Requirements
The ideal candidate must have a bachelor's degree in education or a recognized teaching qualification, with a minimum of 5 years of teaching experience and 5 years of leadership responsibility in an IB Continuum school. Proven experience in leading teaching and learning, pastoral systems, or curriculum delivery is required, along with a strong understanding of KHDA requirements, child protection, and UAE educational regulations. Experience with IB processes, school operations, and collaborative work with senior leaders is essential.
Description
Job description / Role
Job Type
Full Time
Job Location
Dubai, UAE
Nationality
Any Nationality
Salary
Not Specified
Gender
Not Specified
Arabic Fluency
Not Specified
Job Function
Education & Teaching
Company Industry
Education
Job description
We are looking for a qualified Vice Principal – PYP/MYP/DP to join our established team. A September 2026 start is preferred.
The Vice Principal – PYP/MYP/DP plays a key role in shaping the strategic direction, culture, and performance. Working closely with the Principal and wider leadership team, the postholder provides high-level leadership across teaching and learning, student experience, and staff development, ensuring consistently high standards and strong outcomes aligned with the school’s vision.
Core responsibilities:
Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the IB Programmes, ensuring alignment with the school’s vision, values, and whole-school priorities.
Lead on teaching and learning across the IB Programmes, driving high standards of classroom practice, assessment, and student outcomes.
Support the Principal in the delivery and continuous strategic development of the IB continuum, ensuring fidelity to IB standards and requirements.
Co-line-manage and develop Heads of Department and Middle Leaders, embedding a culture of accountability, professional growth, and high performance.
Oversee student progress, achievement, and wellbeing, using data to inform interventions and strategic decision-making.
Play a key role in staff recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and succession planning.
Lead on behaviour, attendance, and safeguarding, ensuring consistent application of policies and a safe, inclusive learning environment.
Strengthen parent and community engagement, acting as a senior point of contact and representing the school with professionalism and credibility.
Collaborate closely with the Executive and Senior Leadership Teams to ensure effective transition, continuity, and coherence across phases.
Contribute to school self-evaluation, accreditation, and inspection processes, including IB evaluation and local regulatory requirements.
Support operational and timetable planning.
Act as a visible, approachable leader who models the school’s values and promotes a positive, aspirational culture for staff and students.
Skills
The ideal candidate should have a strong track record in effective teaching and helping students succeed and impactful change management experience. Experience in teaching the IB Middle Years and Diploma programmes is preferred. A genuine passion for working in a non-selective and culturally diverse community is also a key requirement. Additionally, the candidate should possess:
Key requirements:
A bachelor’s degree in education, or an initial degree plus a recognized teaching qualification (e.g. PGCE, PGDE, Bachelor of Education or equivalent).
A minimum of 5 years’ successful teaching experience, with a minimum of 5 years’ leadership responsibility at Middle or Senior Leadership level within a Primary, Middle or Senior School setting of an IB Continuum school.
Proven experience leading teaching and learning, pastoral systems, or curriculum delivery across the phase (preferably within an IB or international school environment).
Strong understanding of KHDA requirements, inspection frameworks, child protection expectations, and UAE educational regulations.
Strong understanding of school operations, including staff management, student wellbeing, behaviour, attendance, and safeguarding.
Experience with resource planning, staffing allocation, and budget management to support strategic priorities.
Oversee student progress, achievement, and wellbeing, using data to inform interventions and strategic decision-making.
Strong understanding of IB processes, systems, networks, evaluation, accreditation and documentation.
Experience as an IB workshop leader, programme coordinator, consultant, or evaluator.
Experience working collaboratively with senior leaders to drive school improvement, quality assurance, and staff development.
Professionally certified teacher, meeting the requirements of relevant regulatory bodies (e.g. KHDA or equivalent).
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a positive, professional presence and the ability to build strong relationships with staff, students, and parents.
A strong work ethic, resilience, and willingness to contribute fully to the wider life of the school.
A master's degree in education or advanced leadership qualifications (e.g. NPQSL, NPQH, Master’s) preferred but not essential.
A commitment to continuous professional development and reflective leadership practice.
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.
About the Company
GEMS Education is a pioneering education company with an international network of award winning K-12 schools. Over the past 55 years GEMS has grown from one school to being a truly global company with one incredible mission – to make quality education available to every student. Over 20,000 education professionals unlock the potential of over 250,000 students across 14 countries each and every day, preparing children of all ages for real world success.
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