Deputy Vice Principal – Academic, Curriculum and Standards

Job Description

We are pleased to invite applications from outstanding and ambitious leaders for the position of Deputy Vice Principal – Academic, Curriculum and Standards
, at GEMS Cambridge International School, Abu Dhabi. This role is either for a September 2026 or January 2027 start. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced educational leader to play a pivotal role in driving academic excellence, curriculum innovation, teaching and learning, and whole‑school standards across the school. The successful candidate must be a Secondary School specialist and will demonstrate a strong track record of impactful leadership, strategic thinking, and a commitment to achieving exceptional outcomes for students and staff alike.

• Embrace and encourage the ethos and standards of excellence as defined in the GEMS Core Values by promoting a culture of high expectations, professional excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Support the Principal in delivering the school’s academic vision, priorities, and improvement plans.
• Drive the implementation of teaching and learning strategies across the school.
• Ensure consistency in academic practices across departments and phases.
• Deputise for the Vice Principal and Principal when required in academic matters.

• Lead the development and implementation of high‑quality teaching and learning practices across the school aligned with TLAG framework.
• Monitor the quality of teaching through lesson observations, learning walks, and work scrutiny.
• Ensure consistent application of teaching standards and expectations across the school, in line with GEMS T&L frameworks.
• Support Heads of Department/Phase Leaders in improving teaching practice.
• Follow up on areas for development identified through internal and external reviews.
• Drive a culture of reflective practice and continuous professional improvement.

• Oversee the design, implementation, and review of a broad, balanced, and inclusive curriculum aligned with national and TLAG frameworks.
• Ensure curriculum progression, continuity, and challenge across all key stages.
• Work with Heads of Department to ensure curriculum planning meets the needs of all learners.
• Lead curriculum innovation and development in response to school priorities and inspection feedback.

• Support the implementation of whole‑school assessment systems and processes.
• Monitor student progress and attainment through regular data analysis.
• Work with Heads of Department to identify gaps and implement targeted interventions.
• Ensure data is used effectively to inform teaching and improve student outcomes.

• Support the implementation of the School Improvement Plan with a focus on academic priorities.
• Monitor the quality of teaching, learning, and assessment through structured review processes.
• Support departments in addressing areas identified for improvement following internal and external reviews.
• Lead data‑informed improvement strategies to raise attainment and progress.
• Contribute to self‑evaluation processes and ensure alignment with inspection frameworks.

• Support preparation for external inspections (ADEK, BSO, and aligned frameworks).
• Ensure teaching, learning, curriculum, and assessment evidence is accurate, robust, and inspection‑ready.
• Oversee the development and implementation of academic policies and procedures.
• Support school self‑evaluation and improvement documentation in line with regulatory expectations.

• Line‑manage direct reports in line with GEMS performance management frameworks.
• Support coaching, professional development, and capacity‑building across the team, ensuring strong succession planning.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Contribute to recruitment, induction, and retention of high‑quality staff.

• Support timetabling, curriculum planning, and academic organisation.
• Assist in the coordination of assessment cycles, reporting,…