Head of Secondary (AY 26-27) - GEMS Cambridge International School, Abu Dhabi

GEMS Cambridge International School, Abu Dhabi is seeking an exceptional Head of Secondary to join our leadership team for an August 2026 start. This is an exciting opportunity for an inspiring, strategic, and student-centred leader to drive excellence across our secondary phase. The successful candidate will champion high-quality teaching and learning, foster a culture of innovation and inclusion, and lead our staff and students to achieve outstanding outcomes in line with our school’s vision and values.

Job Purpose:

The Head of Secondary is a key member of the School Leadership Team (SLT), responsible for providing strategic, academic, and operational leadership across secondary phases (Y 10 to Y13). The role ensures high-quality teaching and learning, robust pastoral provision, strong staff performance, compliance with regulatory standards, and a cohesive culture between the Middle School (Y5–Y9) and Secondary School (Y10–Y13).

Deputise for Principal / Vice Principal as required, assist in shaping & implementing the educational strategy for the school. The position drives school improvement, enhances student outcomes, strengthens parent engagement, and ensures seamless transitions through the secondary phases, preparing students for post-16 pathways and future success.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & School Improvement:

• Embrace and encourage the ethos and standards of excellence as defined in the GEMS Core Values by promoting a culture of high expectations, professional excellence, and continuous improvement.

• Lead the strategic direction and operational management of the Secondary School (Y10–Y13).

• Develop and implement a cohesive vision and improvement plan aligned to the whole-school strategy.

• Ensure inspection readiness and compliance with all regulatory requirements.

• Oversee curriculum continuity, assessment cycles, and academic planning across all phases.

• Lead transition programmes between Middle and Senior phases.

Teaching, Learning & Curriculum:

• Ensure high-quality teaching and learning across all year groups and subjects in the secondary phase.

• Oversee curriculum design, sequencing, enrichment, and differentiation.

• Work with Head of Schools to ensure continuity & progression in terms of the school curriculum.

• Ensure the curriculum reflects the needs of the pupils and the standards and content required by the necessary educational board.

• Monitor and evaluate lesson quality through learning walks, observations, and performance reviews.

• Analyse academic performance data to inform interventions and improvement strategies.

• Lead digital learning initiatives & innovation in pedagogy.

• Oversee examination preparation, results analysis, and benchmarking.

Pastoral Care, Welfare & Behavior:

• Ensure the GEMS policies, procedures, and codes of conduct are followed at all times.

• Lead and strengthen the school’s behavior management framework.

• Ensure consistent pastoral support and safeguarding practices across Y10–Y13.

• Oversee attendance improvement plans and ensure strong communication with families.

• Support the wellbeing programme for students and staff.

• Ensure provision of support classes / activity programme, educational trips, assemblies, sports day, awards day, etc.

• Promote student leadership, inclusion, and positive culture.

Staff Leadership, Development & Performance:

• Lead the whole-school performance management process as per GEMS framework, including staff goal-setting, monitoring progress, and ensuring accountability.

• Line-manage deputy, middle leaders, year leaders, and academic staff.

• Support SLT with formal PEF processes (bluesky or similar), contributing to staff appraisal, evidence tracking, and development planning for the phase.

• Conduct appraisals, support professional development, and manage underperformance where necessary.

• Use performance data to drive innovation, curriculum enhancement, and school improvement initiatives.

• Ensure timely and accurate completion of staff observations, reviews, and documentation.

• Ensure effective deployment, timetabling, and workforce planning across all year groups in the phase.

• Lead recruitment of high-quality teachers and leaders for middle school phases.

• Deliver mentorship and coaching programmes, as required for professional development and succession planning for the phase.

Operations, Administration & Compliance:

• Oversee day-to-day secondary school operations, routines, and processes.

• Ensure adherence to safeguarding, health & safety, and risk management standards.

• Support HR in disciplinary investigations, grievance matters, and staff relations where required.

• Collaborate closely with Finance & Operations to support budgeting, resources, and school events.

• Ensure accurate reporting and documentation for inspection and regulatory submissions.

Parent, Student & Community Engagement:

• Build trust with parents through transparent communication and regular engagement.

• Resolve concerns effectively and maintain positive parent relationships.

• Promote student voice, leadership opportunities, and co-curricular involvement.

• Represent the school in community forums, events, and external partnerships

• Assist with Parent-Teacher meetings, charity drives, GEMS initiatives, and other major school events.

Required Qualifications, Experience & Skills:

• Education/teaching degree OR Bachelor’s degree and teaching qualification/license in the subject.
• Leadership training or certification (NPQML, NPQSL or equivalent) desirable.
• Minimum 5 years’ teaching experience in primary education.
• Proven leadership experience within a primary phase (e.g., Assistant Head, Phase Leader) of minimum of 2 years.
• Strong track record of improving teaching, learning, and student outcomes.
• Effective in coaching, mentoring, and supporting staff performance.
• Knowledge of the use of ICT in schools to aid teaching and learning.
• Strong understanding of curriculum, assessment, and pastoral systems.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills.
• Ability to analyse data and drive evidence-based school improvement.
• Committed to safeguarding, wellbeing, and inclusive practice.
• Adaptable, collaborative, and able to lead change confidently.

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.