Assistant Head | Whole school Inclusion | August 2026

The School

Deira International School (DIS) is a distinguished institution that has received Outstanding ratings from both BSO and KHDA, located in Festival City, Dubai. As a member of the Al-Futtaim Education Foundation, we operate as a not-for-profit entity committed to offering an exceptional, inclusive, and forward-thinking educational experience for learners aged 3 to 18.

Celebrated as the ‘School Team of the Year’ and recognized as a Platinum ‘Best Place to Work’, DIS nurtures a lively and diverse community of over 90 nationalities. Our staff members take pride in being part of this enriching environment, where they feel valued and supported to excel in their roles. Our students consistently achieve impressive academic outcomes that align with the leading schools in the UK, gaining admission to prestigious universities around the world.

We are thrilled to present an opportunity to join DIS as we continue our journey towards excellence. We are seeking an experienced or aspiring senior leader for the role of Assistant Head – Whole School Inclusion, responsible for developing and implementing inclusive practices across both Primary and Secondary education.

In this strategic leadership position, you will be responsible for advocating for a comprehensive vision of inclusion, ensuring that all students, including those with SEND, EAL, and those recognized as More Able or Gifted and Talented, receive the necessary support to reach their full potential. You will lead the Inclusion team, supervise the delivery of high-quality teaching, assessment, and intervention, while effectively using data to monitor progress, evaluate impact, and enhance practices.

As part of the Senior Leadership Team, your role will be crucial in the planning of whole-school improvement, promoting a culture of high expectations, and improving the quality of classroom practices. Collaboration with teachers, support staff, parents, and external agencies will be key to ensuring a cohesive and coordinated approach to student support, consistent with KHDA standards and the Dubai Inclusive Education Framework.

We are looking for a candidate who is passionate about inclusion, has a deep understanding of the UAE educational context, and is committed to removing barriers to learning so that every student can succeed. The ideal applicant will exhibit strong leadership skills, outstanding interpersonal abilities, and a proven track record of raising standards within an inclusive educational environment.

Requirements:

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B.Ed. or a degree with PGCE/PGDE or equivalent

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PG Cert SENCo (or equivalent)

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Minimum of 5 years of teaching experience (preferably within the UK National Curriculum)

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At least 2 years of experience in leading Inclusion provision

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Strong knowledge of the Dubai Inclusive Education Framework

Desirable:

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Experience in senior leadership with whole-school accountability

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Familiarity with KHDA inspection frameworks and international school assessment systems

At DIS, we are dedicated to empowering our leaders to thrive both professionally and personally, understanding that their success directly impacts our students' achievements.

If you believe you possess the qualifications mentioned above and are ready to take on a fulfilling leadership role in a high-performing, inclusive school, we encourage you to apply.

Deira International School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students. An ICPC or equivalent police check is required for all appointments.