Principal

GEMS School Management (GSM), the international management division of GEMS Education, is seeking an outstanding educational leader to become the founding Principal of Bright Minds American Academy in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. Following the recent agreement for GSM to assume management of the school, Bright Minds American Academy is entering an ambitious new chapter focused on academic excellence, operational excellence, student wellbeing and sustainable growth. This is a transformational leadership opportunity to lead the repositioning of an established school into a flagship member of the growing GSM international network. The successful candidate will work directly with Robert Tarn CBE, Chief Executive Officer of GSM, and David Irish, Senior Vice President - Academic Excellence and Global Director of Education, to develop and implement a world-class educational vision that combines the strengths of American curriculum education with the operational expertise, systems and support of the wider GEMS ecosystem. The Principal will play a central role in shaping the school's future direction, strengthening educational outcomes, building community confidence, developing leadership capacity and positioning the academy as a leading American curriculum school in Al Ain.

• Lead the transition of the school to Bright Minds American Academy. • Develop and implement a clear school improvement strategy. • Drive improvements in teaching and learning outcomes. • Establish and strengthen a culture of excellence and accountability. • Increase student enrolment and community confidence. • Build and develop a high-performing leadership team. • Prepare the school for future accreditation and inspection success. • Position the school as a leading American curriculum provider in Al Ain. • Lead educational improvement initiatives across the school. • Drive operational performance and effective school management. • Engage effectively with students, parents, staff and the wider school community. • Promote student wellbeing and safeguarding. • Support sustainable growth and the long-term development of the school. • Collaborate with senior GSM leaders and the wider GEMS ecosystem. • Utilise GSM's academic, operational and professional support systems to strengthen school performance.

Essential: • Proven school improvement and turnaround expertise. • Strong understanding of accreditation requirements. • Exceptional leadership and people-management skills. • Experience managing budgets and operational performance. • Evidence of improving student outcomes. • Strong commitment to safeguarding and student wellbeing. Desirable: • UAE leadership experience. • Inspection leadership experience. • Experience opening or rebranding schools. • International school leadership experience.

Access to the resources of the GEMS ecosystem, collaborate across an international network of schools, shape the future of a growing academy, significant career progression opportunities within GSM