Job Description

GEMS Wellington Academy - Al Khail is seeking to appoint an exceptional and experienced leader to join the Senior Leadership Team as Deputy Head - Senior School (Teaching and Learning) from August 2026. The successful candidate will drive excellence in teaching, learning and academic standards across Years 7-13, ensuring consistently high-quality classroom practice and outstanding outcomes for all pupils.
Job Purpose
The Deputy Head (Teaching and Learning) is responsible for the strategic leadership and operational oversight of teaching quality, curriculum development and academic standards across the Senior School. Working closely with the Head of Senior School and SLT, the postholder will ensure that teaching is consistently impactful, data-informed and aligned to the Academy's vision, while fostering a culture of professional growth, innovation and continuous improvement.

• Lead the development and implementation of the Teaching and Learning strategy across the Senior School.
• Monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching through lesson observations, learning walks and work scrutiny.
• Hold middle and senior leaders accountable for the consistent implementation of teaching principles and policy.
• Use attainment and progress data to identify trends, inform interventions and drive improvement.
• Contribute to whole-school self-evaluation and school improvement planning.
• Support and, where appropriate, lead Internal Quality Assurance processes.
• Ensure high-quality assessment practices and consistent academic standards across all subjects.
• Monitor the impact of teaching and learning initiatives on pupil progress and attainment.
• Oversee the Celebration of Educational Excellence programme across the Senior School.
• Model consistently high-quality teaching practice.
• Lead and deliver Teaching and Learning CPD as part of the annual professional development cycle.
• Coordinate mentoring and coaching programmes to support teacher development.
• Promote a culture of reflective practice and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to curriculum development and academic policy across Years 7-13.
• Lead and refine the bespoke study skills programme.
• Promote innovative teaching methods and the effective integration of digital learning strategies.
• Encourage creative, student-centred learning approaches that build independence and resilience.
• Work closely with Inclusion, ELL and academic support teams to ensure high-quality provision for all learners.
• Ensure teaching and learning strategies effectively support students of determination and all learner groups.
• Support the preparation of inspection documentation, including SEF and improvement planning.
• Monitor standards relating to teaching quality, curriculum adaptation, inclusion and student outcomes.
• Support implementation of international benchmark assessments and UAE curriculum requirements.
• Contribute to recruitment, policy development and strategic planning.
• Undertake additional duties as reasonably requested by the Head of Senior School or CEO.

Skills

• Proven strategic and operational leadership experience within a Senior School setting.
• Strong understanding of teaching and learning frameworks, curriculum development and data-driven improvement.
• Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Deep understanding of British curriculum frameworks and inspection standards (KHDA, BSO).
• Recognised teaching qualification (PGCE or equivalent).
• Bachelor's degree in Education or related field; Master's degree or NPQ desirable.

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is required for all successful applicants.
GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a pre-requisite for all appointments.

Skills Required