Head of Curriculum & Assessment Secondary (Y7-11)- September 2025

We are currently recruiting for Head of Curriculum & Assessment Secondary (Y7-11) Executive Leadership Team

An outstanding school in Dubai, GEMS Wellington International School offers exceptional learning opportunities for students aged 3 to 18. Following the Foundation Stage curriculum in The Early Years, the National Curriculum for England to Year 11 and the International Baccalaureate at Year 12 and 13, our dynamic school environment combined with the extensive range of rich learning experiences offered enables students to succeed and to aspire at every stage of their learning journey. The entire school community, a truly international one, is passionate and committed to ensuring all are recognised and celebrated for their individual strengths, enabled as lifelong learners and nurtured as future leaders. The successful candidate will be part of the Executive Leadership Team and will be line managed by the Vice Principal - Curriculum Strategy. 

Key Responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Taking strategic and operational responsibility for the leadership of one key stage (Key Stage 3 or Key Stage 4), to be determined upon appointment.
• Driving the continued improvement of the school through providing strategic leadership of all aspects linked to curriculum and assessment across Year 7–11.
• Developing best practice in assessment, data analysis, and curriculum planning in Year 7–11, embedding innovative approaches to inspire students and raise standards for all, including SEND, Gifted and Talented, and Emirati learners.
• Leading specific elements of the National Agenda Action Plan related to KS3 and KS4, ensuring outstanding student achievement in external benchmark assessments such as GL, CAT4, and NAP, and in external examinations.
• Monitoring and ensuring the quality and consistency of assessment practices and curriculum delivery across Year 7–11 to accelerate student progress and attainment.
• Designing and delivering an effective professional development programme focused on the needs of teachers in Year 7–11, aligned with school priorities and aimed at developing middle and senior leaders.
• Ensuring that student learning remains central to strategic planning and resource allocation, leading to the highest possible academic outcomes for students in Year 7–11.
• Playing a key role in School Self-Evaluation and School Development Planning processes, with a specific focus on Year 7–11, ensuring all actions lead to measurable improvements in student achievement.
• Working closely with Heads of Department and Subject Leaders in Year 7–11 to set ambitious yet achievable targets and ensure high-impact action planning to improve student outcomes.
• Sharing in the collective leadership and management of the school, actively participating in consultative and decision-making processes.
• Line management of the Assistant Headteacher for Curriculum & Assessment and specific core and non-core subject areas, providing support, challenge, and strategic direction to ensure high standards of teaching, learning, and student progress.
• Supporting and implementing whole school policies, contributing to their regular review and ongoing development.
• Actively promoting the school to the wider community, including liaising with external agencies and stakeholders as needed, representing the Principal, the school, or GEMS as appropriate.

Developing self and others success 

• Lead continuing professional development of staff, including teaching staff and curriculum leaders.
• Supporting other members of the school’s executive and senior leadership team in planning and delivering whole school professional development.
• To develop a structured programme of advice and support to improve practice, through a coaching and modelling approach.
• Establish and maintain effective and appropriate professional working relationships at all levels.
• Lead and support staff in developing and sustaining positive working relationships within and across phases.
• Lead and undertake leadership and subject level performance management reviews.
• Where appropriate, support the interview/selection process for teacher recruitment and ensure effective induction of new staff.
• Actively pursuing your own professional development as an Executive Leader.

Other specific duties

• To play an active role in the future development of the school and its community.
• To promote the school’s policies where appropriate.
• Any other professional duties that are required and outlined as an Executive leader at GEMS Wellington International School.

Application Process

Should you be interested in applying for the position then please forward the following documents for the attention of Matthew Forster, HR Manager:

• An up to date CV complete with responsibilities and experience to date
• A4 document with evidence of your significant impact across the whole school in your current role  
• Link to your GPS Padlet for internal WIS staff only 

The deadline for all applications is Wednesday 23rd April by 12 noon. 

Candidates will be notified if they are shortlisted for an interview.  The interview process will involve a series of tasks and a competency based interview specific to the job role.

If you meet this criteria, are enthusiastic about curriculum & assessment and have the drive and passion to get the most from our students then we would welcome your application.

Shortlisting Process 

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews after the closing date of this internal job advertisement. Interviews will be conducted by: 

-Recruiting school CEO/Principal/VP

-GEMS Support Centre-during an assessment day prior to final interview (potential)

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.