Assistant Head | Whole school Inclusion | August 2026
Deira International School (DIS)Teaching
Status
Actively Hiring
Date Listed25 March 2026
ContractPermanent
PlatformW5_SYNC
About This Role
The School
Deira International School (DIS) is an Outstanding BSO- and KHDA-rated, award-winning institution situated in Festival City, Dubai. As part of the Al-Futtaim Education Foundation, we operate as a not-for-profit school dedicated to providing an exceptional, inclusive, and future-oriented education for students aged 3 to 18.
Recognized as the ‘School Team of the Year’ and a Platinum ‘Best Place to Work’, DIS fosters a vibrant and diverse community comprising over 90 nationalities. Our staff members take pride in being part of this environment, feeling appreciated and supported to excel in their roles. Our students achieve remarkable academic results that are on par with the top schools in the UK, progressing to prestigious universities globally.
This is an exciting opportunity to join DIS as we advance our commitment to excellence. We are in search of a seasoned or aspiring senior leader to assume the position of Assistant Head – Whole School Inclusion, taking charge of shaping and leading inclusive practices throughout both Primary and Secondary education.
In this strategic leadership role, you will be tasked with promoting a whole-school vision for inclusion, ensuring that all students, including those with SEND, EAL, and those identified as More Able or Gifted and Talented, receive the support they need to fulfill their potential. You will lead and manage the Inclusion team, oversee the delivery of high-quality teaching, assessment, and intervention, while effectively utilizing data to track progress, assess impact, and refine practices.
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, your contributions will be vital to whole-school improvement planning, fostering a culture of high expectations, and enhancing the quality of classroom practices. Collaboration with teachers, support staff, parents, and external agencies will be essential to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach to student support, in alignment with KHDA expectations and the Dubai Inclusive Education Framework.
We seek an individual who is passionate about inclusion, possesses a solid understanding of the UAE context, and is dedicated to dismantling barriers to learning so that every student can thrive. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership capabilities, exceptional interpersonal skills, and a proven history of elevating standards within an inclusive educational setting.
Requirements:
•
B.Ed. or degree with PGCE/PGDE or equivalent
•
PG Cert SENCo (or equivalent)
•
Minimum of 5 years’ teaching experience (UK National Curriculum preferred)
•
At least 2 years’ experience in leading Inclusion provision
•
Strong knowledge of the Dubai Inclusive Education Framework
•
Experience in senior leadership with whole-school accountability
•
Familiarity with KHDA inspection frameworks and international school assessment systems
At DIS, we are committed to empowering our leaders to flourish both professionally and personally, recognizing that their success directly influences our students' achievements.
If you believe you meet the qualifications outlined above and are prepared to embrace a rewarding leadership role in a high-performing, inclusive school, we invite you to apply.
Deira International School is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students. An ICPC or equivalent police check is mandatory for all appointments.
Deira International School (DIS) is an Outstanding BSO- and KHDA-rated, award-winning institution situated in Festival City, Dubai. As part of the Al-Futtaim Education Foundation, we operate as a not-for-profit school dedicated to providing an exceptional, inclusive, and future-oriented education for students aged 3 to 18.
Recognized as the ‘School Team of the Year’ and a Platinum ‘Best Place to Work’, DIS fosters a vibrant and diverse community comprising over 90 nationalities. Our staff members take pride in being part of this environment, feeling appreciated and supported to excel in their roles. Our students achieve remarkable academic results that are on par with the top schools in the UK, progressing to prestigious universities globally.
This is an exciting opportunity to join DIS as we advance our commitment to excellence. We are in search of a seasoned or aspiring senior leader to assume the position of Assistant Head – Whole School Inclusion, taking charge of shaping and leading inclusive practices throughout both Primary and Secondary education.
In this strategic leadership role, you will be tasked with promoting a whole-school vision for inclusion, ensuring that all students, including those with SEND, EAL, and those identified as More Able or Gifted and Talented, receive the support they need to fulfill their potential. You will lead and manage the Inclusion team, oversee the delivery of high-quality teaching, assessment, and intervention, while effectively utilizing data to track progress, assess impact, and refine practices.
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, your contributions will be vital to whole-school improvement planning, fostering a culture of high expectations, and enhancing the quality of classroom practices. Collaboration with teachers, support staff, parents, and external agencies will be essential to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach to student support, in alignment with KHDA expectations and the Dubai Inclusive Education Framework.
We seek an individual who is passionate about inclusion, possesses a solid understanding of the UAE context, and is dedicated to dismantling barriers to learning so that every student can thrive. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership capabilities, exceptional interpersonal skills, and a proven history of elevating standards within an inclusive educational setting.
Requirements:
•
B.Ed. or degree with PGCE/PGDE or equivalent
•
PG Cert SENCo (or equivalent)
•
Minimum of 5 years’ teaching experience (UK National Curriculum preferred)
•
At least 2 years’ experience in leading Inclusion provision
•
Strong knowledge of the Dubai Inclusive Education Framework
Desirable
•
Experience in senior leadership with whole-school accountability
•
Familiarity with KHDA inspection frameworks and international school assessment systems
At DIS, we are committed to empowering our leaders to flourish both professionally and personally, recognizing that their success directly influences our students' achievements.
If you believe you meet the qualifications outlined above and are prepared to embrace a rewarding leadership role in a high-performing, inclusive school, we invite you to apply.
Deira International School is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students. An ICPC or equivalent police check is mandatory for all appointments.