Head of Secondary School – Dhirubhai Ambani International School, Mumbai

Dhirubhai Ambani International School (DAIS) is a world-class institution, consistently ranked India’s No. 1 international day school and among the leading international schools globally.

For August 2026

DAIS stands among the world’s highest-performing schools — a distinction built on two decades of sustained excellence, visionary leadership, and a deep commitment to holistic education.

Recognised as India’s leading international school and ranked 9th globally among IBDP schools in 2025 by Education Advisers, DAIS is a co-educational, English-medium, non-profit day school established in 2003. Around 60% of students continue from the Early Years through Grade 12, while others typically join in Grades 8 and 11.

At DAIS, excellence is cultivated through a whole-child approach—nurturing intellectual curiosity, resilience, and empathy alongside academic mastery. Students are inspired to “Dare to Dream, Learn to Excel,” balancing academic rigour with creativity, collaboration, and social responsibility.

The school operates across three adjacent campuses located in Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). The original DAIS campus, now slated for a major renovation, will become the future DAIS Secondary campus. Currently in the planning phase, the project is scheduled for completion by 2029. In the interim, the Secondary School is operating from the adjacent NMAJS campus, ensuring continuity of learning within the same educational precinct. Upon completion of the new campus, the Secondary School will undergo a phased expansion, growing from its current 550 students to approximately 850 students.

Reporting to the Dean & CEO, the Head of Secondary School provides pedagogical and administrative leadership for the Secondary section of DAIS. This is a high-impact position requiring vision, academic depth, and the ability to inspire and manage a large, talented team.

The successful candidate will lead the Secondary faculty to deliver world-class learning, strengthen teaching practice, and uphold DAIS’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusion. The Head will also serve as the face of the Secondary School—fostering relationships with parents, staff, and students, and upholding the culture and values that define DAIS.

This role calls for a leader with strong international experience, a proven record of delivering exceptional outcomes, and the ability to combine strategic insight with operational excellence. Candidates must demonstrate impeccable leadership credentials—capable of leading with conviction and decisiveness, making tough decisions, motivating and challenging as appropriate, and keeping the success and well-being of students at the heart of all they do. Commercial acumen is also essential.

The successful candidate will lead a significant school in its own right, enjoying substantial operational autonomy while working collaboratively as part of the wider executive. The move to the new building and the school’s planned growth will further enhance the scope and impact of this role.

This is an opportunity to join one of the great schools of the world, in one of its most dynamic cities, in a nation experiencing extraordinary growth. DAIS is part of the wider Reliance Group—the largest private company and employer in India, and among the largest globally.

For a preliminary, confidential conversation about the role with Hannah Green, International Appointments Consultant, please contact hannahgreen@rsacademics.com with a copy of your CV/résumé.

The deadline for receipt of applications is Wednesday 12 November 2025 at 10:00am (UK)/15:30 (India)

To apply, candidates should complete an application form electronically and submit it to RSAcademics, together with a letter of application, CV/résumé, and completed data sharing agreement. Please click the Apply Now link on the right side of this page. You will be taken to an online portal where you will be able to download the application materials. Please follow the instructions provided to complete your application. Guidance on the letter of application can be found in the candidate information. Please make sure your letter is tailored to this role; an application letter that is largely generic is discouraged and may lead to your application not being considered.

Please note that early applications will be considered as received and potential candidates may receive an invitation for interview with RSAcademics before the closing date therefore early application is encouraged.

You should submit:

• A completed application form
• A completed data sharing agreement
• A copy of your curriculum vitae/résumé
• A covering letter, preferably of no more than two pages, addressed to Mr A. Basu, Dean and CEO. The letter should explain the attractions of the role, the relevance of your experience and your education philosophy, and other information that can demonstrate your alignment with the role.

Should you have any queries relating to uploading your application documents, please contact Alison Hooper, Project Coordinator, at applications@rsacademics.com. Alison can also be reached by calling +44 (0) 204 6269 7911. 

Dhirubhai Ambani International School (DAIS) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be prepared to undergo stringent child protection screening including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS (or equivalent) is required.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure.

RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.