Senior Vice Principal (Curriculum, Standards & Assessment) - Aug 2026

Since its inception in September 2013, GEMS International School – Al Khail (GIS) has been dedicated to delivering a top-tier education that equips students for success beyond academic settings.

As an IB World School, we prioritize the development of skills and knowledge essential for thriving in a global community. Our dynamic and diverse community includes students and faculty from over 100 nationalities, fostering an atmosphere of acceptance, communication, appreciation, and understanding. These fundamental values are integral to our mission, empowering students to become global citizens who contribute meaningfully to society.

We are currently in search of a Senior Vice Principal (Curriculum, Standards & Assessment) for August 2026. This individual will assume a pivotal leadership role in shaping and advancing the school’s strategic vision for curriculum design, assessment frameworks, academic standards, and student achievement across Early Years, Primary, Middle School, and High School. As part of the Executive Leadership Team, the appointee will stand in for the Principal/CEO as needed, ensuring that GIS provides a cohesive, rigorous, and forward-looking curriculum that meets the standards of the IB continuum, KHDA expectations, CIS accreditation, and GEMS quality benchmarks.

The role encompasses comprehensive responsibility for:

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Curriculum intent, design, and coherence across all educational phases

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Assessment strategies, systems, and reporting, which include both internal and external benchmarking

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Academic standards, outcomes, and data integrity

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Accreditation, compliance, and alignment with inspection protocols

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Ensuring consistency, rigor, and alignment to strategic priorities in teaching, assessment, and reporting

Please be aware that early applications will be reviewed, and initial interviews may occur before the closing date.

Responsibilities:

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Offer strategic leadership for curriculum, assessment, and academic standards across the entire school.

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Act on behalf of the Principal/CEO as needed, representing GIS to internal and external stakeholders, including KHDA, IB, and accreditation organizations.

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Lead the formulation, execution, and assessment of the School Development Plan (SDP), School Self-Evaluation Framework (SEF), and related academic goals.

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Collaborate closely with the Senior Vice Principal – Teaching & Learning to ensure a cohesive approach to academic excellence.

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Partner with the Senior Vice Principal – Student Life & Culture to ensure that curriculum and assessment systems facilitate inclusive, student-centered outcomes.

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Maintain in-depth knowledge of KHDA/DSIB frameworks, IB program standards, and UAE National Agenda mandates.

Qualifications:

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Recognized teaching qualification (PGCE or equivalent)

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Bachelor’s degree (in Education or a relevant field)

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Master’s degree / NPQH (preferred)

Experience:

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Extensive senior leadership experience in a large international school

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Demonstrated success in:

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Curriculum design and implementation

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Assessment systems and data strategy

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Enhancing academic standards and outcomes

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Experience with IB programs

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Strong grasp of KHDA/inspection frameworks

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Experience with accreditation processes (preferred)

Skills & Attributes:

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Strategic and systems-level thinking

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Expertise in curriculum and assessment

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Advanced data literacy and analytical skills

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Strong leadership and team development capabilities

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Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement

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Attention to detail, evaluative rigor, and precision

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Commitment to inclusion, innovation, and excellence

GEMS Education is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is required for all positions.