Requirements
The ideal candidate will hold a recognized teaching qualification (PGCE, PGDE or equivalent) and a Bachelor's degree in Education or a relevant field, with a postgraduate qualification in Special Educational Needs, Inclusion or a related discipline being preferred. Significant experience leading Inclusion within a high-performing international school is required, along with a strong understanding of the British curriculum, inclusive practice, and developing provision for Students of Determination. Expertise in leading multidisciplinary teams, developing IEPs, coaching teachers, and strong analytical and communication skills are essential.
Description
Job description / Role
Job Type
Full Time
Job Location
UAE
Nationality
Any Nationality
Salary
Not Specified
Gender
Not Specified
Arabic Fluency
Not Specified
Job Function
Education & Teaching
Company Industry
Education & Training
Director of Inclusion – Whole School
We are looking for an exceptional Director of Inclusion – Whole School to join our team at GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail from January 2027.
Our vision at GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail is to “Empower today, for a limitless tomorrow.” We are seeking an outstanding leader who can help us achieve this goal through our belief in: Limitless Learning, Limitless Solutions, and Limitless Possibilities.
As a cognitive science-driven school, evidence-informed practice is at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for an experienced Inclusion leader who can articulate a clear vision for outstanding inclusive education, ensuring every learner can thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Successful candidates will share our core values of Ambition, Responsibility and Courage and be passionate about creating a truly inclusive learning environment for all.
The Director of Inclusion will provide strategic leadership for inclusive provision across our through-school, leading the development of exceptional practice for Students of Determination while ensuring full compliance with the Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework. Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, teachers, parents and external agencies, the successful candidate will drive a culture where inclusion is embedded in every aspect of school life.
Successful candidates will be joining a fully inclusive, high-performing school that is evidenced through:
GCSE and A-Level results far exceeding UK national averages
‘Very Good’ rating from the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB)
Outstanding rating from British Schools Overseas (BSO)
‘World Class School’ status from High Performance Learning
Being an invited member of the Cognitive Science School Network
Through our comprehensive professional learning programme, we ensure our leaders have access to high-quality development opportunities that not only support their own professional growth but also contribute to our continued success. StepLab instructional coaching, the Cognitive Science Network, Schools, Students and Teachers Network (SSAT), the Best Practice Network (BPN) and Evidence Based Education (EBE) are just some of the organisations we work with to ensure our staff continue to develop as outstanding practitioners and leaders.
Skills
Successful candidates will need to:
Hold a recognised teaching qualification (PGCE, PGDE or equivalent) together with a Bachelor's degree in Education or a relevant field.
Hold a recognised postgraduate qualification in Special Educational Needs, Inclusion or a related discipline (Master's degree or equivalent preferred).
Have significant experience leading Inclusion within a high-performing international school.
Demonstrate an excellent understanding of the British curriculum and inclusive practice across a through-school setting (ages 3–18).
Have a proven track record of developing high-quality provision for Students of Determination.
Possess strong knowledge of the Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework, KHDA expectations and current international best practice.
Have experience leading multidisciplinary Inclusion teams, including SEN, EAL and specialist support staff.
Demonstrate expertise in developing and monitoring Individual Education Plans (IEPs), intervention programmes and evidence-informed support strategies.
Be highly skilled in coaching teachers and leading professional development to embed outstanding inclusive classroom practice.
Be an exceptional communicator, able to build strong relationships with students, families, colleagues and external agencies.
Have excellent analytical skills with the ability to use data to evaluate provision and improve outcomes for all learners.
Demonstrate a growth mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
All positions attract an excellent remuneration package including a competitive tax-free salary, individual fully furnished accommodation, free schooling, private medical insurance, annual airfares to country of residence and end of service gratuity.
GEMS teachers and leaders also have free access to our loyalty app, GEMS Rewards, which provides significant savings on day-to-day life in the UAE. Employees benefit from thousands of discounts and 2-for-1 offers on flights, hotels, restaurants and retail outlets, making your salary go further and enhancing your opportunity to save whilst working overseas.
GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a pre-requisite for all appointments.
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