GEMS
Deputy Head of Secondary
- Permanent
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Experience 5 - 10 yrs
Job expiry date: 21/12/2025
Job overview
Date posted
06/11/2025
Location
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Salary
Undisclosed
Compensation
Comprehensive package
Experience
5 - 10 yrs
Seniority
Senior & Lead
Qualification
Bachelors degree
Expiration date
21/12/2025
Job description
GEMS Metropole School ā Al Waha is seeking a dynamic and visionary Deputy Head of Secondary to join its Senior Leadership Team in August 2026. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to help shape one of Dubaiās fastest-growing British curriculum schools, situated on a modern, sustainability-focused campus. The Deputy Head of Secondary will work closely with the Head of School to ensure academic excellence, operational efficiency, and the holistic development of students. As part of GEMS Educationāa global network renowned for professional growth and leadership developmentāthis position provides the ideal platform for an ambitious educator seeking to progress into headship or executive leadership. The successful candidate will bring a deep understanding of school improvement frameworks, exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, and a passion for driving innovation and high performance within a vibrant, international community.
Required skills
Key responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership and assist the Head of School in driving the schoolās vision, mission, and values.
- Lead, support, and deputise for the Head of Secondary as required, ensuring the smooth daily operation of the school.
- Champion safeguarding, student well-being, and inclusion as fundamental pillars of school life.
- Develop and oversee the implementation of the School Improvement Plan and the self-evaluation framework.
- Promote academic excellence through data-driven performance monitoring and high-quality teaching and learning standards.
- Lead and manage staff development through mentoring, professional learning, and performance reviews.
- Collaborate with faculty heads and department leads to ensure curriculum delivery aligns with the National Curriculum for England and BSO standards.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks, including the Dubai Schools Inspection Framework and the British Schools Overseas (BSO) accreditation.
- Promote the GEMS Core Valuesācuriosity, confidence, creativity, respect, and kindnessāacross all areas of school life.
- Foster effective communication and positive relationships among students, parents, and the broader school community.
- Represent the school within the wider educational community and contribute to its continued reputation for excellence and innovation.
- Support sustainability initiatives and integrate environmentally responsible practices into the schoolās operations and curriculum.
Experience & skills
- Recognised teaching qualification (B.Ed, PGCE, PGDE, or equivalent).
- Minimum of 5 years of experience teaching in a British curriculum school, including leadership experience at middle or senior level.
- Proven record of improving teaching quality, student outcomes, and school operations through strategic leadership.
- Strong understanding of British educational frameworks, including the National Curriculum for England and BSO standards.
- Exceptional leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams.
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with a collaborative and forward-thinking mindset.
- Ability to manage change, lead initiatives, and implement sustainable school improvement strategies.
- Experience in preparing schools for external inspections and accreditations (e.g., BSO, DSIB).
- Excellent IT proficiency and data management literacy.
- Commitment to continuous professional development and lifelong learning.
- Passion for sustainability and innovation in education, aligned with GEMS Metropole Al-Wahaās eco-focused ethos.
