GEMS
Deputy Head of Secondary
- Permanent
- Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Experience 2 - 5 yrs
Job expiry date: 10/05/2026
Job overview
Date posted
26/03/2026
Location
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Salary
Undisclosed
Compensation
Comprehensive package
Experience
2 - 5 yrs
Seniority
Senior Manager
Qualification
Bachelors degree
Expiration date
10/05/2026
Job description
The Deputy Head of Secondary at GEMS Cambridge International Private School in Sharjah is a senior leadership position responsible for supporting the Head of Secondary and Senior Leadership Team to drive academic excellence, operational effectiveness, and the development of a positive learning culture. The role involves championing the school’s ethos, vision, and standards aligned with GEMS Education Core Values, ensuring integration across all curricular and co-curricular programmes. The Deputy Head contributes to whole-school strategic planning, quality assurance, teaching and learning improvement initiatives, and professional development of staff. Responsibilities include curriculum oversight, student support, enrichment programmes, and ensuring compliance with local regulations and GEMS policies. The role demands active participation in budget planning, operational management, and fostering strong partnerships with parents and the wider school community, while upholding safeguarding and child protection standards. The candidate must possess a strong track record in leadership, teaching, and curriculum innovation, with the ability to influence and mentor staff, drive continuous improvement, and promote a safe, inclusive, and aspirational learning environment.
Required skills
Key responsibilities
- Champion and actively promote the ethos, vision, and standards of excellence aligned with GEMS Education Core Values.
- Work closely with the Head of Secondary to develop and embed effective, innovative, and globally relevant teaching and learning practices across the Secondary phase.
- Lead the development and implementation of robust monitoring and evaluation systems to assess teaching quality and implement targeted improvement strategies.
- Conduct lesson observations and performance reviews, providing developmental feedback and coaching to teaching staff to enhance professional practice.
- Collaborate with Heads of Department and coordinators to ensure curriculum continuity, progression, and compliance with regulatory standards and frameworks.
- Support the professional growth of staff through structured mentoring, coaching, and professional development initiatives, contributing to leadership capacity and succession planning.
- Oversee student enrichment activities, educational visits, assemblies, and support programmes, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and aspirational learning environment.
- Develop strong partnerships with parents, liaise with the Registrar for admissions, and support organisation of Parent–Teacher meetings, school events, and wider GEMS initiatives.
- Contribute to strategic and operational leadership, including budget planning, resource management, and teaching allocation, ensuring effective deployment of staffing and facilities.
- Attend leadership meetings, serve on committees, and carry out additional duties as assigned by the Head of Secondary and Senior Leadership Team.
Experience & skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Education or another relevant field with a recognized teaching qualification.
- Previous experience in a senior leadership role within a school setting, demonstrating operational and academic management expertise.
- NPQH or other relevant senior leadership qualifications are desirable and advantageous.
- Proven ability to lead curriculum development, teaching and learning improvement initiatives, and staff professional growth.
- Experience in developing and implementing monitoring and evaluation systems, conducting lesson observations, and providing effective performance feedback.
- Strong understanding of student enrichment programmes, pastoral care, inclusion, and creating a safe and supportive learning environment.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, including building partnerships with parents, staff, and the wider community.
- Ability to manage strategic and operational responsibilities, including budget planning, resource allocation, regulatory compliance, and participation in school governance and committees.