Head of Performing Arts

About GEMS Wellington School – Qatar

GEMS Wellington School – Qatar (WSQ) is a leading British curriculum school in Doha and part of the prestigious GEMS Wellington family of schools, delivering the National Curriculum for England within an ambitious and inclusive learning community.

Underpinned by evidence-based pedagogy, High Performance Learning (HPL) and a culture of high expectations, WSQ believes every student can achieve exceptional outcomes. Our teachers benefit from outstanding professional development and opportunities across the wider Wellington and GEMS networks.

Why join GEMS Wellington School – Qatar?

• Part of the prestigious GEMS Wellington family of schools.
• A leading British school delivering the National Curriculum for England.
• A culture shaped by evidence-based pedagogy and High Performance Learning (HPL).
• Outstanding professional development and career progression across the Wellington and GEMS networks.
• A high-performing, supportive community with ambitious students and committed colleagues.

Position overview

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Performing Arts to lead and further develop our vibrant Performing Arts faculty from August 2027. This is a key leadership role within the school, instrumental in shaping a world-class, industry-connected Performing Arts provision across Drama, Music and Dance.

A defining feature of this role is the leadership of our high-profile professional partnerships, which enrich the curriculum and provide students with authentic, real-world performance experiences. These include:

• West End Stage – Delivering professional residencies, workshops and performance opportunities led by leading West End practitioners.
• Shakespeare & Co – Providing classical theatre training, text-based performance work, actor-led residencies and public speaking competitions.

The successful candidate will have strategic oversight and artistic leadership of these partnerships, ensuring students benefit from professional-level training, high artistic standards and exposure to best practice from the global performing arts sector. The role also involves working closely with regional and international performing arts professionals, as well as collaborating with partner Wellington schools in Dubai, offering valuable opportunities for staff development, shared performance projects and creative collaboration.

Skills and experience

The successful candidate will:

• Hold a recognised teaching qualification, such as a B.Ed., PGCE with QTS, or equivalent, specialising in Performing Arts.
• Have proven leadership experience teaching Performing Arts at GCSE and A level.
• Ideally have a minimum of two years’ teaching experience.
• Show experience working with professional artists, companies and industry partners.
• Provide inspirational leadership for teachers of Drama, Music and Dance.
• Direct and oversee performing arts showcases, productions and school musicals.
• Organise and lead professional residencies, workshops and performance opportunities.
• Inspire staff and students through high artistic expectations and authentic professional practice.
• Champion Performing Arts within the school and across the wider community.
• Be a vocational and inspirational educator who supports an inclusive learning environment and can raise standards for all students.
• Be knowledgeable about and confident in using proven, effective teaching and learning methodologies, while being able to think outside the box and remain open to new approaches.
• Be fully committed to our Teach Like a GEM pedagogy and the belief that every student can achieve.
• Have extremely high standards and expectations for all, and be able to work effectively under pressure with excellence as the primary goal.
• Be aspirational for their own development and career progression.
• Believe strongly in and fully support the wider extracurricular life of the school to develop well-rounded students.
• Be an effective team player with the ability to maintain a sense of perspective and humour.

What we offer

• Competitive tax-free salary.
• Furnished accommodation.
• Annual return flights.
• Tuition fee concession for up to two children.
• Private medical insurance.
• Residence visa.
• End-of-service gratuity.
• GEMS Rewards.

Professional growth and wellbeing

• Extensive continuing professional development.
• Access to the wider GEMS Wellington professional network.
• Leadership development and career progression opportunities.
• A collaborative culture centred on evidence-based practice.
• Staff wellbeing initiatives.
• Social events and team-building opportunities.

Application process

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, either in person or virtually. We reserve the right to make appointments before the closing date; therefore, early applications are encouraged.

As part of your application, please submit your CV together with a brief cover letter outlining your suitability for the role and what you would bring to the GEMS Wellington School – Qatar community.

The deadline for applications is Monday, 7 December 2026. The post is to commence in August 2027.

GEMS safeguarding

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are dedicated to creating safe, supportive and inclusive learning environments where students can thrive, and we expect all employees, volunteers and partners to share this commitment.

As part of our safer recruitment practices, all successful applicants will be subject to comprehensive pre-employment checks, including verification of identity, qualifications, employment history, professional references and criminal record checks from all countries of residence and employment, in line with local and international safeguarding requirements. These checks may include enhanced disclosure, prohibition, barring and overseas police clearance checks where applicable. We are committed to recruiting individuals who uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and child protection.