Head of School - Sydney, New South Wales

Position: Head of School · Location: Sydney, Australia · Organisation: Unity Grammar, Vantage · Commencement: July, 2026 (Design and Launch Phase) · School Launch: 2027 · Background · Vantage represents a radical reimagining of education — a model where learning is integrated wit ...

Job description

Position: Head of School

Location: Sydney, Australia

Organisation: Unity Grammar, Vantage

Commencement: July, 2026 (Design and Launch Phase)

School Launch: 2027

Background

Vantage represents a radical reimagining of education — a model where learning is integrated with life, industry, and faith. Developed by Unity Grammar, one of Australia's leading independent Islamic schools, Vantage seeks to pioneer a new paradigm of education that prepares learners for the future of work, life-long purpose, and faith-informed impact. Unlike traditional schools that are constrained by subject silos, fixed classrooms, and standardized testing, Vantage transforms the entire city into a learning ecosystem. Learners engage in studios, labs, galleries, and civic institutions, building real-world projects with industry mentors, creative professionals, and academic partners. The Vantage graduate is envisioned as a Smart Muslim Creative - a deep generalist who combines academic mastery, spiritual depth, creative problem-solving, and moral conviction. Vantage is a pioneering secondary school model that is not a conventional principalship. It transforms the entire city of Sydney into its campus — studios, labs, and civic institutions become spaces of learning and creation. The Vantage operates through its Unity Experiential Learning (UXL) model - a synthesis of project-based learning, design thinking, and Islamic pedagogy -integrating academic mastery with real-world application.

Vision and Purpose

The mission of Vantage is to systematically develop specialized Muslim leaders — 'Smart Muslim Creatives' - who possess relentless curiosity, an influential network, and mastery of competent skills to lead teams and organizations that solve for the betterment of humanity.

Graduates will be:

• Academically Excellent; mastering core disciplines while applying knowledge in authentic contexts.
• Spiritually Anchored; guided by Qur'anic principles, prophetic character, and a sense of higher purpose.
• Future-Ready; equipped for industry, entrepreneurship, and social innovation.
• Ethically Driven; using creativity and intellect in service to humanity.

The Unity Experiential Learning (UXL) model integrates the NESA-accredited curriculum with a sequence of projects and experiences that culminate in mastery and impact. The learning journey follows three stages:

• Stage 4: Discovery through micro-projects.
• Stage 5: Mastery through educator-led projects and mentorship.
• Stage 6: Impact through learner-led capstone projects that create real-world solutions.

The Vantage theory of change is underpinned by four building blocks: Programming, Coaching,

Experiences + Immersions, and Attainment & Pathways. Educators work collaboratively as Learning Coaches, Expedition Guides, Competency Architects, and Experts in Residence - co-designing curriculum with industry and higher education. This design ensures that learning outcomes are achieved not through rote memorization but through deep, applied, and reflective engagement with the world. Vantage's ecosystem also integrates health, wellbeing, and spiritual awareness - with open, modular learning spaces designed to evoke awe towards knowledge, and daily routines centered on wellbeing, nutrition, and reflection. Technology and infrastructure are embedded to create seamless, adaptive learning environments that mirror the professional world.

The Role

The Head of School will serve as the founding educational lead, responsible for leading Vantage from the detailed architecture that has been developed to life. This role combines future / new pedagogical practices, institutional leadership, and moral purpose.

Core Responsibilities:

• Lead the foundational design of the academic, operational, and cultural framework.
• Implement our integrated NESA curriculum with the Unity Experiential Learning (UXL) model.
• Recruit, coach, mentor, and inspire a founding team of innovative educators and learning designers.
• Forge strategic partnerships with universities, industry, and civic institutions.
• Shape a values-driven culture that reflects ihsan, creativity, and spiritual depth.
• Represent Vantage publicly as a thought leader in educational transformation.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful appointee will be a visionary pioneer — an experienced innovator, not a traditional educator. They will demonstrate deep alignment with the Islamic worldview, courage to build new models of learning, and the ability to inspire others around a shared mission of educational transformation.

Professional Background

Candidates may currently serve as:

• Head of Teaching and Learning, Head of Department, or Deputy Principal in a forward-thinking school.
• Leader of programs in Creative Arts, Technology, or Social Sciences focused on interdisciplinary education.
• Educational entrepreneur or designer leading innovative, project-based models.
• Preferred candidates will demonstrate a systems-thinking mindset — capable of translating vision into operational reality while cultivating innovation, excellence, and spiritual purpose within their teams.

Qualifications and Capabilities

• Postgraduate qualifications in Education or Leadership (Master's preferred).
• Proven record of leading institutional innovation and educational reform.
• Expertise in emerging pedagogies: project-based, inquiry-based, or experiential learning.
• Ability to embed Islamic principles and ethics into educational design.
• Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills.
• Competence in forming partnerships with academic and industry networks.

Personal Attributes

• Deep faith, humility, and integrity.
• Strategic foresight with operational clarity.
• Courage to innovate and resilience in ambiguity.
• Reflective, collaborative, and mentoring leadership style.
• Commitment to ihsan - excellence in service to learners and humanity.

The Opportunity

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to define the future of Muslim education. The Head of School will lead the establishment of a model that redefines faith-based schooling for the foressable future.

Vantage offers:

• Strategic design and implementation authority and leadership autonomy.

• Freedom to build programs, culture, and infrastructure from inception.

• Global exposure to leading educators, scholars, and technologists.

• Competitive remuneration above standard leadership benchmarks.

• A mission-driven environment grounded in excellence, ihsan, and legacy.

Application Process

Expressions of interest are invited from exceptional candidates globally. Applicants should submit:

A cover letter outlining their educational philosophy and leadership vision (2–3 pages with a curriculum vitae detailing relevant experience and achievements. Please include details for three referees (referees will not be contacted without prior consent). Candidates are invited to submit a creative or reflective artefact that offers insight into how they approach learning, leadership, and purpose.All applications will be treated with strict confidence

Our Public Commitment to Child Safety:

We have a zero tolerance for child abuse and are committed to acting in children's best interests and keeping them safe from harm.