Head of Physical Education

Job description

The Cambridge High School Abu Dhabi, a GEMS Education school, is seeking an outstanding, dynamic, and experienced Head of Physical Education (Secondary) to lead and develop our PE department. We are looking for a passionate educational leader who is committed to promoting excellence in teaching, learning, student achievement, health, wellbeing, and participation in sport.

About the role

The Head of Physical Education (Secondary) is responsible for leading the effective day-to-day delivery of the PE curriculum across the secondary phase, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning, assessment, and student outcomes. The post holder will work closely with the Director of Subject and Senior Leadership Team to drive departmental improvement, develop staff capability, and foster a culture of excellence both within curriculum PE and extracurricular sports programs.

This role requires a strong instructional leader who can inspire teachers, monitor student progress, and ensure the delivery of an engaging, inclusive, and high-quality PE curriculum aligned with school priorities, GEMS Education expectations, and ADEK requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Secondary PE Department to achieve outstanding educational outcomes.
• Ensure the effective implementation and delivery of the PE curriculum across Key Stages.
• Monitor, evaluate, and improve teaching and learning practices within the department.
• Support, coach, and mentor PE teachers to enhance professional practice and performance.
• Drive improvements in student attainment, progress, participation, and wellbeing.
• Analyse assessment data to inform interventions and curriculum planning.
• Organise and oversee extracurricular sports, competitions, fixtures, and school sporting events.
• Promote a positive culture of physical fitness, healthy lifestyles, and sportsmanship.
• Ensure compliance with all safeguarding, health and safety, risk assessment, and ADEK requirements.
• Contribute to whole-school development planning and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Build positive relationships with students, parents, staff, and external sporting organisations.

Skills description

Qualifications & documents required:

• Bachelor's degree in Physical Education
• MOFA attested and with equivalency
• Teaching license
• Eligible certification requirements as per ADEK
• IELTS / English Medium of Instruction letter from University
• With swimming qualification (preferably Hamilton-trained)
• Minimum 1-2 years of successful leadership experience managing or leading a Physical Education department or subject area
• Minimum 2 years teaching experience
• GEMS Safeguarding

Safeguarding commitment

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.