Director of Curriculum- January 2027

With a 65-year legacy of excellence and a global reputation as one of the largest and most awarded private education providers, GEMS Education integrates cutting-edge advancements through its extensive networks and high-level partnerships. Join the GEMS School of Research and Innovation, where significant investments in AI, robotics, and state-of-the-art facilities drive exceptional student outcomes in academics and well-being. As a leader in educational innovation, we offer a forward-thinking environment focused on personalised learning, holistic development, and the opportunity to shape the future of education.

At GEMS School of Research and Innovation, we provide a seamless educational journey from Pre-Prep + Prep to Sixth Form, enhanced by cutting-edge technology and a forward-thinking curriculum. In the Pre-Prep + Prep stages, we prioritise personalized learning through gamification and advanced technologies, alongside a strong emphasis on science, computing, reading, writing, and the arts. Our facilities include an innovation lab, specialist IT equipment, and programs in sports such as gymnastics, martial arts, basketball, and cricket. Emerging technologies like robotics, AI, machine learning, and VR/AR are integrated to enhance learning, including advanced Arabic provision.

In Secondary and Sixth Form, students benefit from tailored pathways with a wide range of GCSEs, A-levels in subjects like sciences, business, and fine arts, supported by university-linked lectures and industry placements. Advanced tools such as Web3/blockchain, drones, autonomous vehicles, and esports labs prepare students for future careers. Sixth Form further bridges school, university, and industry through global partnerships and cutting-edge technology, ensuring students excel academically while acquiring real-world skills.

We are seeking an outstanding Director of Curriculum to join our leadership team.

This is a key strategic role with responsibility for leading the development, implementation and continuous improvement of curriculum, teaching, learning and assessment across the school.

Working closely with the Principal, Senior Leadership Team, Lead Practitioners and teaching colleagues, the Director of Curriculum will ensure that the school delivers an ambitious, innovative and inclusive curriculum that reflects the vision and educational priorities of GEMS SRI.

The successful candidate will provide strategic direction for curriculum development and quality assurance, ensuring appropriate breadth, depth, challenge and progression for all learners. They will champion high-quality, evidence-informed teaching, support the purposeful integration of technology and innovative learning approaches, and ensure assessment is effectively aligned with curriculum intent.

A key aspect of the role will be working alongside leaders and teachers to evaluate the quality and impact of teaching and learning, using assessment data, student outcomes and quality assurance processes to identify priorities and drive continuous improvement.

The Director of Curriculum will also lead professional learning relating to curriculum, pedagogy and assessment, supporting colleagues through coaching, collaboration and high-quality professional development. They will promote opportunities for interdisciplinary, experiential and project-based learning and ensure that curriculum provision responds to the academic, cultural, linguistic and individual learning needs of students.

As a member of the leadership team, the successful candidate will contribute to whole-school strategic planning, self-evaluation and school improvement, while ensuring curriculum and assessment practices meet relevant regulatory, inspection, accreditation and awarding-body requirements.

Person specifications:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Education, a relevant subject area or equivalent.
• Hold a recognised teaching qualification such as a PGCE, PGDE, B.Ed. or equivalent.
• Have significant successful teaching experience within a school environment.
• Have proven experience in curriculum leadership, senior leadership or a comparable whole-school role.
• Demonstrate a strong track record in curriculum design, development, implementation and quality assurance.
• Have an excellent understanding of effective pedagogy, assessment and contemporary educational research.
• Demonstrate experience of using assessment and student performance data to improve teaching, learning and student outcomes.
• Have experience of leading professional development and supporting colleagues through curriculum or pedagogical change.
• Demonstrate the ability to lead and embed sustainable whole-school improvement.
• Have a strong understanding of how technology and innovation can enhance teaching and learning.
• Be able to inspire, influence and collaborate effectively with colleagues at all levels.
• Demonstrate excellent communication, organisational, analytical and project management skills.
• Be an innovative, reflective and solutions-focused educational leader.
• Have a strong commitment to inclusion, student wellbeing and exceptional educational outcomes.
• Experience within an international school environment would be advantageous.
• Knowledge and understanding of UAE educational requirements and inspection frameworks would be desirable.
• Demonstrate high levels of integrity, professionalism and accountability, with a commitment to the development of both students and colleagues.

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

GEMS employees also receive free access to GEMS Rewards, offering thousands of discounts and 2-for-1 offers across flights, hotels, restaurants and retail outlets throughout the UAE.