Head of Performing Arts (Whole school)- August 2026

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.

Successful candidates will be joining a fully inclusive, high performing school that is evidenced through: 

• 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

• Being an invited member of the Cognitive Science school network 

Key Responsibilities:

• 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.

Successful candidates will need to: 

• 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