Deputy Head of Prep School (Teaching and Learning)- January 2027

We are looking for an exceptional Deputy Head of Prep School (Teaching and Learning) to join our team at GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail from January 2027.

Our vision at GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail is to "Empower today, for a limitless tomorrow." We are seeking an outstanding leader 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 everything we do. We are looking for an inspiring educational leader who can articulate a clear vision for outstanding teaching and learning, developing exceptional classroom practice and ensuring every pupil achieves their full potential. Successful candidates will share our core values of Ambition, Responsibility and Courage and be committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and academic excellence.

The Deputy Head of Prep School (Teaching and Learning) will provide strategic and operational leadership across the Prep School, driving excellence in teaching, learning and curriculum development. Working closely with the Head of Prep School and the Senior Leadership Team, the successful candidate will lead quality assurance, professional learning, curriculum innovation and the continued development of outstanding educational practice across the school.

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 leaders have access to high-quality development opportunities that not only support their own professional growth but also contribute to our continued success. StepLab instructional coaching, the Cognitive Science Network, Schools, Students and Teachers Network (SSAT), the Best Practice Network (BPN) and Evidence Based Education (EBE) are just some of the organisations we work with to ensure our staff continue to develop as outstanding practitioners and leaders.

Successful candidates will need to:

• Hold a recognised teaching qualification (PGCE, PGDE or equivalent) together with a Bachelor's degree in Education or a relevant field.
• Hold a Master's degree or National Professional Qualification (NPQ) in Education, or demonstrate a commitment to continued professional leadership development.
• Have significant leadership experience within a high-performing British curriculum school.
• Demonstrate an excellent understanding of the National Curriculum for England and outstanding teaching and learning practices within the Prep phase.
• Have a proven track record of improving teaching quality and raising pupil outcomes.
• Possess strong knowledge of KHDA inspection requirements, British Schools Overseas standards and UAE educational expectations.
• Have experience leading curriculum development, quality assurance and whole-school improvement initiatives.
• Be highly skilled in coaching, mentoring and developing teachers and middle leaders to achieve excellence.
• Demonstrate expertise in using data to evaluate teaching, monitor pupil progress and drive continuous improvement.
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships across the school community.
• Demonstrate a growth mindset, strategic thinking and a commitment to evidence-informed practice and innovation.

All positions attract an excellent remuneration package including a competitive tax-free salary, individual fully furnished accommodation, free schooling, private medical insurance, annual airfares to country of residence and end of Service Gratuity.

GEMS teachers and leaders also have free access to our loyalty app, GEMS Rewards, which provides significant savings on day-to-day life in the UAE. Employees benefit from thousands of discounts and 2-for-1 offers on flights, hotels, restaurants and retail outlets, making your salary go further and enhancing your opportunity to save whilst working overseas.

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.