Vice Principal - PYP MYP DP

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 Middle or Senior Leadership level within a Primary/ Middle/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.

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