Vice Principal

GEMS Al Barsha National School (GNS) seeks an exceptional and ambitious Vice Principal to work closely with the Principal/CEO in driving the School’s vision and strategic direction, ensuring the highest standards of teaching, learning and student outcomes.  With responsibility for whole-school curriculum, assessment and achievement, the successful candidate will have a significant influence on educational quality, innovation and continuous improvement.

Central to our mission at GNS is our commitment to delivering a top-class British education that honours the values and traditions of the UAE.  Our school ethos of HAWIATEE (Hardworking, Ambition, Wellbeing, Innovation, Agility, Trust, Empathy, Excellence) serves as the foundation upon which our students’ growth and success are built. These values are integrated into every aspect of our curriculum and school life.  

At GNS, we prioritise creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every student feels valued and inspired to achieve their personal best. Our curriculum blends the British curriculum with elements of Arabic language, literature, and culture, ensuring our students develop the skills, knowledge, and global perspective necessary to thrive in an interconnected world.

Our Senior Leadership Team currently comprises the Principal/CEO, Head of Primary and Head of Secondary.  The school is part of a wider cluster of eight schools within GEMS Education led by the Executive Vice President – Education, Mr Matthew Burfield, and the Brand Ambassador, Mr Naveed Iqbal. 

Job Purpose

As Vice Principal to support the vision, core values, mission, aims and policies of GNS. To support and develop the effective leadership and management of the school whilst ensuring the highest possible standards of teaching, learning, curriculum, student achievement and pastoral care.  

Key Responsibilities

·       Play an active role in school strategic planning and school self review.

·       Be responsible for leading, developing and managing teaching and learning, the whole school curriculum, target-setting, assessment, tracking, recording and reporting, as the school’s teaching and learning and assessment coordinator.

·       Take a significant lead in developing the curriculum across the school in conjunction with senior and middle leaders and all teaching staff.

·       Alongside colleagues on the senior leadership team, lead target-setting, assessment and tracking data.

·       Take accountability for the standards of attainment, progress, achievement and behaviour; to monitor and evaluate the progress made in these areas and determine further actions for improvement.

·       Have an excellent working knowledge and understanding of the KHDA/DSIB UAE Inspection Framework and Supplement and UAE National Agenda and use these to support leadership and management.

School Ethos

·       Promote and secure the vision, core values, mission and aims of the school and ensure an environment for teaching and learning that empowers both staff and students to achieve their highest potential.

·       Actively support the school’s policies relating to equality and diversity, anti-bullying, anti-racism, inclusion and health, safety and well being.

·       Promote the school and celebrate its success at every opportunity.

Strategy

·       Represent the views and interests of the staff body with the Senior Leadership Team and, in so doing, share leadership responsibility for:

–          school self review and SEF

–          school development and improvement planning through strategic plans and the annual School Development Plan and associated phase action plans

–          the development of school policies, systems and procedures

–          staff deployment and development across the school

·       Contribute to school activities such as parents’ evenings, parental workshops, liaison with the local community and other school events and activities.

·       Ensure that all staff are supported with high quality continuous professional development and training which contributes to the development and achievements of the school as a genuine learning institution.

Teaching and Learning, Curriculum and Assessment

·       Communicate a clear strategic vision for the development of outstanding teaching, learning and assessment and establish an effective action plan to achieve these goals.

·       Be responsible for ensuring a broad, balanced, enriched and relevant curriculum provision within the staff body, focused on high standards of attainment, progress, attendance and behaviour.

·       Develop and enhance the classroom practice of all staff across all curriculum areas. Lead and organise CPD programmes as appropriate.

·       Ensure a rich and stimulating environment for students through the development and maintenance of appropriate resources.

·       Manage and oversee the whole-school assessment framework and calendar.

·       Report on standards and progress in the staff body to the Senior Leadership Team, Local Advisory Board and other stakeholders as appropriate.

·       Liaise closely with other senior and middle leaders to ensure continuity and progression in the curriculum within the staff body.

·       Lead the development of effective curriculum links with other schools in the GEMS network, the community and external agencies. Play an active role in the establishment and further development of parental/local community/wider community and international community links with the school to contribute to the school’s community cohesion policy as well as to enhance the education provision of all students.

Leadership

·       As a member of the school’s Senior Leadership Team work consistently to promote and secure the vision, core values, mission and aims of the school.

·       Lead by example, promoting good classroom organisation and management and being pro-active in new initiatives and curriculum development.

·       Establish good relationships, encourage good working practices and support and lead all staff in the staff body.

·       Organise, chair and minute meetings to ensure that school policies and practices are being delivered. Provide a copy of meeting minutes to the Principal/CEO, Senior and Middle Leadership Teams.

·       Be responsible for supporting the continuing professional needs (CPD) of the whole staff body. Lead, develop and enhance the teaching practice of staff across the school. Research and seek out external as well as internal expertise to support this.

Performance Management/Appraisal and Professional Development

·       Lead the school’s Strategic Professional Development Programme ensuring that the training needs of individuals and the wider team are met in order to establish consistently outstanding practices in relation to teaching, learning and assessment.

·       Oversee and lead the annual performance management/appraisal review process, in accordance with the school’s policy, acting as a reviewer for the other staff in the phase (as appropriate) as well as a reviewee.

·       Ensure colleagues receive information and feedback on professional development activities undertaken.

·       Take a shared responsibility for own continuing professional development by participating in a range of appropriate professional development opportunities in and out of school and as part of the GEMS group.

Qualifications 

• Recognised teaching qualification (PGCE or equivalent). 

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or relevant field; Master’s degree or National Professional Qualification in Education (NPQ) preferred. 

Experience 

• Minimum 10 years of teaching experience, including substantial experience in a Senior Leadership Team (SLT) role. 

• Proven record of successful operational and academic leadership in a British curriculum school. 

• Demonstrated experience managing large teams and driving whole-school improvement. 

Skills & Attributes 

• Strategic and operational leadership capability. 

• Excellent communication, organisation, and interpersonal skills. 

• Ability to lead and inspire diverse teams across all phases. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. 

• Deep understanding of British curriculum frameworks, inspection standards (KHDA, BSO), and GEMS expectations. 

• Commitment to innovation, wellbeing, and inclusive practice. 

Core Values Alignment 

• GEMS Core Values: Always Learning, Caring, Excellence, and One Team. 

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.