Head of Performing Arts; school

Job Description

We are looking for an outstanding Head of Performing Arts to join our team at GEMS Wellington Academy, Al Khail from August 2026.

Our vision at GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail is to ‘Empower today, for a limitless tomorrow.’ We are seeking exceptional teachers to join our team who can help us achieve this goal through our belief in:
Limitless Learning, Limitless Solutions, and Limitless Possibilities.

As a cognitive science driven school, evidence-informed practice is at the heart of what we do, and we seek educators who can passionately articulate what outstanding learning and teaching looks like and translate this into practice in the classroom. All successful candidates will also share the same core values of Ambition, Responsibility and Courage.

• GCSE and A-Level results far exceeding UK national averages
• Very Good rating from the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB)
• Outstanding rating from British Schools Overseas (BSO)
• World Class School status from High Performance Learning
• Invited member of the Cognitive Science school network

Through our comprehensive professional learning programme, we ensure our teachers have access to quality development opportunities including Step Lab instructional coaching, Cognitive Science Network, Schools Students and Teachers Network (SSAT), the Best Practice Network (BPN) and Evidence Based Education (EBE). To find out more about GEMS Education visit:

• Lead and develop the Performing Arts curriculum, ensuring alignment with KS3, GCSE Drama, GCSE Music, and BTEC Performing Arts specifications.
• Foster outstanding teaching practices, integrating creative, technical, and industry-relevant skills.
• Oversee student progress, using data to inform intervention strategies and curriculum development.
• Direct extracurricular activities, including productions, music ensembles, and theatre workshops, enhancing student engagement.
• Build strong parental and community relationships, organising performances and events to celebrate student achievements.
• Ensure quality assurance through lesson observations, data tracking, and departmental planning.
• Contribute to the school’s strategic vision and improvement plans, promoting collaboration across subjects.
• Support SLT in preparing for inspections and delivering professional development in Performing Arts.

• Hold a
  
  B.Ed, PGCE, PGDE or equivalent in Secondary teaching or similar
• Have experience of teaching British curriculum – Performing Arts to GCSE and/or A Level
• Exceptional subject knowledge
• Experience of working within a high performing teaching team
• A proven track record of providing outstanding teaching and learning
• At least 3 years of experience leading a team of Performing Arts teachers

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, with thousands of discounts and 2 for 1 offers on everything from flights, hotels, restaurants and retail outlets.

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.