Head of Secondary – Aug 2025

About the Role:

We are currently seeking an experienced and inspirational Head of Secondary to join GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi, beginning August 2025. Reporting to the Principal, this senior leadership role is responsible for driving academic excellence, leading curriculum and assessment, and fostering a supportive and inclusive school culture across the Secondary phase.

Our curriculum blends the IB framework with the National Curriculum for England, offering the PYP and MYP from FS1 to Year 11, with plans to grow to Year 13.

Our educational philosophy centres on unlocking each child’s unique potential through a personalised, inquiry-based approach that fosters curiosity, global citizenship, and lifelong learning—empowering students to drive positive change in an ever-evolving world.

Key Responsibilities:

• Embrace and encourage the ethos and standards of excellence as defined in the GEMS Core Values.
• Be responsible for student discipline and pastoral care, liaise with Administration, form tutors, parents and subject teachers as necessary.
• Liaise with the Registrar/MMT regarding new students needs e.g. Y6 to Y7, induction procedures, admission testing, prom etc.
• Ensure provision of support classes / activity programme, educational trips, Assemblies, sports day Prize day.
• Assist with Parent-Teacher meetings, Charity drives, GEMS initiatives, and other major school events.
• Ensure the curriculum reflects the needs of the pupils and the standards and content required by the necessary educational board.
• Work with the HODs and coordinators to ensure continuity &progression in terms of the school curriculum.
• Chair meetings & committees as required.
• Manage budgets and undertake teaching and other professional duties as reasonably delegated by the HOS/ Deputy HOS.
• Ensure the GEMS policies, procedures, and codes of conduct are followed at all times.
• Initiate effort and energy beyond the typical work day, where the tasks require additional commitment.
• Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required.
• Perform other duties as requested by direct & dotted reporting line managers / supervisors
• Ensure effective teamwork with teaching staff in the section.
• Ensure the other supervisory staff develops skills in academic work and supervision.
• Ensure the high quality of learning & teaching across the school as judged by GEMS Educational standards

Curriculum Development and Assessment

1. Lead the development and management of the curriculum of the secondary school, in line with the Gems curriculum model and policy.
2. Lead the development and management of curriculum planning, in line with the Academy’s curriculum intent.
3. Lead the development and management of curriculum transition and pedagogy.
4. Lead the development and management of the timetabling of the curriculum.
5. Manage the introduction of the secondary strategy of the Academy.
6. Lead the options process and manage the provision of options information for students
7. Lead and support all departments to develop and manage subject tracking systems.
8. Track and review progress across all year groups, using half-termly data.
9. Implement the policy for the personal, spiritual, social, moral and cultural development of students.
10. Promote extra-curricular activities across the curriculum.
11. Lead strategies for improving attainment and achievement across the secondary phase.
12. Develop and implement intervention strategies within the secondary phase to sustain and enhance outstanding achievement.
13. Contribute to the organisation, implementation and monitoring of the delivery of the curriculum and its assessment and ensure that it:

• Provides an academic focus for all learners.
• Is relevant to the needs of all students and takes account of the Academy’s ethos.
• Fulfils the Academy’s legal responsibilities. v. Leads to outstanding achievement by all learners, regardless of prior ability.

The ideal candidate will have: 

• A Bachelor of Education degree, or an initial degree plus a relevant teaching qualification such as a PGCE, PGDE or equivalent.
• At least 10 years’ experience in reputable schools, with strong experience in IB and an understanding of the English National Curriculum.
• Successful demonstration of pedagogical leadership, organization, HR/interpersonal skills, financial acumen and change management.
• Proven effective communication, public relation, collaborative and planning skills
• Proven record of successful operation and management experience
• Proven record as an instructional leader with a deep understanding of curriculum design, teaching and learning, and authentic assessment practices, across the Secondary phase

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.

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.

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.