Head of Inclusion - January 2027

GEMS SCHOOLS IN UAE; Dubai; On-site; AED 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tax-free salary

Accommodation provided

Private medical insurance

Annual airfares

End of Service Gratuity

Job summary

GEMS Schools in Dubai is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Head of Inclusion to join in January 2027. You will lead the development and implementation of the school's inclusion strategy, ensuring students with diverse learning needs are identified, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

The role requires a passionate leader who collaborates with teachers, parents and external professionals to create an inclusive, differentiated learning environment aligned with SPEA/SSSD

Qualifications

• UK approved Inclusion qualification such as a Masters in SEN or Inclusion and a PGCE.
• Minimum 3 years as an Inclusion leader in an international high-performing school.
• Experience in a through-school environment (ages 3–18) preferred.
• Proven track record of improving Inclusion provision in a school.
• Up-to-date knowledge of UAE, UK and global inclusion policy.
• Strong knowledge of KHDA Inclusion guidelines and UAE education policies.
• Experience managing IEPs and MTSS for diverse student needs.
• Excellent communication and collaboration with parents, leadership teams and external partners.
• Familiarity with assistive technologies and UDL.
• Growth mindset and solution-focused approach.
• Active contributor to school community and extra-curricular activities.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the SENDCo to implement and monitor IEPs.
• Build relationships with students and families to meet their needs.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and contribute to high performance.
• Support the teaching policy to promote inclusive teaching.
• Provide opportunities for observation of colleagues and school visits to share best practice.
• Collect and interpret specialist assessment data to inform practice.
• Monitor teaching sessions with Pastoral leader against IEP targets.
• Incorporate critical thinking, problem-solving and inquiry-based learning daily.
• Create a supportive, inclusive learning environment fostering independence and curiosity.
• Establish clear classroom routines and high behavior/academic expectations.
• Adhere to school policies on discipline, safeguarding and welfare.
• Build positive student relationships and support social-emotional well-being.
• Ensure safety and well-being of students at all times.

Skills

Inclusion leadership

IEP management

Through-school experience

KHDA guidelines knowledge

Inclusion policy knowledge

Assistive technology knowledge

UDL familiarity

Growth mindset

Community engagement

Strong communication

Education

UK approved Inclusion qualification

Masters in SEN or Inclusion

PGCE

Tools

KHDA guidelines

Job description

GEMS Schools in Dubai are looking for an enthusiastic, qualified and experienced Head of Inclusion to join their team in January 2027.

As Head of Inclusion, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the direction and success of the school.

The Head of Inclusion will be responsible for developing and implementing the school's inclusion strategy, ensuring that students with diverse learning needs are identified, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

This role requires a passionate and experienced leader who can collaborate with teachers, parents, and external professionals to create an inclusive, differentiated learning environment that aligns with SPEA/ SSSD and SEND guidelines

Key responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the SENDCo to implement and monitor individualized education plans (IEPs).
• Build strong relationships with students and their families, ensuring their needs are met.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and contribute to a culture of high performance.
• Support the whole Teaching and learning policy to promote aspects of inclusive teaching.
• Provide opportunities for observation of colleagues/visits to other schools in order to share best practice.
• Collect and interpret specialist assessment data gathered on pupils and use to inform practice.
• Monitor alongside the Pastoral leader, teachers individual teaching sessions against students IEP targets.
• Incorporate critical thinking, problem-solving, and inquiry-based learning strategies into daily instruction.
• Create a supportive, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment that fosters independence, confidence, and curiosity.
• Establish and maintain clear classroom routines and high expectations for behaviour and academic work.
• Adhere to and uphold all school policies related to discipline, safeguarding, and student welfare.
• Build positive relationships with students and support their social-emotional well-being.
• Ensure the safety, welfare, and well-being of students at all times.

GEMS Education is one of the world's leading private education providers, offering teachers the opportunity to build a rewarding international career within a global network of schools. With access to leading CPD programmes, professional development opportunities and clear pathways for progression, GEMS is committed to supporting teachers at every stage of their career, from early career educators to experienced leaders.

Skills

• UK approved Inclusion qualification relevant to working with young people and children in a school environment, such as a Masters' in Special Education Needs (SEN) or Inclusion and a relevant PGCE
• 3 years' experience as an Inclusion leader in an international setting within a high-performing school
• Experience working in a through-school environment (age 3-18) is preferred
• A track record of improving Inclusion provision in a school setting
• Up to date knowledge of best practice in Inclusion and current policy in UAE, UK and globally
• Strong knowledge of KHDA Inclusion guidelines, UAE education policies, and best practices in inclusive education is preferred
• Experience in managing IEPs, interventions, and multi-tiered systems of support for diverse student needs
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with parents, leadership teams, and external partners
• Familiarity with assistive technologies, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and evidence-based intervention strategies
• A growth mindset, whereby they are reflective and solution focused
• Make a positive contribution to our school community and culture through active engagement in our extra-curricular programme and community-based events.

All positions attract an excellent remuneration package including: Competitive tax-free salary, individual fully furnished accommodation, free schooling, private medical insurance, annual airfares to country of residence and end of Service Gratuity.

GEMS Teachers also have free access to our loyalty app GEMS rewards www.gemsrewards.com which provides significant savings on day-to-day life in the UAE. We offer thousands of discounts and 2 for 1 offers on everything from flights, hotels, restaurants and retail outlets, making your salary go further and enhancing the opportunity to save whilst working overseas.