Head of Secondary | Strategic Growth Leader

GEMS Education; Dubai; On-site; AED 420,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

GEMS Al Barsha National School in Dubai seeks an outstanding Head of Secondary to lead the school from January 2027, guiding strategic development and ensuring academic excellence, student achievement, behaviour, wellbeing and pastoral care.

The role requires visionary, inspirational and operational leadership across all aspects of the Secondary School, with a strong focus on data-informed improvement, safeguarding and collaborative school culture.

Qualifications

• Hold a BEd or Bachelors degree with PGCE / PGDE or equivalent, and a proven record of outstanding teaching.
• A Master’s in Education (leadership) and/or NPQH preferred but not essential.
• Significant experience in a leadership role within a secondary school.
• Evidence of ongoing professional learning in education, teaching and leadership.
• A demonstrable track record in sustained school improvement and raising standards.
• An in-depth knowledge of the National Curriculum for England and its implementation.

Responsibilities

• Full operational, financial, and educational oversight of the secondary school.
• Contributing to the strategic direction of the academy.
• Providing inspiring, empathetic leadership.
• Maintaining the highest standards of student achievement and student behaviour to ensure exceptional outcomes for all.
• Ensuring robust quality assurance procedures are in place for all performance areas of the secondary school.
• Using rigorous, data-informed self-evaluation and self-reflection processes for continuous school improvement.
• Promoting the school to ensure its significant achievements are recognised both locally and internationally.
• Ensuring the highest quality of professional learning is in place for all staff and has impact on school improvement and student outcomes.
• Developing a culture of high challenge and high support where all staff and students feel empowered to thrive and succeed.
• Embedding, and building on, the evidence-informed and research driven approach already established.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Data-informed decision making

Educational leadership

Change management

Education

Bachelor degree with PGCE/PGDE

Master’s in Education leadership (preferred)

Job description

GEMS Al Barsha National School in Dubai seeks an outstanding Head of Secondary to lead the school from January 2027, guiding strategic development and ensuring academic excellence, student achievement, behaviour, wellbeing and pastoral care.

The role requires visionary, inspirational and operational leadership across all aspects of the Secondary School, with a strong focus on data-informed improvement, safeguarding and collaborative school culture.