Director of English (Secondary) - August 2026 (Maternity Cover)

About This Role

Job Description At GEMS Wellington International School, our vision is to ensure that all of our students are beacons of social responsibility, empowered by a co-constructed, pioneering and authentic learning experience. We are seeking an exceptional Director of English (Secondary) who will uphold our values of integrity, empathy and fortitude, to join our established team.

We are a fully inclusive, high performing school with a long history of success. This is evidenced through our performance in rigorous inspection and accreditation frameworks. Some specific examples include:

• Rated ‘Outstanding’ for 16 consecutive years by the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB)
• Rated ‘Outstanding’ by British Schools Overseas
• Holder of the prestigious COBIS Patron’s Accreditation with Beacon Status for Leadership
• Recognised as a High Performance Learning (HPL) World Class School

This is an exciting time in our school’s development. We are looking for an ambitious and highly skilled leader to drive excellence in English across Key Stages 3 to Post-16. The successful candidate will inspire others, harness the strengths of their team and lead sustained improvements in teaching, learning and student outcomes across the department.

Through our personalised professional development programme, we ensure our leaders and teachers remain at the forefront of global educational best practice and research. You will have opportunities to collaborate with leading organisations such as the Schools Students and Teachers Network (SSAT), High Performance Learning (HPL), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and Harvard Project Zero. With many of our leaders promoted from within, GEMS provides exceptional opportunities for career progression both within the UAE and globally.

The Role

As Director of English, you will:

• Provide inspirational and strategic leadership across the English department
• Drive outstanding outcomes for students across Key Stages 3, 4 and Post-16
• Lead curriculum development, innovation and quality assurance in teaching and learning
• Use data effectively to raise attainment and accelerate student progress
• Develop and mentor staff through high-quality professional development and coaching
• Ensure a culture of collaboration, high expectations and continuous improvement
• Play a key role in whole-school development and contribute to the wider school community

Skills Skills & Experience

Successful candidates will:

• Embody and role model our core values of integrity, empathy and fortitude
• Hold Qualified Teacher Status with a relevant degree and postgraduate teaching qualification
• Have proven experience of successful middle or senior leadership in English
• Demonstrate a strong track record of raising achievement and leading improvement
• Have experience teaching across multiple phases, including GCSE and post-16
• Be a strategic thinker with the ability to lead change effectively
• Possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Have a growth mindset and a commitment to continuous professional development
• Be passionate about delivering outstanding learning experiences for all students

Why Join GEMS Wellington International School?

All positions attract an excellent remuneration package including:

• Competitive tax-free salary
• Individual fully furnished accommodation
• Free schooling for dependents
• Private medical insurance
• Annual airfares to country of residence
• End of Service Gratuity

GEMS teachers also benefit from access to the GEMS Rewards app, offering significant savings on everyday life in the UAE, including discounts on flights, hotels, restaurants and retail outlets.

Join us and become part of a dynamic, forward-thinking school where you will be empowered to lead, innovate and make a lasting impact on the lives of young people.

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.