Principal Senior School - Years 7-13
Gems Education UAE
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
GEMS School of Research and Innovation in Dubai seeks an exceptional leader to establish and lead the Principal Senior School for Years 7-13. You will shape the academic identity, build a research-informed culture, and drive curriculum innovation within a school designed to blend traditional academics with research and real-world learning.
The role requires significant senior leadership experience, an entrepreneurial mindset, and the ability to translate ambitious educational aims into impactful
Qualifications
- Significant senior leadership experience in a high-performing secondary or all-through school.
- Proven ability to lead curriculum innovation and high academic standards.
- Strong understanding of assessment systems and university progression pathways.
Responsibilities
- Lead the strategic development of the Senior School for Years 7-13.
- Help establish a distinctive educational identity and culture aligned with the SRI vision.
- Shape long-term educational priorities with the CEO/Principal and SLT.
- Develop Key Stage 4 and Sixth Form provision and pathways.
- Translate the educational vision into practical curriculum development and leadership.
- Inspire and develop high-performing teaching and leadership teams.
Skills
Job description
Principal Senior School - Years 7-13
Role: Principal Senior School
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Industry: Primary-Secondary Education
Function: School-College Administration
Experience: Significant senior leadership experience in a high-performing secondary or all-through school
Job Type: Full Time
Work Arrangement: On-site
GEMS School of Research and Innovation (SRI) is seeking an exceptional educational leader to take on the founding role of Principal Senior School in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This is a distinctive opportunity to shape the strategic direction, academic provision and educational culture of Years 7-13 within a school established to challenge conventional approaches to education. Combining an enhanced British curriculum with research, innovation, technology and industry engagement, GEMS SRI is developing an educational model designed to prepare students for a rapidly changing world. Working closely with the CEO/Principal and Senior Leadership Team, the appointed Principal will lead the development of the Senior School, establish Key Stage 4 and Sixth Form provision, and help create a coherent educational journey for students aged 3-18. The position calls for an accomplished school leader with strong academic credibility, entrepreneurial thinking and the ability to translate an ambitious educational vision into effective school leadership and practice.
- Country: United Arab Emirates
- City: Dubai
- Industry: Primary-Secondary Education
- Function: School-College Administration
- Salary: Not disclosed
- Gender: No Preference
- Candidate Nationality: Not specified
- Job Type: Full Time
- Work Arrangement: On-site
This is a founding leadership appointment with the opportunity to build and shape a Senior School rather than simply maintain an established educational structure. The Principal Senior School will contribute to defining the academic identity, leadership culture and future direction of Years 7-13. The role requires the vision to develop innovative educational approaches while maintaining rigorous expectations for academic achievement, student wellbeing and professional excellence. A central responsibility will be establishing an ambitious curriculum and qualification framework that connects traditional academic pathways with research, innovation and opportunities for real-world learning. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with senior colleagues to ensure that the Senior School contributes effectively to the wider educational vision of GEMS SRI.
- Lead the strategic development of the Senior School for students in Years 7-13.
- Help establish a distinctive educational identity and culture aligned with the school 's research-led and innovation-focused vision.
- Work alongside the CEO/Principal and Senior Leadership Team to shape long-term educational priorities.
- Contribute to the development of a seamless learning journey for students from ages 3-18.
- Establish high expectations for academic achievement, educational innovation and student development.
- Provide leadership that supports collaboration, continuous improvement and professional excellence.
- Translate the school 's ambitious educational vision into practical approaches to curriculum development and school leadership.
- Inspire colleagues to contribute actively to the development of a pioneering educational environment.
- Lead the strategic development of an innovative and future-focused Senior School curriculum.
- Establish and develop Key Stage 4 and Sixth Form educational provision.
- Shape academic qualifications and learning pathways that respond to students ' educational needs and future aspirations.
- Explore distinctive qualification opportunities beyond traditional educational frameworks.
- Promote academic excellence through rigorous curriculum planning and effective approaches to assessment.
- Support the integration of research, technology and innovation into the educational experience.
- Ensure that curriculum development supports progression through secondary education and into higher education.
- Encourage approaches to teaching and learning that develop intellectual curiosity, independent thinking and meaningful engagement.
The Principal Senior School will play an important role in shaping the qualifications and progression opportunities available to students.
- Contributing to the development of appropriate qualification pathways for Key Stage 4 and Sixth Form students.
- Applying a strong understanding of assessment systems and academic progression requirements.
- Supporting the development of pathways that prepare students for university and future educational opportunities.
- Exploring innovative qualifications and learning experiences that complement established academic programmes.
- Building relationships with universities, industry organisations and relevant accreditation bodies.
- Helping connect students ' educational experiences with research, entrepreneurship and real-world applications.
- Promote a Senior School environment that places student wellbeing, safeguarding and educational success at the centre of its priorities.
- Provide strong pastoral leadership that supports students throughout their secondary education.
- Contribute to a positive school culture characterised by ambition, inclusion and high expectations.
- Support approaches to education that develop student confidence, character, agency and resilience.
- Ensure that student development is considered alongside academic performance and curriculum innovation.
- Champion a school environment where young people are supported to achieve their potential.
- Lead, inspire and develop high-performing educational teams.
- Encourage professional collaboration and the exchange of effective teaching and leadership practices.
- Support a culture of innovation, intellectual curiosity and continuous professional learning.
- Work constructively with senior leaders and colleagues across the school.
- Demonstrate the resilience, judgement and strategic capability required to establish new educational provision.
- Build commitment to shared academic priorities and the school 's wider educational mission.
- Significant senior leadership experience within a high-performing secondary or all-through school.
- A proven record of leading curriculum innovation and achieving high academic standards.
- Experience developing Key Stage 4 and Sixth Form educational provision.
- Strong knowledge of academic qualifications, assessment systems and university progression pathways.
- Expertise in pastoral leadership, safeguarding and student wellbeing.
- The ability to lead, inspire and develop high-performing teaching and leadership teams.
- Experience contributing to strategic educational development and school improvement.
- A strong commitment to collaboration, innovation and educational excellence.
- Intellectual curiosity and the confidence to challenge conventional educational approaches.
- Strategic thinking supported by sound academic judgement.
- An entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to develop new educational opportunities.
- The vision to connect curriculum innovation with meaningful student outcomes.
- Resilience and adaptability when leading significant educational development.
- Strong communication and collaborative leadership skills.
- A commitment to academic excellence, student wellbeing and professional integrity.
- The ability to inspire others around an ambitious and shared educational vision.
GEMS Education offers an exceptional tax-free remuneration package for this leadership appointment. The package includes:
- Competitive tax-free salary.
- Accommodation.
- Free schooling.
- Private medical insurance.
- Annual airfares to the country of residence.
- End of service gratuity.
GEMS employees also receive complimentary access to GEMS Rewards, an exclusive loyalty programme offering thousands of discounts and 2-for-1 offers across flights, hotels, restaurants, retail outlets and other services throughout the UAE.
GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The organisation strives to maintain safe, supportive and inclusive learning environments where every student can thrive. All employees, volunteers and partners are expected to share this commitment and uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and child protection. Successful applicants will be subject to comprehensive pre-employment checks, including verification of identity, qualifications, employment history, professional references and criminal records from relevant countries of residence and employment. Depending on applicable requirements, these checks may include enhanced disclosure, prohibition and barring checks, and overseas police clearances. All screening procedures are conducted in accordance with relevant local and international safeguarding requirements.
GEMS School of Research and Innovation has been established to redefine educational possibilities through a distinctive combination of an enhanced British curriculum, research, entrepreneurship, technology and industry engagement. At the heart of the school 's approach is the Pioneer Curriculum, which places research, innovation and real-world learning at the centre of the educational experience. The school aims to equip students with strong academic foundations while developing their digital capabilities, research skills, independence, character and ability to navigate an increasingly complex world. Through its commitment to innovative learning and partnerships beyond the classroom, GEMS SRI is creating an educational environment designed to prepare students for future academic and professional opportunities.
With more than 65 years of experience in education and over 200,000 students educated across its global network, GEMS Education is a leading international private education provider. The organisation operates schools recognised for their academic programmes, educational outcomes and commitment to preparing students for progression to leading universities. Through GEMS School of Research and Innovation, the group is extending its commitment to educational excellence by developing a distinctive approach that connects established academic standards with research, innovation and future-focused learning.
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