail on our Dubai schools and Abu Dhabi schools pages.
For UAE universities
A senior university appointment is a different kind of search. It's often confidential, the shortlist is small, and the right person may not be looking for a move. Our executive search team works quietly and carefully, and we'll agree with you how we approach people before we start.
To talk through a role, use the contact form or call the UK team on +44 151 404 9965 or +44 113 460 1938.
How it works
A conversation.
You tell us about the role, your school or university, and who'd be a great fit.
The search.
We go looking, talk to candidates properly and check they're genuinely interested in a move to the UAE.
A shortlist.
We introduce people we're happy to put our name to, and help you arrange interviews.
The appointment.
You make the offer. We stay in touch with you and your new starter while the school's checks and paperwork are completed.
We'll help you polish your CV and prepare for school interviews, at no cost to you.
Why teachers choose the UAE
We hear the same reasons again and again. Every school is different, but here's the general picture.
- No income tax on salaries. GOV.UK confirms the UAE doesn't have income tax on salaries or wages. UK tax residency depends on your circumstances, so check with HMRC or an adviser.
- A package, not just a salary. Packages at many international schools typically include housing or a housing allowance, flights, medical insurance and an end of service gratuity. Packages vary by school.
- Teaching you already know. Many schools follow the British curriculum, and there can be good routes into leadership.
- Sunshine and travel. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are very well connected, and plenty of teachers make the most of it in the holidays.
Every school's offer is different. We will talk you through each package before you decide.
There's much more for teachers in our Teach in the UAE guide.
FAQs
How can GAC Education help in the UAE?
We help in four ways: UK teachers for international schools, SEN and inclusion staff, heads and senior leaders for schools, and executive search for senior university roles.
Do candidates pay a fee?
No. We never charge candidates a fee, at any stage.
Do you recruit for Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
Yes, both. They're regulated separately, so each has its own page: Dubai schools and Abu Dhabi schools.
Can you help with university appointments?
Yes. We run executive search for senior university posts in the UAE. Start with the contact form and we'll arrange a call.
Who confirms visa, tax and licensing rules?
The school and the relevant authorities. We're happy to share what we know and point you to the right place, but we can't advise on your personal visa, tax or licensing position.
How do we get started?
Email office@gac.education, call +44 151 404 9965 or +44 113 460 1938, or fill in the contact form. We'll be in touch.
Related pages
Dubai schools
British curriculum teachers and leaders for international schools in Dubai.
Abu Dhabi schools
Teachers and leaders for schools across the emirate, from the capital to Al Ain.
Teach in the UAE
A friendly guide for UK teachers, and how to register your interest.
University brief
Talk to us about a senior appointment at a UAE university.
Let's talk about the UAE
Schools and universities, tell us who you're looking for. Teachers, register your interest and we'll be in touch. It never costs candidates a penny.