Job Description

We are looking for a qualified Vice Principal of Secondary to join our established team at GEMS Education, in Dubai, starting from August 2026.
The Vice Principal (Secondary) plays a key role in shaping the strategic direction, culture, and performance of the Secondary School. Working closely with the Principal and wider leadership team, the postholder provides high-level leadership across teaching and learning, student experience, and staff development, ensuring consistently high standards and strong outcomes aligned with the school's vision.
Core Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the Secondary School, ensuring alignment with the school's vision, values, and whole-school priorities.
• Lead on teaching and learning across the Secondary phase, driving high standards of classroom practice, assessment, and student outcomes.
• Support the Principal in the delivery and continuous development of the IB continuum, ensuring fidelity to IB standards and requirements.
• Line-manage and develop Heads of Department and Middle Leaders, embedding a culture of accountability, professional growth, and high performance.
• Oversee student progress, achievement, and wellbeing, using data to inform interventions and strategic decision-making.
• Play a key role in staff recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and succession planning within the Secondary School.
• Lead on behaviour, attendance, and safeguarding, ensuring consistent application of policies and a safe, inclusive learning environment.
• Strengthen parent and community engagement, acting as a senior point of contact and representing the school with professionalism and credibility.
• Collaborate closely with the Primary Leadership Team to ensure effective transition, continuity, and coherence across phases.
• Contribute to school self-evaluation, accreditation, and inspection processes, including IB evaluation and local regulatory requirements.
• Support operational and timetable planning to ensure the efficient and effective running of the Secondary School.
• Act as a visible, approachable leader who models the school's values and promotes a positive, aspirational culture for staff and students.

Skills
The ideal candidate should have a strong track record in effective teaching and helping students succeed. While experience in teaching the IB Middle Years and Diploma programmes is preferred, outstanding teachers from any curriculum background are encouraged to apply. A genuine passion for working in a non-selective and culturally diverse community is also a key requirement. Additionally, the candidate should possess:
Key Requirements:

• A Bachelor's degree in Education, or an initial degree plus a recognised teaching qualification (e.g. PGCE, PGDE or equivalent).
• A minimum of 5 years' successful teaching experience, with demonstrable leadership responsibility at Middle or Senior Leadership level within a Secondary School setting.
• Proven experience leading teaching and learning, pastoral systems, or curriculum delivery across the Secondary phase (preferably within an IB or international school environment).
• Strong understanding of Secondary school operations, including staff management, student wellbeing, behaviour, attendance, and safeguarding.
• Experience working collaboratively with senior leaders to drive school improvement, quality assurance, and staff development.
• Professionally certified teacher, meeting the requirements of relevant regulatory bodies (e.g. KHDA or equivalent).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a positive, professional presence and the ability to build strong relationships with staff, students, and parents.
• A strong work ethic, resilience, and willingness to contribute fully to the wider life of the school.
• Advanced leadership qualifications (e.g. NPQSL, NPQH, Master's) are preferred but not essential.
• A commitment to continuous professional development and reflective leadership practice.
• Availability to start in August 2026.

YOUR PACKAGE AND BENEFITS
All positions attract an excellent remuneration package including: Competitive tax-free salary, individual fully furnished accommodation, free schooling for 1 child, private medical insurance, annual airfares to country of residence and end of Service Gratuity.
Teaching at GEMS is not just a job, it's a career. Our teachers enjoy free access to leading CPD programmes and have the opportunity to grow with the company on a global scale. With most of our leaders coming from within the GEMS network of schools, GEMS teachers are in a unique position to consider career opportunities around the world as we continue our expansion around the world.
GEMS Teachers also have free access to our loyalty app GEMS rewards www.gemsrewards.com which provides significant savings on day-to-day life in the UAE. We offer thousands of discounts and 2 for 1 offers on everything from flights, hotels, restaurants and retail outlets, making your salary go further and enhancing the opportunity to save whilst working overseas.
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