Director of Modern, Foreign and Classical Languages - Sept 2025
Job Description
Due to the promotion of the current post holder, GEMS Wellington International School is looking to appoint an inspiring
and passionate individual to become our strategic lead for Modern, Foreign and Classical Languages. This Director
position is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic leader with previous experience and responsibility for the
leadership and management of the MFL curriculum. The successful candidate will also oversee a specific Key Stage (KS3,
KS4, or KS5 – this is negotiable upon preference and experience) and be responsible for the strategic leadership and
development the Home Languages and the Mother Tongue Program. The role will be hugely rewarding, providing an
excellent platform for career development and potential promotion to Senior Leadership positions.
The responsibility allowance and timetable remission are commensurate with the professionalism and commitment
required. Please discuss this role with Vice-Principals for further information.
Key duties and responsibilities will include:
In-line with the Wellington International School Vision and alongside the Vice Principal’s develop the strategic vision Modern, Foreign and Classical Languages at Wellington International School and across the cluster of Wellington
Schools.
Ensure the vision for Modern, Foreign and Classical Languages supports the aims, priorities and ethos of the other schools in the cluster
Manage Key Stage leaders’, liaising directly with them as their line manager Contribute to GEMS Wellington International School Directors’ and Curriculum Leaders meetings Alongside the schools’ leadership team, quality assure, achieve and maintain outstanding learning and teaching in the Modern, Foreign and Classical Languages department at Wellington International School, across all phases To inspire and enthuse members of the team(s), with a clear vision for the future direction of the Modern, Foreign and Classical Languages Department(s) Oversee the continued enhancement and development of an innovative and progressive curriculum in Modern, Foreign and Classical Languages.
Oversee the Home Languages and Mother Tongue Program, ensuring a cohesive and enriching experience for students.
Alongside the schools’ leadership, support the review of curricula to ensure the best possible outcomes for students with seamless transitions between each phase of the school(s)
Alongside the schools’ leadership team, support the planning for the continuous training and development of MFCL department staff and those delivering the Modern, Foreign and Classical Languages curriculum inside and outside of
school
Strategically lead the Extra-Curricular programme for Modern, Foreign and Classical Languages, linking with other subjects and leaders to, provide high quality enrichment opportunities for learning during term-time, before, during
and after school.
Plan for a sustainable implementation of events, engaging all stakeholders to promote Modern, Foreign and Classical Languages across school and the wider community
Manage school resources, including the costs of all external languages’ partnership work and participation in external events. (The schools’ leadership will directly manage internal subject budgets)
Evaluate and review the impact of external partners in decision making for future school budgets Where appropriate, support the interview/selection process for teacher recruitment and ensure effective induction of new staff.
To implement the School(s) performance management processes (BlueSky) so as to provide a positive and accountable framework for staff development and achievement.
Actively pursue your own professional development as a leader.
Skills
To be considered for this role, you should have:
● A full teaching qualification, holding a B.Ed., PGCE or equivalent in the focus area
● 2 years’ experience as a leader at subject leader level or relevant middle leadership positions
● Experience working in a through school environment (age 3-18) is preferred
● A track record of raising achievement and improving outcomes for students
Application Process
Should you be interested in applying for the position then please forward the following documents for the attention of
Matthew Forster, HR Manager: m.forster\_wis@gemsedu.com by: Monday 7th April (9:00am)
● An up to date CV complete with responsibilities and experience to date
● A4 document with evidence of your significant impact across the whole school in your current role
● A link to your current and up to date GPS Padlet (WIS Internal Candidates)
Please discuss the role with the Vice Principal’s for further clarification or information.
Candidates will be notified if they are shortlisted for an interview. The interview process will involve a series of tasks and a competency-based interview specific to the job role.
Shortlisting Process
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews after the closing date of this internal job advertisement. Interviews
will be conducted WC Monday 14th April by:
- Mr Benjamin Sharratt - Vice Principal
- Mrs Alice Fishleigh –Director of Languages
Kindly note, all applications must be reviewed and approved by your current line manager
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.
Job Location Dubai, UAE Company Industry Education Job Role Education
GEMS WELLINGTON INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL - DUBAI
Education Dubai, United Arab Emirates GEMS Wellington International School, a mixed private school for children aged 3-18, is situated in the Al Sufouh area of Dubai and is owned and run by GEMS Education. Student numbers are over 2,800, around half of whom are British. The school was established in 2005 and offers the National Curriculum of England from Foundation Stage to Year 11 and the International Baccalaureate Diplom... a Programme, courses and careers programme in Years 12 and 13. It also offers opportunities for students to excel in leadership, sport, creative and performing arts. The extensive amenities available to the students at GEMS Wellington International School include a full range of sports facilities, multiple science laboratories, an astronomy observatory, a recording studio and an underground music floor. All GEMS teachers have access to the GEMS Professional Development programme and over 150 events and workshops each year to help keep their teaching practices cutting-edge. GEMS Wellington International aims to celebrate the diversity within the school and to create a nurturing environment with a strong, open and positive partnership between all stakeholders and the wider community. Parent participation in their children’s education is strongly encouraged. The school believes that, to be successful, children must be happy. Broadening their interests and personal qualities is an important feature of school life and there is a commitment to cultivating independence in students from an early age. Creative and critical thinking within the context of meaningful real-life learning experiences is promoted and the school endeavours, above all, to equip its students with the skills, attitudes and attributes required to become respectful, proactive citizens in an international community - respectful of themselves, each other and the world around them.
