Job Description

At GEMS World Academy, Abu Dhabi, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive, dynamic learning community where every student feels valued, challenged, and supported. Situated on Al Reem Island, our curriculum blends the IB framework with the National Curriculum for England, offering the PYP and MYP, IGCSE from FS1 to Year 11, with plans to grow to Year 13.
We are currently seeking an experienced Registrar to join GEMS World Academy - Abu Dhabi. The Registrar is responsible for leading enrolment, registration, retention, and student data governance in alignment with ADEK regulations and GEMS Education strategic priorities.
The role goes beyond operational admissions and is central to the school's sustainability and growth. The Registrar provides strategic insight through data analysis, forecasting, and capacity planning, ensuring optimal enrolment, excellent parent experience, and full regulatory compliance across IB and IGCSE pathways.
Key Responsibilities

• Hold overall strategic and operational responsibility for student enrolment and registration across the school.
• Work closely with the Principal and Senior Leadership Team to support enrolment targets, cohort balance, and long-term sustainability.
• Analyse enrolment trends, retention, attrition, and cohort movement to inform strategic planning and decision-making.
• Produce accurate weekly, monthly, and annual enrolment forecasts, projections, and capacity models for SLT and GEMS corporate reporting.
• Lead re-enrolment strategies for existing families, identifying risks and opportunities to improve retention.

• Lead the end-to-end admissions and registration process from enquiry to enrolment, ensuring alignment with GEMS brand standards.
• Meet with prospective and enrolled parents to explain admissions procedures, curriculum pathways (IB MYP/DP and IGCSE), fee structures, and ADEK requirements.
• Act as the senior point of contact for complex admissions, transfer, and compliance-related cases.
• Manage waiting lists where applicable, ensuring transparent and timely communication with families.
• Ensure all parent-facing environments and interactions reflect the values, professionalism, and premium standards of GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi.

ADEK Compliance, eSIS and Governance

• Maintain up-to-date expert knowledge of ADEK regulations related to enrolment, registration, attendance, transfers, and withdrawals.
• Develop and maintain strong professional relationships with ADEK Student Affairs and regulatory stakeholders.
• Ensure all student records are accurate, secure, and inspection-ready at all times.

Data Management, Systems and Reporting

• Ensure daily accuracy of enquiry, application, enrolment, and registration data across the school MIS and GEMS corporate systems.
• Use data analytics to support forecasting, risk analysis, and operational planning.
• Provide high-quality enrolment reports and insights to SLT and GEMS corporate teams.

Marketing, Partnerships and Representation

• Work collaboratively with Marketing and GEMS Enrolments teams to support student recruitment strategies.
• Plan and Lead enrolment events, and school tours as a senior representative of the school.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with feeder nurseries and schools.
• Represent GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi and GEMS Education with professionalism at networking and community events.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Line manage and develop admissions team members where applicable, setting clear KPIs aligned to enrolment, retention, and compliance.
• Attend SLT meetings to provide enrolment updates, analysis, and strategic recommendations.
• Work cross-functionally with Finance, HR, SEN, EAL, and Academic teams to ensure smooth onboarding and retention.
• Undertake additional responsibilities as directed by the Principal or GEMS Education in line with the scope of the role.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent (desirable).
• At least 5 years proven experience in a Registrar, Admissions, or Enrolment leadership role within an Abu Dhabi or UAE school.
• Strong working knowledge of ADEK regulations and eSIS.

Skills

• Strong strategic and analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insight.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• High attention to detail and strong governance mindset.
• Culturally sensitive with a clear understanding of the UAE context.
• Ability to operate confidently at both strategic and operational levels.

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