Assistant Head Whole School Inclusion August 2026

Overview

The School
Deira International School (DIS) is an Outstanding BSO- and KHDA-rated, award-winning school located in Festival City, Dubai. Part of the Al-Futtaim Education Foundation, we are a not-for-profit school committed to delivering an exceptional, inclusive, and future-focused education for students aged 3-18. Recognised as 'School Team of the Year' and a Platinum 'Best Place to Work', DIS is a thriving, diverse community of over 90 nationalities. Staff are proud to work here, feel valued, and are supported to excel. Our students achieve outstanding academic outcomes comparable to top UK schools and progress to leading universities worldwide. It is an exciting time to join DIS as we continue our journey of excellence. We are seeking an experienced or aspiring senior leader to take on the role of Assistant Head - Whole School Inclusion, leading and shaping inclusive provision across Primary and Secondary. This is a strategic leadership role responsible for driving a whole-school vision for inclusion, ensuring that all students, including those with SEND, EAL, and those identified as More Able or Gifted and Talented, are supported to achieve their full potential.

Working as part of the Senior Leadership Team, you will contribute to whole-school improvement planning, foster a culture of high expectations, and support the development of consistently high-quality classroom practice. You will also work closely with teachers, support staff, parents and external agencies to ensure a holistic and well-coordinated approach to student support, aligned with KHDA expectations and the Dubai Inclusive Education Framework. We are looking for someone who is passionate about inclusion, understands the UAE context, and is committed to removing barriers to learning so that every student can thrive. The successful candidate will bring strong leadership, excellent interpersonal skills, and a proven track record in raising standards within an inclusive setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and shape inclusive provision across Primary and Secondary as part of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Lead and manage the Inclusion team, oversee high-quality teaching, assessment and intervention, and use data to monitor progress, evaluate impact, and inform practice.
• Contribute to whole-school improvement planning and foster a culture of high expectations.
• Collaborate with teachers, support staff, parents and external agencies to ensure a holistic and coordinated approach to student support in line with KHDA expectations and the Dubai Inclusive Education Framework.

Requirements

• B.Ed. or degree with PGCE/PGDE or equivalent
• PG Cert SENCo (or equivalent)
• Minimum 5 years' teaching experience (UK National Curriculum preferred)
• At least 2 years' experience leading Inclusion provision
• Strong understanding of the Dubai Inclusive Education Framework

Desirable

• Senior leadership experience with whole-school accountability
• Experience of KHDA inspection frameworks and international school assessment systems

At DIS, we are committed to supporting our leaders to thrive professionally and personally, knowing that this directly impacts the success of our students.

If you feel that you meet the above requirements and are ready to take on a rewarding leadership role in a high-performing, inclusive school, we would welcome your application.

Deira International School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students. An ICPC or equivalent police check is required for all appointments.