Secondary Assistant Principal - August 2025

We are excited to announce an opportunity for an innovative Secondary Assistant Principal - Personal Development, Behaviour & Wellbeing to join our accomplished team starting in August 2025.

In collaboration with the CEO/Principal and the Senior Leadership Team, the successful candidate will (i) share accountability for all policies, decision-making processes, and strategic planning associated with the Academy's management; (ii) embody the ethos of an IB learning organization that upholds high expectations for both students and staff, emphasizing internationalism, entrepreneurialism, and innovation; (iii) spearhead the development of the Academy as a learning, research-focused, and self-evaluating institution; and (iv) set a standard of excellence through leadership by example while maintaining a prominent presence throughout the Academy. The appointee will assume responsibilities in the absence of the Secondary Principal and assist the CEO/Principal and other Principals with delegated tasks.

This role specifically emphasizes leadership in all aspects of Personal Development, Welfare, Behaviour, and Wellbeing within the Secondary Division, ensuring quality assurance, self-evaluation, and professional development, which includes the advancement of coaching provisions for teacher development, while providing strategic guidance to the Academy’s Pastoral teams as determined by the Senior Leadership Team.

Vision & Strategic Direction
Foster inquiring, reflective, and caring learners who, through the rigor of the IB programs, acquire the knowledge, skills, and character necessary to take action and contribute to a more peaceful, improved world.
Promote a culture of kindness in alignment with the GEMS/GWA core values, while upholding the mission and ethos of the Academy as an inclusive, international, and academically successful institution through the framework of the International Baccalaureate Organisation.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Academy Leadership and Management
- Lead, coach, and support both staff and students in a high-profile capacity, advocating for the Academy’s vision, mission, ethos, values, and strategic objectives. Additionally, maintain onsite availability for at least 15 days during term time each academic year as designated by the CEO/Principal (or a designated staff member).
- Share responsibility for all policies and decision-making within the designated area of accountability, establishing and assessing policies that align with the strategic direction and objectives of the Academy.
- Play a key role in formulating the Academy’s targets, aims, objectives, and development plan, driving staff and students towards these goals to enhance student achievement.
- Efficiently lead and manage teams throughout the Academy, including performance management, to achieve set targets, aims, and objectives as part of the Academy Development Plan strategies and initiatives.
- Monitor and evaluate progress toward achieving the targets, aims, and objectives outlined in the Academy Development and Department Development Plans, taking necessary action when required.
- Facilitate daily data arrangements, communications, and consultations within the designated area of responsibility.
- Participate in whole Academy duties, including lunch, break, and start and finish times.
- Ensure all staff are well-acquainted with Academy and GEMS procedures and guidelines pertaining to exclusion processes.
- Manage and oversee budget expenditures within the scope of this role to ensure proper usage of allocated funds.
- Develop and monitor the implementation of an effective whole Academy Attitude to Learning policy.
- Empower and support Academy staff in effectively executing the Attitude to Learning policy.
- Collaborate with fellow Assistant Principals to lead on student voice initiatives and ensure appropriate recommendations made by the SLT are implemented.
- Oversee the schedule of assemblies and reflection room supervision.
- Ensure seamless transitions for students between divisions.

Students Learning
- Promote high standards, inclusion, motivation, and achievement in learning within your designated Academy area.
- Maintain an overview of 1:1 target-setting processes, monitoring and evaluation for students by reviewing and interpreting data that informs students' progress, and taking timely action as necessary.
- Provide timely and focused interventions when targets, aims, and objectives are not being met to ensure that student outcomes (including progress and attainment) are consistently good or better.
- Coordinate, develop, and oversee the tutor time program across all grade levels.
- Supervise all grade-level field trips, ensuring compliance with appropriate request forms and risk assessment protocols.

Skills
The ideal candidate will possess a proven history of effective teaching and student success. While experience with the IB Middle Years and Diploma programs is preferred, exceptional educators from any curriculum background are encouraged to apply. Alignment with the IB philosophy and commitment to the Learner Profile values are essential. A genuine enthusiasm for working within a non-selective and culturally diverse community is also a vital requirement. Additionally, candidates should have:
- A Bachelor of Education degree, or an initial degree alongside a relevant teaching qualification such as a PGCE, PGDE, or equivalent.
- Advanced qualifications are desirable but not mandatory.
- A minimum of 3 years of experience in a similar role, ideally within an IB DP curriculum school; however, this is not a strict requirement.
- A strong understanding of the IB framework and Approaches to Teaching is preferred.
- A fervent desire to continuously improve their practice and deliver exceptional teaching and learning experiences for students.
- The experience, personality, and educational philosophy that align with a leading IB World School like GEMS World Academy.
- Availability starting August 2025.

YOUR PACKAGE AND BENEFITS
A competitive remuneration package is available for successful candidates, which includes a tax-free salary, furnished accommodation, premium medical and life insurance, a working permit and residence visa, an annual flight allowance, tuition fee concessions, and other benefits compliant with UAE Labour Law. Furthermore, we offer:
- A highly collaborative working environment with a robust support system.
- An extensive program of continuing professional development.
- Training with the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) for teachers delivering IB curricula.
- Opportunities to shape the future of the department in collaboration with the leadership team and external education professionals.
- Personal and professional development opportunities, including a structured performance management system and pathways for advancement to roles with greater responsibility.
- A commitment to staff wellbeing, with access to all sports facilities, termly fitness and wellbeing sessions, and staff social events.
- GEMS Rewards, which provides a range of benefits including retail discounts, savings on gym memberships, cinema tickets, and various other offers.