About Fortes Education
Fortes Education is a Dubai-based school group managing a portfolio of schools including Sunmarke School (rated Outstanding by KHDA) and Regent International School. Founded with a mission to deliver holistic education that combines academic rigour with enrichment programmes, Fortes has positioned itself as a mid-to-premium employer in Dubai’s competitive international school market. The group operates schools following the British and IB curricula, serving students from Early Years through to Year 13.
Sunmarke School, the group’s flagship institution, holds an Outstanding KHDA rating and is known for its strong academic results, comprehensive co-curricular programme, and modern campus facilities. The school offers both British curriculum and IB pathways, giving students flexibility in their educational journey. Regent International School caters primarily to the primary and early years phases with a British curriculum focus. Together, these schools employ several hundred teaching and support staff.
Fortes Education Salary and Benefits
| Position | Monthly Salary (AED) | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher (NQT/early career) | 10,000–13,000 | Housing, flights, medical |
| Experienced Teacher | 13,000–17,000 | Enhanced package |
| Senior Teacher / HoD | 16,000–20,000 | Leadership allowance |
| Senior Leadership | 20,000–30,000 | Premium package |
All salaries are tax-free. The Fortes benefits package includes furnished accommodation or a housing allowance, annual return flights, comprehensive medical insurance, tuition fee discounts for children, and visa sponsorship. End-of-service gratuity is provided in line with UAE labour law. The group also invests in professional development, including IB training for teachers transitioning to the IB programme. For salary comparisons, see our Dubai salary guide.
Working Culture and Environment
Fortes Education prides itself on a collaborative and supportive working culture. The group emphasises professional development, with teachers having access to internal training programmes, external conference attendance, and curriculum-specific workshops. The dual-curriculum structure (British and IB) at Sunmarke School means teachers often develop expertise across multiple frameworks, which strengthens their professional portfolio and future career prospects.
Class sizes at Fortes schools are generally moderate, with Sunmarke School maintaining smaller class sizes than many comparably priced schools in Dubai. The schools invest in teaching resources, technology, and specialist facilities. Staff retention rates are competitive for Dubai, suggesting that teachers generally have a positive experience working within the group.
Schools in the Fortes Group
Sunmarke School is the premium campus, offering British curriculum and IB Diploma pathways from FS1 to Year 13. The school has been rated Outstanding by KHDA for multiple consecutive inspections. Facilities include specialist science laboratories, a 750-seat auditorium, sports halls, swimming pools, and dedicated STEAM areas. Regent International School focuses on primary education (FS1–Year 6) following the British curriculum. The school has received consistently positive KHDA ratings and is known for its nurturing environment and strong pastoral care.
How to Apply
Fortes Education advertises positions on its official careers portal, TES, and through recruitment partnerships. The recruitment timeline follows Dubai’s standard cycle: most positions are advertised from October to March for a September start. The interview process typically includes an initial screening call, a panel interview (often via video for international candidates), and a lesson demonstration or teaching task. Strong applications demonstrate commitment to holistic education, evidence of successful examination results, and alignment with the school’s values. For interview preparation, see our interview tips guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fortes Education a good employer?
Fortes has a solid reputation as an employer in Dubai. Sunmarke School’s Outstanding KHDA rating reflects high standards of teaching and school leadership. Teacher reviews generally highlight positive leadership, professional development opportunities, and good working conditions. As with any school, experiences may vary, so it is advisable to research current teacher reviews and ask specific questions during the interview process.
How does Fortes compare to GEMS or Taaleem?
Fortes is smaller than both GEMS and Taaleem, which can be an advantage — teachers may have more direct access to senior leadership and greater agency over curriculum development. The salary and benefits are competitive with mid-to-premium GEMS and Taaleem schools. The dual-curriculum offering (British + IB) is a distinguishing feature that provides professional development breadth. For detailed comparisons, see our GEMS vs Taaleem comparison.
What KHDA rating does Sunmarke School hold?
Sunmarke School has been rated Outstanding by KHDA, placing it among the top tier of private schools in Dubai. This rating reflects strong academic performance, excellent teaching quality, and high standards of student welfare. Working at an Outstanding-rated school is a significant career advantage and demonstrates your ability to perform at the highest level. See our KHDA ratings guide for more on what ratings mean for teachers.
