Head of Whole-School Inclusion & Strategy

Gems Education UAE; Dubai; On-site; AED 335,000 - 502,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tax-free salary

Fully furnished accommodation

Private medical insurance

Annual airfare

End-of-service gratuity

Job summary

GEMS Wellington Academy, Al Khail in Dubai is appointing a Director of Inclusion to lead whole-school provision for ages 3-18, ensuring aligned strategy and KHDA-compliant practices.

The role works with senior leaders, families, and external specialists to build capability, advance inclusive education, and drive measurable outcomes, with a competitive package and international leadership opportunity.

Qualifications

• Applicants must hold a recognized teaching qualification such as PGCE, PGDE or equivalent.
• Postgraduate qualification in special educational needs, inclusion or a related discipline is required, with a master’s degree preferred.
• Candidates should have substantial experience leading inclusion in a high-performing international school and an excellent understanding of the British curriculum across ages 3-18.
• Direct knowledge of the Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework, KHDA expectations and provision for Students of Determination is essential.
• Experience managing SEN, EAL and specialist support teams is also required.
• The successful leader will be an effective coach, analytical decision-maker and trusted communicator.

Responsibilities

• Define and communicate the academy's whole-school inclusion strategy.
• Align inclusive provision with the school 's educational vision and improvement priorities.
• Lead services for Students of Determination across the 3-18 age range.
• Ensure compliance with the Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework.
• Maintain readiness for KHDA, DSIB and other applicable inspection requirements.
• Advise the Senior Leadership Team on inclusion priorities, risks and resource needs.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams covering special educational needs, English-language learning and specialist support.
• Establish clear roles, referral pathways and accountability across the inclusion function.
• Oversee identification and assessment processes for students requiring additional support.
• Ensure decisions are based on appropriate evidence and a complete understanding of each learner.
• Guide the development, review and monitoring of Individual Education Plans.
• Establish measurable targets connected to student needs and classroom participation.
• Evaluate intervention programs for impact, consistency and value.
• Use attainment, progress, attendance and wellbeing data to assess provision.
• Identify gaps in outcomes and coordinate timely corrective action.
• Coach teachers in adaptive instruction and inclusive classroom practice.
• Lead professional development for teachers, learning-support staff and school leaders.
• Translate cognitive science and international research into practical support strategies.
• Ensure reasonable accommodations are understood and applied consistently.
• Strengthen provision for English-language learners and students with overlapping needs.
• Build constructive partnerships with parents and include them in planning and review.
• Coordinate with therapists, psychologists, medical professionals and external agencies.
• Maintain accurate and confidential student documentation.
• Develop quality-assurance processes for support plans, interventions and classroom implementation.
• Contribute inclusion priorities to curriculum, staffing and school-development planning.
• Manage team performance, professional growth and deployment.
• Promote a culture of ambition, responsibility and courage for every learner.
• Support transitions between phases and preparation for pathways beyond school.
• Report progress, impact and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and governors.
• Uphold safeguarding requirements and respond appropriately to concerns.

Skills

Whole-school inclusion strategy

SEN leadership

EAL provision

KHDA compliance

Dubai policy framework

Team leadership

Data-driven decision making

Cognitive science in education

Parental partnership

Inspection readiness

Education

PGCE/PGDE or equivalent

Bachelor’s in education or relevant field

Master’s in SEN/inclusion (preferred)

Job description

GEMS Wellington Academy, Al Khail in Dubai is appointing a Director of Inclusion to lead whole-school provision for ages 3-18, ensuring aligned strategy and KHDA-compliant practices.

The role works with senior leaders, families, and external specialists to build capability, advance inclusive education, and drive measurable outcomes, with a competitive package and international leadership opportunity.