Head of Physical Education - Secondary

GEMS Education; Abu Dhabi; On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

The Cambridge High School Abu Dhabi is seeking an outstanding Head of Physical Education (Secondary) to lead the PE department and promote excellence in teaching, learning, and student wellbeing.

The role focuses on delivering a high-quality PE curriculum across the secondary phase, developing staff capability, and organizing extracurricular sport in alignment with ADEK requirements and GEMS Education standards.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a secondary PE department
• Strong instructional leadership and ability to improve teaching quality
• Commitment to health, wellbeing and sport participation

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Secondary PE Department to achieve outstanding educational outcomes.
• Ensure the PE curriculum is delivered across Key Stages.
• Monitor, evaluate, and improve teaching and learning in PE.
• Coach and mentor PE teachers to enhance professional practice.
• Drive improvements in attainment, progress, participation and wellbeing.
• Organise extracurricular sports, fixtures, and school sporting events.
• Ensure safeguarding, health and safety, and ADEK requirements.

Job description

Head of Physical Education (Secondary)
The Cambridge High School Abu Dhabi, a GEMS Education School

The Cambridge High School Abu Dhabi is seeking an outstanding, dynamic, and experienced Head of Physical Education (Secondary) to lead and develop our PE department. We are looking for a passionate educational leader who is committed to promoting excellence in teaching, learning, student achievement, health, wellbeing, and participation in sport.

About the Role

The Head of Physical Education (Secondary) is responsible for leading the effective day-to-day delivery of the PE curriculum across the secondary phase, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning, assessment, and student outcomes. The post holder will work closely with the Director of Subject and Senior Leadership Team to drive departmental improvement, develop staff capability, and foster a culture of excellence both within curriculum PE and extracurricular sports programs.

This role requires a strong instructional leader who can inspire teachers, monitor student progress, and ensure the delivery of an engaging, inclusive, and high-quality PE curriculum aligned with school priorities, GEMS Education expectations, and ADEK requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Secondary PE Department to achieve outstanding educational outcomes.
• Ensure the effective implementation and delivery of the PE curriculum across Key Stages.
• Monitor, evaluate, and improve teaching and learning practices within the department.
• Support, coach, and mentor PE teachers to enhance professional practice and performance.
• Drive improvements in student attainment, progress, participation, and wellbeing.
• Analyse assessment data to inform interventions and curriculum planning.
• Organise and oversee extracurricular sports, competitions, fixtures, and school sporting events.
• Promote a positive culture of physical fitness, healthy lifestyles, and sportsmanship.
• Ensure compliance with all safeguarding, health and safety, risk assessment, and ADEK requirements.
• Contribute to whole-school development planning and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Build positive relationships with students, parents, staff, and external sporting organisations.