Head of Performing Arts | August 2026

The School

Education

• With students aged 3–18, DIS is a not-for-profit school and part of the Al-Futtaim Education Foundation.
• Founded in 2005, the school is renowned for providing an outstanding, inclusive, and holistic education.
• Our most recent inspection highlighted the following strengths:
• Staff are overwhelmingly proud of the school and believe it is well led, safe, and inclusive
• The quality of teaching, learning, and assessment across the school is outstanding
• Teachers have high expectations and consistently challenge pupils to do their best
• Staff feel respected, valued, and treated fairly
• The curriculum is precisely planned, well sequenced, and builds effectively on prior learning
• There is a strong focus on academic progress and achievement
• DIS is home to a diverse student body representing over 90 nationalities, which is fundamental to the school’s community ethos.
• Our exceptional facilities support a holistic approach to education, with rich opportunities across sport, performing arts, technology, leadership, creativity, and academic enrichment.
• Although non-selective at admission, our students achieve exceptional examination results, comparable to top UK schools, and progress to leading universities worldwide.
• Digital literacy is embedded across the curriculum as we prepare students for the demands of a rapidly changing world.
• In the Early Years, our personalised, play-based continuous provision ensures students are rigorously assessed against the EYFS framework, developing strong foundations for future learning.
• In Primary, pupils benefit from a broad and enriching curriculum, including a range of non-core subjects.
• In Secondary, students complete IGCSEs in Year 11 before progressing to the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) or IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) in Years 12 and 13.
• DIS is governed by the Al-Futtaim Education Foundation (AFEF), a not-for-profit initiative of the Al-Futtaim family, supporting the vision of the Government of Dubai and KHDA to deliver future-ready education while maximising positive social impact.

The Role: Head of Performing Arts

The Successful Candidate Will Demonstrate

• A clear vision for excellence in Performing Arts education
• The ability to inspire, motivate, and develop others
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• A commitment to collaboration and positive relationships
• High expectations of student achievement and participation
• A passion for enrichment and the wider life of the school
• Confidence leading productions, performances, and events
• The Successful Applicant Will Be Required To Have
• Experience teaching GCSE Drama, with A Level and/or IB experience desirable
• Leadership experience within Performing Arts
• A B.Ed. or degree in a related subject, plus PGCE/PGDE or equivalent
• A proven track record of outstanding teaching and learning
• Experience leading or supporting productions and enrichment programmes
• A belief in the potential of every student to achieve highly
• The ability to contribute fully to the wider life of the school and inspire participation across Performing Arts