Head of Prep School - August 2026

With a 65-year legacy of excellence and a global reputation as one of the largest and most awarded private education providers, GEMS Education integrates cutting edge advancements through its extensive networks and high level partnerships. Join the GEMS School of Research and Innovation, where significant investments in AI, robotics, and state of the art facilities drive exceptional student outcomes in academics and well being. As a leader in educational innovation, we offer a forward thinking environment focused on personalised learning, holistic development, and the opportunity to shape the future of education.

At GEMS School of Research and Innovation, we provide a seamless educational journey from Pre Prep + Prep to Sixth Form, enhanced by cutting edge technology and a forward thinking curriculum.

In the Pre Prep + Prep stages, we prioritise personalised learning through gamification and advanced technologies, alongside a strong emphasis on science, computing, reading, writing, and the arts. Our facilities include an innovation lab, specialist IT equipment, and programmes in sports such as gymnastics, martial arts, basketball, and cricket. Emerging technologies like robotics, AI, machine learning, and VR/AR are integrated to enhance learning, including advanced Arabic provision.

In Secondary and Sixth Form, students benefit from tailored pathways with a wide range of GCSEs, A levels in subjects like sciences, business, and fine arts, supported by university linked lectures and industry placements. Advanced tools such as Web3/blockchain, drones, autonomous vehicles, and esports labs prepare students for future careers. Sixth Form further bridges school, university, and industry through global partnerships and cutting edge technology, ensuring students excel academically while acquiring real world skills.

The Head of Prep school provides strategic leadership for the Prep School (Years 3 6), ensuring excellence in student well being, academic progress, and pastoral care. The role drives high standards through collaboration on curriculum, assessment, and teaching while fostering strong relationships with staff, students, and parents. Additionally, the role also focuses on safeguarding standards, staff development, and positive student culture while contributing to whole school improvement, enrollment growth, and strategic decision making.

Salient responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for Prep School (Years 3 6) to drive school improvement and student success.
• Ensure student well being and pastoral care are at the heart of all initiatives, creating an environment where students thrive.
• Collaborate with whole school leads on Curriculum, Assessment, and Learning & Teaching to maintain high educational standards and accelerate progress.
• Build strong professional relationships with staff, students, and parents, ensuring clear communication and parental confidence in the school's care and education.
• Work closely with the Primary Principal to ensure consistency in high quality practice and initiatives.
• Oversee safeguarding responsibilities, either as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or by working closely with the Middle School DSL to maintain a strong safeguarding culture.
• Uphold high teaching and learning standards by ensuring a strong grasp of curriculum, assessment, and instructional best practices.
• Drive student recruitment, enrollment, and retention strategies to support the school's growth and sustainability.
• Support and implement whole school policies, contributing to their review and ongoing development.
• Actively promote the school and liaise with external agencies, representing the Principal and GEMS as needed.
• Lead staff professional development, including coaching, mentoring, and performance management, to enhance teaching and pastoral care.
• Conduct leadership, pastoral, and subject level performance reviews to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.
• Commit to ongoing professional development as a senior leader, continuously enhancing leadership and educational expertise.

Person Specification

• Hold a BEd or Bachelors degree with PGCE / PGDE or equivalent.
• Masters in leadership is preferred.
• Evidence of ongoing personal professional development and experience in developing others through mentoring or coaching.
• At least 3 years' experience of senior leadership (or ELT) with a pastoral and/or wellbeing element.
• Experience in leading quality assurance and improvement processes, curriculum innovation, and change.
• Experience in the mapping of pastoral curriculum content and student development.
• Show a keen interest in using technology to enhance individual and team performance.
• Have a willingness to collaborate and share their outstanding practice.
• Leading innovation and change with regard to pastoral practice.
• Have a growth mindset, whereby the candidate is reflective and solution focused.
• Be creative and enthusiastic in their approach to teaching.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to manage professional relationships effectively.
• Have a proven track record of providing outstanding learning & teaching.
• Be willing to make a positive contribution to our school community and culture through active engagement in our extra curricular programme and community based events.

All positions attract an excellent remuneration package including Competitive tax free salary, individual fully furnished accommodation, free schooling, private medical insurance, annual airfares to country of residence and end of service gratuity.

GEMS Teachers also have free access to our loyalty app GEMS rewards which provides significant savings on day to day life in the UAE. We offer thousands of discounts and 2 for 1 offers on everything from flights, hotels, restaurants and retail outlets, making your salary go further and enhancing the opportunity to save whilst working overseas.

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.