Head of Vocational Learning - September 2025

Job description / Role

Job Description

Due to the continued success of GEMS Founders School, Dubai, we are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Head of Vocational Learning - Secondary to lead our passionate team of educators.

This is a fantastic opportunity for experienced teachers to take the next step in their career with a global leading company and within a world-class international school located in the heart of Dubai.

Teaching at GEMS is not just a job; it's a career. Our teachers enjoy free access to leading CPD programmes and have the opportunity to grow with the company on a global scale. As part of our commitment to developing our teachers, graduate teachers will benefit from our accreditation with British Schools Overseas and enrollment in our NQT programme, while our more experienced teachers are in a unique position to consider career opportunities across the world, especially as we expand into more and more countries. GEMS teachers are at the forefront of opportunities for growth and development, with most of our leaders coming from within the GEMS network of schools.

As well as being a great place to work, Dubai is a vibrant, cosmopolitan, rapidly expanding city where the sun shines all year round. Teachers in Dubai enjoy an exciting lifestyle, with opportunities for new and exciting leisure activities and travel across the region and further afield!

We are looking for an outstanding, innovative leader to join the GEMS Founders Family. The successful candidate will play a key role in the Leadership Team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and support the team to ensure high-quality teaching and learning.
• Monitor and assess student progress, providing timely intervention and support as needed.
• Collaborate with other department heads and school leadership to promote a cohesive educational experience.
• Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students.
• Provide staff development on quality improvement strategies.
• Circulate information from awarding bodies and external sources as appropriate.
• Keep up to date with online support facilities.
• Establish clear expectations and high standards of professionalism and collaboration across the school.

Skills

The successful candidate will have:

• A B.Ed or subject-related degree and PGCE/PGDE or equivalent.
• Proven experience of teaching at key stage 3, 4, and 5.
• The ability to share your outstanding practice.
• A creative and enthusiastic approach both in and out of the classroom.
• Excellent IT and interpersonal communication skills to work closely with students and parents.

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.

About the Company

GEMS Education is a pioneering education company with an international network of award winning K-12 schools. Over the past 55 years GEMS has grown from one school to being a truly global company with one incredible mission – to make quality education available to every student. Over 20,000 education professionals unlock the potential of over 250,000 students across 14 countries each and every day, preparing children of all ages for real world success.