Leopardfish Travels

Middle East Teaching Picks: Leopardfish Travels
February 8, 2026
It’s not just about the tax-free headline—it’s about what’s left in your pocket once the dust settles. Here’s where you should be looking this week.

Dubai College (UAE)
Roles: Head of Drama, Teacher of Drama, Teacher of Mathematics. Deadlines: Feb 16 (Maths) | Feb 20 (Drama).
If your CV doesn't scream "subject passion" and "extracurricular beast," don't bother. They want experts, not just educators. Base salary between AED 14,500 – AED 24,000 per month. Overseas hires get a furnished place for Year 1. From Year 2, you get an allowance of AED 106,000 – AED 177,000 (depending on family size). That buys you a lifestyle, not just a "concrete box." School fees covered for two kids (a massive Dubai saving) and annual flights home.

Sherborne Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)
Roles: English Teacher, Physics Teacher. Deadline: February 17.
Using an "enhanced" Sherborne scale. Expect SAR 18,000 – SAR 25,000 for senior roles, though it scales with experience. Provided accommodation, typically in high-spec Western-style compounds. VIP medical insurance and fee remission for two kids. As a "founding team" role, expect the beautiful chaos of a new school. If you’re ambitious, the path to promotion here is much shorter than in established schools.

St Christopher’s School (Bahrain)
Primary Class Teachers & Primary PE Teachers (for August 2026). Deadline: Interviewing now—apply immediately. Widely considered one of the best packages globally. Tax-free salary (approx. BHD 1,500 – 2,200) plus full housing. Rent-free, furnished 2-bedroom flat. Married teaching couples usually score a villa.
Bahrain is "Middle East Lite"—very chilled. You can cross the country in 45 minutes, and the social life at the Dilmun or British Club is legendary.

Our Take: We know the staff here; it’s a place where you actually get to teach rather than just manage admin and behaviour.

Don’t just take our word for it!
Do your due diligence on the "Corporate" vs. "Not-for-Profit" divide. Some big-name chains in Abu Dhabi have flashy gyms but will drown you in admin. Ask about staff turnover rates check for comments onInternational Schools community. If everyone is leaving after two years, there’s usually a reason why.
Do you want us to feature your school in our next update? DM us with the details.

Job of the Week: Discover the Magic of Muscat
Looking for a change of pace? ABA Oman International School is currently hiring for several key roles to start in the new academic year. As one of the most respected IB schools in the Middle East, it offers a brilliant community feel in a city known for its stunning coastline and relaxed lifestyle.

Leopardfish Travels visited the campus last year and we were blown away. It truly is a fantastic school boasting world-class facilities and an environment full of genuine opportunity for staff and students alike.

The Roles:
Head of School
Speech and Language Specialist (Elementary)
MYP Sciences
Mathematics Teacher
Secondary School Teacher Librarian

Why it’s a top pick:
Oman offers a breath of fresh air. It’s less about the glitz of Dubai and more about authentic culture, mountain hikes, and beach weekends. The "expatriate package" at ABA is designed to help you save significantly while living comfortably.

The Package:
You can expect a competitive tax-free salary (paid in Omani Rial), with modern, furnished housing included. On top of that, they provide annual return flights home, comprehensive medical insurance, and even tuition cover for up to two children. With the low cost of living and provided accommodation, many teachers find they could save upwards of £15,000 a year.
Ready to make the move? You can apply directly via the ABA Oman Careers Page or find them on Search Associates.

Leopardfish Travles Advise:
Check in with other schools in the region, including
British School Muscat - Teacher of Science (Physics): Closing date 3rd February Cheltenham Muscat, - Head of Physical Education: Apply by 14th February
Primary Teacher: Various.
Downe House - has a number ofvacancies posted on TES
The Sultan’s School are also worth researching
It’s the perfect time to get your applications in!

Let us know what your dream school would be!
Leopardfish Travels