THE ROLEWe are now seeking an innovative Secondary Assistant Principal - Personal Development, Behaviour & Wellbeing to join our successful team, from August 2025.With the CEO / Principal and the Senior Leadership Team, the post-holder will (i) share responsibility for all the policies, decision-making processes and strategic planning involved in the management of the Academy; (ii) realise the ethos of an IB learning organisation with high expectations of students and staff, and a positive approach to internationalism, entrepreneurialism and innovation; (iii) lead the development of the Academy as a learning, researching and self-evaluating organisation (iv) lead by example, setting the highest professional standards and maintaining a visible presence around the Academy. The post-holder will deputise for the Secondary Principal in their absence, and support the CEO/Principal and Principals in their workload, when tasks are delegated or shared.The focus of this post is to lead on all aspects of Personal Development, Welfare, Behaviour and Wellbeing in the Secondary Division, quality assurance, self-evaluation, professional development (including developing coaching provision for teacher development) and provide strategic leadership of the Academys Pastoral teams as agreed within the Senior Leadership Team.Vision & Strategic DirectionDevelop inquiring, reflective and caring learners who, through the rigour of the IB programmes, have the knowledge, skills and character to take action and create a better, more peaceful world. Model and encourage a culture of kindness in support of the GEMS/GWA core values and uphold the mission and ethos of the Academy as a non-selective, international and academically successful Academy through the lens of the International Baccalaureate Organisation.CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:Academy Leadership and Management
To lead, coach, and support staff and students through a high profile role, promoting the Academys vision, mission, ethos, values and strategic aims. Furthermore, to be available (onsite) for a minimum of 15 days out of term time during each academic year determined by the CEO/Principal (or a delegated member of staff)
To share responsibility for all the policies and decision-making involving the agreed area of responsibility. Establishing and evaluating policies which support the strategic direction of the academy and achievement of its aims and objectives
To lead in the formulation of the academys targets, aims, objectives and development plan, playing a major role in driving the academy, its staff and students towards these goals thereby raising student achievement
Effectively lead and manage (including performance management) teams of staff from across the academy towards achievement of its targets, aims and objectives including delivery of the Academy Development Plan strategies and initiatives
Monitor and evaluate progress towards achieving targets, aims and
objectives identified on Academy Development and * Department Development Plans and to take action where required
To lead and facilitate day-to-day data arrangements and requirements, communications and consultations within the agreed area of responsibility
To lead and take part in whole academy duties such as those at lunch, break, start and finish times
To ensure all staff are familiar with Academy and GEMS procedures and guidelines linked to exclusion processes
Responsible and accountable for budget expenditure for those areas that fall within the remit of the post-holder to ensure funding is used appropriately
To develop, lead and monitor the implementation of an effective whole academy Attitude to Learning policy
Support, develop and empower academy staff in effectively executing the Attitude to Learning policy
Working with all Assistant Principals, to lead on student voice and follow through the appropriate recommendations agreed by the SLT
To lead on the schedule of assemblies and reflection room supervision
To ensure students have a smooth transition between divisions
Students Learning
To foster high standards, inclusion, motivation and achievement in learning through supporting the Academy area you have direct responsibility for
To retain an overview of 1:1 target-setting processes, monitoring and evaluation for students, through maintaining, reviewing and interpreting the data which informs students progress and target-setting and to take timely action
Provide timely and focused intervention where targets, aims and objectives are not being addressed or achieved so that student outcomes (including progress and attainment) are consistently good or better
Coordinate, develop and oversee the tutor time programme in all grade levels
Oversee all grade level field trips, ensuring the appropriate request formsand risk assessment protocols have been followed
Behaviour and Welfare
To ensure that the climate for learning within the Senior School supports the values and ethos of the School
Work closely with Grade Leaders to track student progress, monitor patterns, take appropriate action to address underachievement and poor attitudes to learning
To coordinate the production, use and evaluation of support and monitoring strategies available for all students
To provide strategic direction to student development establishing the highest standards of uniform and behaviour.
To support the various Peer Mentoring programmes in place.
To oversee and support the reward of students.
To monitor student attendance throughout the Senior School
Staff Support
To support and encourage staff to foster a professional culture and to take an active part in the safeguarding of students, assisting the DSL in particular, xc6x92Pri by ensuring this area is given the highest priority and is firmly embedded within the academys practices
To support the staff with the management of teaching and learning and all student exams and data in line with Academy policy
To make leadership, management and organisational decisions commensurate with the role, referring as appropriate to the appropriate divisional Principal
To liaise with staff regarding important dates on the Academy calendar such as examination entries deadlines, visits, reports and ad-hoc opportunities provided to our students which enrich their learning experience in line with Academy policy
To produce / co-ordinate progress and data reports for use by the Academy and respond to requests from the CEO/Principal and other members of the SLT as requested
Lead new faculty pastoral induction and orientation processes
Community Leadership
Engage effectively with parents and other members of the Academy community in a variety of activities such as, to resolve complaints and develop constructive relationships that support the academy in realising its aims and objectives
To lead Grade Leader meetings and contribute to the leadership of House Leader and Student Council meetings.
To contribute to the Academys PR and the organisation of events, including the creative use of the website, VLE, text messaging and appropriate applications of future technologies
To lead and co-ordinate student information and contribute to the organisation of Parent Teacher Conferences, parents' evenings, coffee mornings, termly reports and curriculum evenings
To be aware of and comply with Academy policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person
To contribute to the Academy Self Evaluation Form, ethos, aims and development/improvement plan
To establish constructive relationships and communicate with other agencies/professionals to support achievement and progress of students
Other Duties
Undertake personal development through training and other learning activities including performance management as required in line with Academy priorities and targets
As DSL, keep up to date with Level 3 Safeguarding Training
To organise, lead, monitor and take part in whole academy duties and any others delegated by the CEO/Principal
Attendance at Senior Leadership Team and other meetings relevant to the role and follow the line management procedures of the Academy
Recognise own strengths and areas of expertise and use these to advise and support others. Furthermore seek professional development opportunities to ensure the Academys improvement plan is implemented
To work with suppliers and agencies in a collaborative context, to pursue research and case study opportunities, enabling us to become a leading edge Academy, offering services and advice to other institutions, locally, nationally and internationally
To be a positive role model for students in dress code and conduct policy within the Academy
SkillsThe ideal candidate should have a strong track record in effective teaching and helping students succeed. While experience in teaching the IB Middle Years and Diploma programmes is preferred, outstanding teachers from any curriculum background are encouraged to apply. Alignment with the IB philosophy and commitment to the Learner Profile values are crucial. A genuine passion for working in a non-selective and culturally diverse community is also a key requirement. Additionally, the candidate should possess:
A Bachelor of Education degree, or an initial degree plus a relevant teaching qualification such as a PGCE, PGDE or equivalent.
Advanced qualifications are preferred but not essential
A minimum of 3 years experience in a similar position, ideally within an IB DP curriculum school, however this is not mandatory
A strong understanding of the IB framework and Approaches to Teaching is preferred
A strong desire to continually improve their practice and deliver outstanding teaching and learning experiences for their students
The experience, personality and educational philosophy that aligns with a leading IB World School like GEMS World Academy
August 2025 availability
YOUR PACKAGE AND BENEFITSAn excellent remuneration package is available for successful candidates including; a competitive tax free salary, furnished accommodation, premium medical insurance and life insurance, working permit and residence visa, annual flight allowance, tuition fee concession, and other benefits in line with the UAE Labour Law. In addition to these, we offer:
A highly collaborative working environment and excellent support system
An extensive programme of continuing professional development
Training with the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) for teachers delivering the IB
The chance to shape the future of the department in collaboration with the leadership team and external education professionals
The opportunity to develop personally and professionally, with access to a structured performance management system, and with opportunities to advance to positions of greater responsibility
A commitment to staff wellbeing, including access to all of our sports facilities, termly fitness and wellbeing sessions, and staff social events
GEMS Rewards which offers a package of benefits for staff such as retail discounts, savings on gym memberships, cinema tickets and many other offers