Vice Principal Senior School - Jan 2027

GEMS Education; Dubai; On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

GEMS World Academy – Dubai (GWA) invites applications for an experienced Vice Principal – Senior School (Grades 9–12) to contribute to strategic leadership and the ongoing development of the Senior School. The successful candidate will focus on student wellbeing, pastoral care, behaviour, safeguarding and personal development, alongside school improvement and staff development.

This is an exciting opportunity for an educational leader to drive a positive, inclusive and high‑achieving school

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across Grades 9–12, supporting the Academy's vision, values and school improvement priorities.
• Lead the development and implementation of effective pastoral systems, student wellbeing initiatives, behaviour expectations and safeguarding practices.
• Lead, coach and support Assistant Principals, Grade Leaders and pastoral teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing school culture.
• Promote student voice, leadership and engagement, ensuring a positive, inclusive and supportive learning environment.
• Monitor student attendance, progress and wellbeing, using data to inform decisions and implement appropriate interventions.
• Contribute to whole-school improvement, quality assurance, self-evaluation and strategic planning.
• Build strong relationships with students, parents, staff and the wider school community.

Job description

THE ACADEMY

GEMS World Academy – Dubai (GWA) is a leading, co-educational IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP). Established in 2008, GWA is home to a diverse international community and is committed to developing inquiring, reflective and caring learners through an inclusive, innovative and academically ambitious learning environment.

THE ROLE

We are seeking an experienced and inspirational Vice Principal – Senior School (Grades 9–12) to join GEMS World Academy in January 2027.

Working closely with the Senior Campus Principal and wider Senior Leadership Team, the successful candidate will play a key role in the strategic leadership and continued development of the Senior School.

The position will have a particular focus on student wellbeing, pastoral care, behaviour, safeguarding and personal development, alongside supporting school improvement, quality assurance and staff development.

This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate educational leader to contribute to a positive, inclusive and high-achieving school culture, ensuring every student is supported to thrive both academically and personally.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across Grades 9–12, supporting the Academy's vision, values and school improvement priorities.
• Lead the development and implementation of effective pastoral systems, student wellbeing initiatives, behaviour expectations and safeguarding practices.
• Lead, coach and support Assistant Principals, Grade Leaders and pastoral teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing school culture.
• Promote student voice, leadership and engagement, ensuring a positive, inclusive and supportive learning environment.
• Monitor student attendance, progress and wellbeing, using data to inform decisions and implement appropriate interventions.
• Contribute to whole-school improvement, quality assurance, self-evaluation and strategic planning.
• Build strong relationships with students, parents, staff and the wider school community.