PRINCIPAL, NORD ANGLIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL DUBLIN

Nord Anglia International School Dublin offers an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished school leader to shape the future of one of Ireland's most distinctive international schools. As Ireland's only IB Continuum school, NAIS Dublin combines academic excellence, a vibrant international community, and a commitment to developing globally minded young people who thrive in an ever-changing world.

THE SCHOOL

Founded in 2018, NAIS Dublin has quickly established itself as a leading international school in Ireland. Home to more than 650 students representing over 45 nationalities, it is Ireland's first and only school offering the full International Baccalaureate continuum from ages 3 to 18.

Located on a purpose-built campus in Leopardstown, the school combines academic rigour with innovative, future-focused learning. Through Nord Anglia's exclusive collaborations with UNICEF, The Juilliard School, MIT and IMG Academy, students benefit from learning experiences that extend far beyond the classroom, developing the knowledge, skills and character to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Our diverse and ambitious community is united by a shared commitment to excellence, wellbeing and global citizenship. Supported by highly engaged parents and exceptional educators, students are encouraged to pursue their passions, achieve their personal best and make a meaningful impact locally and globally. As part of the Nord Anglia Education family, they also enjoy access to a worldwide network of opportunities through Global Campus and Nord Anglia University.

WHY LEAD NAIS DUBLIN?

This is more than a leadership role - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of a school with a proven record of achievement and a strong sense of community. You’ll have the autonomy to lead within a clear framework of excellence, supported by regional teams, peer networks, and professional development through Nord Anglia University.

From day one, you’ll enjoy:

A welcoming school community with a commitment to academic excellence.
A dynamic environment where innovation and collaboration are celebrated.
A highly competitive remuneration and benefits package, commensurate with the seniority of the role.
Career progression opportunities across Nord Anglia’s global network.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking a visionary and strategic leader with a strong track record of success in school leadership, ideally within a international education context. You will bring the commercial acumen and strategic thinking required to lead a successful international school, balancing educational excellence with sustainable growth and strong stakeholder engagement. Using evidence, insight, and data, you will drive continuous improvement across academic outcomes, enrolment, staff development, and operational performance. You will also be an inspiring and visible people leader, able to build trust, develop high-performing teams and foster an inclusive culture in which colleagues and students can thrive.

Most importantly, you will be excited by the opportunity to lead a distinctive school. As Ireland's only school authorised to deliver the full International Baccalaureate continuum from ages 3 to 18, NAIS Dublin offers a unique platform for a Principal who is passionate about innovation, international-mindedness, and preparing students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. You will work collaboratively across Nord Anglia Education's global network while shaping the next chapter of success for a school that combines academic ambition with a vibrant and diverse international community.

LIFE IN DUBLIN

Few capital cities offer the balance that Dublin does. A cosmopolitan, internationally connected city with a distinctly human scale, it combines career opportunity with an enviable lifestyle. Coastal walks, mountain trails, historic villages and lively city-centre neighbourhoods are all within easy reach, creating a quality of life that attracts professionals from around the world. For relocating families, Dublin's welcoming culture, strong international community and excellent transport links make it an easy and rewarding place to call home.

WHY JOIN NORD ANGLIA?

As part of Nord Anglia Education’s global family of premium schools, you’ll benefit from:

Regional support teams and peer networks.
The Principal In Role Support (PIRS) programme, including executive coaching and mentoring.
Extensive professional development via Nord Anglia University, global conferences, and leadership programmes.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please upload your CV together with a supporting statement that demonstrates your leadership achievements, impact in previous roles, and the reasons you feel your experience and expertise make you well suited to NAIS Dublin.

Start Date: August 2027

Application Deadline: 27th November 2026

Interviews: 11th and 12th January 2027

At Nord Anglia Education, we are committed to providing a world-class, safe and happy environment in which children and young people can thrive and learn. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every student is our highest priority, and we expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment.

As Principal, you will hold overall accountability for safeguarding at NAIS Dublin. This includes leading a culture of vigilance, overseeing safer recruitment, and ensuring that concerns and allegations are managed in line with NAE policy and local law.

This role involves regular, unsupervised work with children. Any offer of appointment will be conditional on satisfactory safer recruitment checks, including:

criminal record checks from Ireland and from every country you have lived or worked in for three months or more in the last 10 years, plus your country of nationality (including an International Child Protection Certificate if you have lived or worked in the UK)
a check against the UK list of individuals prohibited from managing or governing schools
at least two references, including one from your current or most recent employer, which we will verify directly
verification of your identity, right to work, qualifications and professional standing
online searches as part of our due diligence

Safeguarding will form part of the interview process. Applications must be made using the NAE application form; a CV alone cannot be accepted.

We welcome applications from suitably qualified people of all backgrounds and are committed to an inclusive community where every student, family and colleague belongs.

Principal, Nord Anglia international School Dublin

Benefits

Job Description