Head of Primary Physical Education (PE) - Sept 2025
Job Description
Wellington International School is looking to appoint an inspiring and passionate individual to become our strategic lead for Primary Physical Education. The Head of Primary PE position is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic leader with previous experience and responsibility for the leadership and management of Physical Education in the Primary phase.
The role will be hugely rewarding and will provide an excellent platform for career development and possible promotion
to Senior Leadership positions. The successful candidate will be self-motivated, hardworking, and committed to the Wellington International School’s vision and ethos. The responsibility allowance and timetable remission are commensurate with the professionalism and commitment required. Please discuss this role with our Vice-Principals for further information.
Key duties and responsibilities will include:
• In-line with the Wellington International School Vision and alongside the Director of Sport, develop the strategic vision for Primary Physical Education at Wellington International School and across the cluster of Wellington Schools.
• Ensure the vision for Primary PE supports the aims, priorities, and ethos of Wellington International School and other schools in the Wellington cluster.
• Create a strong team leadership culture, working collaboratively with the Director of Sport and Secondary Curriculum Leader to ensure continuity and excellence across both Primary and Secondary phases.
• Inspire and motivate members of the Primary PE teaching team, with a clear vision for the future direction of the department.
• Oversee the continued enhancement and development of an innovative and progressive curriculum in Primary PE.
• Support the review of the curriculum to ensure the best possible outcomes for students with seamless transitions between each phase of the school(s).
• Monitor and review the standards of outstanding learning and teaching within the Primary PE department to ensure a high-quality educational experience for all students.
• Establish accountability measures for both teaching staff and students in regards to performance, attendance, and participation in PE and sports activities.
• Lead the implementation and oversight of the Primary Hand, Heart, Head holistic assessment framework within PE.
• Support the planning for the continuous training and development of Primary PE department staff and those delivering the PE curriculum inside and outside of school.
• Strategically lead the Extra-Curricular programme for Primary PE, linking with other subjects and leaders to provide high-quality enrichment opportunities for learning during term-time, before, during, and after school.
• Provide leadership and direction for the WIS Wildcats sports brand, ensuring it embodies the values and ethos of
the school while promoting engagement and participation in both competitive and inclusive sports activities.
• Plan for a sustainable implementation of events, engaging all stakeholders to promote Primary PE and School Sport across the school and the wider community.
• Hold yourself and your team accountable to the highest standards of health and safety at all times, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all physical education and sports programs.
• Manage school resources relating to the Primary PE budget and evaluate 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.
• Implement the School’s performance management processes (BlueSky) 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 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 (12:00pm)
● 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 Principals 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 14th April by:
- Mr Benjamin Sharratt - Vice Principal
- Mr. Allister Duncan - Director of Sport, Health and Fitness
Kindly note, all applications must be reviewed and approved by your current line manage
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.
