Head of School, Secondary - September 2026

GEMS Royal Dubai School is a vibrant and esteemed British curriculum institution that is dedicated to nurturing a strong community while maintaining the highest academic standards. Serving students from FS1 through Year 8, the school is embarking on an exciting phase of strategic growth, with plans to expand to Year 9 in September 2026 and eventually to Year 13 in subsequent years.

With a culturally rich student population of over 850 from more than 48 nations, GEMS Royal Dubai School offers a truly global educational experience. In September 2026, we will also launch a new, specially-designed Secondary campus—an innovative facility aimed at enhancing our world-class educational offerings across two locations.

The Role
We are searching for a remarkable and ambitious leader to join our Executive Leadership Team as Head of School – Secondary, starting in September 2026. This position presents a unique opportunity to play a significant role in the development of our Secondary phase as it transitions from Key Stage 3 to post-16 education.

The ideal candidate will be an energetic, self-motivated leader with a proven track record of raising standards, inspiring teams, and achieving outstanding outcomes for students. The role includes a teaching commitment, allowing the postholder to model excellence in practice while promoting the #RoyalStandard throughout the Secondary phase.

Key Responsibilities
The Head of School – Secondary will:

• Oversee academic performance and student personal development throughout the Secondary phase, working collaboratively with effective middle leadership teams.
• Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with parents, actively supporting the school’s #ParentsAsPartners vision.
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of curriculum, assessment, and effective teaching practices across Key Stages 3, 4, and 5 of the National Curriculum for England, including both academic and alternative pathways.
• Utilize student performance data strategically to enhance progress and customize learning pathways for all students.
• Continuously monitor, support, and exemplify exceptional teaching and learning, encouraging innovation informed by educational research.
• Uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and student wellbeing, focusing on personal, social, and emotional development within the school environment.
• Play an integral role in self-assessment and school development planning, triangulating evidence to evaluate impact and drive continuous improvement.
• Exhibit a high-performance mindset, remaining reflective, resilient, and solution-focused.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues, students, and parents, showcasing outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
• Show a desire to contribute to and thrive within a world-class educational setting, championing professional learning and development.
• Actively engage in extracurricular activities and community events to foster a vibrant school culture.
• Step in for the Principal and/or Vice Principal when necessary, including overseeing effective site management.

The Ideal Candidate
You will be an inspiring Secondary leader with a passion for teaching and learning, enthusiasm for school development, and a commitment to ensuring excellence for every student. You will thrive in a dynamic, forward-thinking environment and be motivated by the opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Application Process
If you embody a dynamic and innovative leadership style and are dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for students and staff, we would be delighted to receive your application.

To apply or seek further information about the role, please send the following to hr_rds@gemsedu.com:

• An updated CV outlining your roles, responsibilities, and experience
• A cover letter detailing your suitability for the position
• A one-page document illustrating the impact you have made in your current role

Shortlisting will commence on 16 February 2026.