Vice Principal Secondary (Jan-Apr 2027)

About the role

GEMS International School - Dubai Hills, an IB World School offering education from Early Years through Grade 12, is seeking an experienced Vice Principal - Secondary to provide strategic and operational leadership across its Middle School and High School. Reporting to the Senior Vice Principal - Teaching & Learning, the role leads and supports secondary leadership teams and sits within the Extended Executive Leadership Team. The start date is January/April 2027, but can be discussed to suit the successful candidate.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across Middle School and High School, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning and student achievement.
• Drive school improvement through planning, quality assurance, data analysis and evaluation of impact.
• Oversee delivery of the MYP, DP and CP programmes, ensuring curriculum coherence, high-quality assessment and ambitious outcomes.
• Lead, develop and support secondary leadership teams, including the Assistant Principals for Middle School and High School.
• Promote an inclusive, student-centred culture covering behaviour, attendance, wellbeing and pastoral care.
• Strengthen partnerships with parents and the wider community, supporting communication, transitions, admissions and retention.
• Ensure day-to-day operations comply with GEMS, KHDA, IB and other accreditation requirements.
• Contribute to whole-school strategic planning, inspection readiness, staff development and other initiatives.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree and a recognised teaching qualification (PGCE, BEd or equivalent).
• A relevant Master's degree or leadership qualification is desirable.
• Proven senior leadership experience in secondary education with a track record of improving teaching, learning and student outcomes.
• Significant experience in an IB environment, ideally including the MYP and either DP or CP.
• Demonstrated success in leading and developing senior and middle leaders.
• Experience of pastoral leadership, student wellbeing, parent engagement and school operations, ideally in an international school.

Required skills

• Curriculum development, assessment, school improvement and quality assurance.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills, with a collaborative leadership style and commitment to inclusion.

Applications, including an up-to-date CV, are submitted through the GEMS Education careers portal and reviewed on a rolling basis. Successful applicants undergo safeguarding checks, including identity, qualifications, employment history, references and criminal record checks.