Head of Inclusion Secondary- August 2026

We are looking for an outstanding Head of Inclusion to join our team at GEMS Wellington Academy, Al Khail from August 2026.

Our vision at GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail is to ‘Empower today, for a limitless tomorrow.’ We are seeking exceptional educators to join our team who can help us achieve this goal through our belief in: Limitless Learning, Limitless Solutions, and Limitless Possibilities.

As a cognitive science driven school, evidence-informed practice is at the heart of what we do, and we seek leaders who can passionately articulate what outstanding inclusive practice looks like and translate this into impactful provision across the school. All successful candidates will also share the same core values of Ambition, Responsibility and Courage.

Successful candidates will be joining a fully inclusive, high performing school that is evidenced through:

• GCSE and A-Level results far exceeding UK national averages
• ‘Very Good’ rating from the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB)
• ‘Outstanding’ rating from British Schools Overseas (BSO)
• ‘World Class School’ status from High Performance Learning
• Being an invited member of the Cognitive Science school network

Through our comprehensive professional learning programme, we ensure our staff have access to high-quality development opportunities that support both individual growth and whole-school success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop Inclusion provision across the Secondary phase, ensuring alignment with KHDA requirements and the Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework (DIEPF).
• Oversee the identification, assessment and ongoing support of Students of Determination, ensuring a graduated and needs-led approach.
• Monitor student progress and the impact of interventions, using data to inform provision and drive improved outcomes.
• Lead the development and quality assurance of Individualised Education Plans (IEPs), Behaviour Support Plans and provision maps.
• Ensure effective implementation of inclusive teaching strategies and reasonable adjustments across all subject areas.
• Coordinate specialist support services, including external agencies, therapists and learning support staff.
• Oversee examination access arrangements, ensuring full compliance with awarding body requirements.
• Build strong relationships with parents, carers and external professionals to support student success.
• Line manage and develop the Inclusion team, ensuring high standards of practice and effective deployment of staff.
• Contribute to the school’s strategic vision and improvement plans, promoting a fully inclusive culture.
• Support SLT in inspection preparation and the delivery of professional development in inclusive practice.

Skills
Successful candidates will need to:

• Hold a B.Ed, PGCE, PGDE or equivalent teaching qualification
• Hold a recognised SEND / Inclusion qualification or SENCO certification
• Have experience supporting Students of Determination within a British curriculum school
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of inclusive education practices and frameworks
• Have experience of leading or managing an Inclusion team
• Show a proven track record of improving outcomes for students with additional needs
• Have excellent interpersonal, organisational and leadership skills

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.