Deputy Vice Principal – Academic, Curriculum and Standards (April 2027

We are pleased to invite applications from outstanding and ambitious educational leaders for the position of Deputy Vice Principal – Academic, Curriculum and Standards at GEMS Cambridge International School, Abu Dhabi, with a start date of April 2027 or sooner.

As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), the successful candidate will play a strategic role in shaping the school's vision and driving continuous improvement. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Secondary specialist to lead academic excellence, curriculum innovation, teaching and learning, and whole-school standards, while working collaboratively with senior leaders to deliver exceptional outcomes for students, staff, and the wider school community.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a proven track record of impactful leadership, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to educational excellence.

• 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…