Whole School Deputy Headteacher - Aug 2026

About GEMS Wellington School, Qatar

GEMS Wellington School Qatar is a leading British curriculum international school in Doha, delivering high-quality education from Early Years through to Sixth Form. As part of the global GEMS Education network, the school is committed to academic and personal excellence.

The school serves a diverse and ambitious community, characterised by highly motivated students, supportive parents and dedicated staff. At an exciting stage in its development, the school continues to strengthen its reputation for excellence, innovation and future-focused education.

Staff at GEMS Wellington School Qatar benefit from access to world-class professional development, leadership pathways and collaboration with leading practitioners across the GEMS network.

About the Role

The Deputy Headteacher – Student Innovation and Futures will sit on the Executive Leadership Team at WSQ and is a key strategic leadership position, with a central focus on driving innovation and leading the school’s digital and AI strategy.

Reporting to the Principal and working closely with our two Vice Principals, the successful candidate will lead the development and implementation of a forward-thinking, technology-enabled vision for teaching, learning and student development. The role will ensure that students are equipped with the digital fluency, global competencies and future-ready skills required to thrive in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving world.

The post holder will also oversee careers education, student pathways, global skills development and alumni engagement, ensuring a coherent and aspirational futures programme across all key stages. In addition, the role includes line management of the Assistant Headteacher – Head of Sixth Form, ensuring strong alignment between innovation, futures provision and post-18 outcomes.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced senior leader with a passion for digital innovation, educational transformation and preparing students for life beyond school.

Key Responsibilities

The Deputy Headteacher – Student Innovation and Futures will:

• Digital Strategy and Innovation (Core Focus)
• Lead the implementation of the GEMS Digital and AI Strategy, ensuring it is embedded across all aspects of school life.
• Develop, implement and regularly review the school’s Digital Usage and AI Policy, ensuring safe, ethical and impactful use of technology.
• Drive innovation in teaching and learning through the effective integration of digital tools and emerging technologies across all phases of the school.
• Promote high levels of digital literacy and fluency among students and staff.
• Lead professional development to build staff confidence and capability in digital and AI-enhanced pedagogy.
• Ensure the school remains at the forefront of innovation within the GEMS Education network.

Futures, Careers and Pathways

• Lead and quality assure a comprehensive Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) programme.
• Oversee work experience and internship programmes, developing meaningful partnerships with employers and organisations.
• Support high-quality university guidance and diverse post-18 pathways.

Sixth Form and Student Progression

• Line manage the Assistant Headteacher – Head of Sixth Form.
• Ensure strong alignment between Sixth Form provision and the school’s futures strategy.
• Support the development of a high-performing and aspirational Sixth Form culture.

Global Skills, Scholarships and Enrichment

• Oversee the Global Skills Project and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
• Lead engagement with GEMS Genius, Global Academy and scholarship programmes.
• Ensure students are provided with opportunities to develop independence, research skills and global competencies.

Alumni and Community Engagement

• Develop and strengthen the GEMS for Life alumni programme.
• Build meaningful alumni engagement to support mentoring, careers guidance and school development.

Character and Personal Development

• Lead the Determined Genius character education programme, embedding resilience, leadership and global citizenship across the school.  

Leadership and Management

The Deputy Headteacher – Student Innovation and Futures will:

• Provide strategic leadership for digital innovation, futures education and student pathways.
• Lead cross-school initiatives that enhance student readiness for higher education and employment.
• Develop partnerships with universities, industry and external organisations.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of innovation and futures programmes.
• Support staff development in digital pedagogy and emerging technologies.
• Work collaboratively with senior leaders to ensure alignment between academic provision and future-focused initiatives.
• Contribute fully to the leadership of the school as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Whole School Contribution

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team at GEMS Wellington School Qatar, the Deputy Headteacher will:

• Support the Principal in delivering the school’s vision and strategic priorities.
• Contribute to whole-school improvement planning and implementation.
• Promote a culture of innovation, aspiration and continuous improvement.
• Model the values and ethos of the school and of GEMS Education.
• Build strong relationships with students, parents and the wider community.
• Contribute to leadership development across the school.
• Represent the school at internal and external events as required.

Personal Qualities

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A strong commitment to the values and ethos of GEMS Wellington School Qatar.
• Proven senior leadership experience within a British or British international school.
• A passion for digital innovation and future-focused education.
• Strong strategic thinking and the ability to lead transformational change.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to inspire, motivate and develop others.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism and emotional intelligence.
• Strong organisational and leadership skills.
• A collaborative approach and commitment to continuous improvement.

As a GEMS employee you can be guaranteed of an excellent, well-resourced professional environment, including working alongside highly driven, committed colleagues and fabulously polite and dedicated students. You will have access to significant further professional development opportunities not only at school level but also as part of the wider GEMS Wellington cluster and GEMS network.

The post is to commence in August 2026, however, a January 2027 start will be considered for the right candidate.

Qualifications and Experience – The successful candidate will have previous senior leadership experience. They will also have a degree and Qualified Teacher Status. Further professional development in the form of NPQSL / NPQH or Masters in Education is desirable but not essential.

To apply for this position, please complete an online application, submitting your full CV along with a Letter of Application outlining why you believe you have the skills, experience and attributes for the role.

The deadline for applications is Friday 15 May. Early applications are encouraged.

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.