Deputy Head of Primary

Gems Education UAE; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation provided

Private medical insurance

Annual airfares

Free schooling for eligible dependants

Job summary

GEMS Founders School, AlMizhar in Dubai seeks an experienced Deputy Head of Primary to drive educational leadership, teaching quality and school improvement across the primary phase.

You will collaborate with the Head of Primary, support operational leadership, and advocate for safeguarding, inclusion and high standards of student achievement within a British curriculum context.

Qualifications

• Degree-level teaching qualification (B.Ed, PGCE, PGDE or equivalent).
• At least five years of primary teaching in a British curriculum school.
• Experience in a leadership role within a school.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop staff through coaching and mentoring.
• Support the Head of Primary in educational and operational leadership.
• Contribute to the School Improvement Plan and strategic priorities.
• Monitor and promote outstanding teaching and learning across the primary school.
• Safeguard and promote student wellbeing and welfare.
• Represent the Head of Primary when required and act on behalf of leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Educational leadership

Strategic planning

Coaching

Mentoring

Education

B.Ed / PGCE / PGDE

Job description

Deputy Head of Primary Job Snapshot – Role: Deputy Head of Primary – Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Industry: Primary-Secondary Education – Function: Education Management – Experience: Minimum 5 years of primary teaching experience in a British curriculum school, with experience in a similar leadership role – Job Type: Full Time – Work Arrangement: On-site

GEMS Education is seeking an experienced and inspirational Deputy Head of Primary to join GEMS Founders School, AlMizhar, Dubai, commencing August2027. This senior educational leadership position offers an opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction, academic performance and continued development of a growing British curriculum school. Working closely with the Head of Primary and wider school leadership team, the successful candidate will support school improvement planning, teaching quality, staff development, student achievement and the effective management of primary school operations.

The role requires an accomplished primary educator with at least five years of teaching experience in a British curriculum school, previous experience in a similar leadership position and the ability to inspire colleagues through effective coaching, mentoring and professional collaboration.

GEMS Founders School, AlMizhar, promotes a values‑driven educational environment centred on growth, flourishing and mindfulness. The school offers opportunities for experienced leaders to influence educational practice while benefiting from the professional development pathways and wider support of the GEMS Education network.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding, outstanding teaching and learning, positive stakeholder relationships and the continuous improvement of educational outcomes.

Job Details

Country: United Arab Emirates – City: Dubai – Industry: Primary-Secondary Education – Function: Education Management – Salary: Not disclosed – Gender: No Preference – Candidate Nationality: Not specified – Job Type: Full Time – Work Arrangement: On-site

Key Responsibilities

Primary School Leadership and Strategic Development

• Assist the Head of Primary in providing effective educational and operational leadership across the primary school.
• Support, represent and deputise for the Head of Primary when required.
• Contribute to the strategic direction and continued improvement of the school.
• Play a significant role in developing, implementing and reviewing the School Improvement Plan.
• Participate in the formulation and evaluation of the school's strategic priorities and self‑evaluation processes.
• Support the implementation of school policies and procedures for relevant stakeholders.
• Promote and maintain the school's educational vision, mission, values and ethos.
• Encourage the standards of excellence established through the GEMS Core Values.
• Contribute to a positive school culture that supports student achievement, staff development and professional collaboration.
• Promote a positive image of the school within the wider educational community.
• Remain accountable to the Head of Primary and ultimately to the Principal/CEO.

Teaching Quality and Educational Improvement

• Support the delivery of outstanding teaching and learning across the primary school.
• Monitor and evaluate educational performance to identify strengths and areas requiring improvement.
• Contribute to initiatives designed to raise academic standards and improve student outcomes.
• Support the implementation of effective teaching practices aligned with the National Curriculum for England.
• Promote consistent expectations for teaching quality, student progress and educational achievement.
• Work with school leaders and teaching staff to strengthen classroom practice and learning experiences.
• Use school performance information to support educational evaluation and improvement planning.
• Encourage creative and effective approaches to teaching and learning.
• Contribute to the development of an ambitious, supportive and high‑performing primary school environment.

Staff Leadership, Coaching and Performance Management

• Lead and develop staff through effective coaching, mentoring and professional support.
• Build trusting professional relationships with teachers and other members of the school community.
• Support staff development through constructive feedback and performance management.
• Encourage a collaborative approach to professional learning and school improvement.
• Inspire colleagues to maintain high expectations and pursue excellence in teaching and learning.
• Promote a coaching‑based leadership approach that supports professional growth.
• Work closely with experienced school leaders to strengthen educational practice.
• Contribute to a positive working environment that values professional responsibility, teamwork and continuous development.

Safeguarding, Student Development and Wellbeing

• Promote and maintain high standards of safeguarding and child protection.
• Support the implementation of policies and procedures designed to protect students and promote their welfare.
• Ensure student wellbeing remains a priority in educational and operational decision‑making.
• Contribute to a safe, supportive and inclusive school environment.
• Promote positive student development and personal growth.
• Support the school's commitment to high standards of professional conduct and child protection.
• Encourage a school culture where students feel valued, supported and able to achieve their potential.

School Operations and Policy Implementation

• Take a leading role in the efficient organisation, management and supervision of school routines.
• Support the effective implementation of school policies across relevant stakeholder groups.
• Assist with the coordination of primary school operations and leadership responsibilities.
• Work collaboratively with school leaders to maintain effective daily procedures.
• Contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of school, student and staff performance.
• Support consistent implementation of operational expectations and professional standards.
• Represent the Head of Primary in relevant matters when delegated.

Educational Standards and Regulatory Frameworks

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the National Curriculum for England.
• Understand the educational requirements and expectations of the UAE Ministry of Education.
• Maintain knowledge of the Dubai Schools Inspection Framework and its implications for school improvement.
• Understand the British Schools Overseas (BSO) Framework and its educational standards.
• Support school practices that align with applicable curriculum, inspection and educational requirements.
• Contribute to school self‑evaluation and improvement planning in accordance with relevant educational frameworks.

Stakeholder Engagement and School Community

• Build positive relationships with students, parents, teachers and school leadership.
• Communicate effectively with members of the school community.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders to support student achievement and wellbeing.
• Ensure the school contributes constructively to the wider community.
• Promote the school's values and educational mission through professional conduct and engagement.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills when working with parents and students.
• Support a welcoming and collaborative school environment.
• Contribute to the school's wider educational activities and community relationships.

Qualifications and Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• Degree‑level certified teaching qualification, such as a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed), Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), or equivalent recognised qualification.

Minimum Experience

• At least five years of substantial and demonstrable primary school teaching experience in a British curriculum school.
• Previous experience in a similar educational leadership role.

Leadership and Professional Skills

• Strong educational leadership capabilities and the ability to inspire teaching teams.
• Experience developing trusting professional relationships.
• Ability to apply a coaching and mentoring approach to staff development.
• Commitment to delivering outstanding teaching and learning.
• Strong understanding of primary education within the British curriculum.
• Ability to contribute effectively to school improvement and strategic planning.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong IT skills relevant to educational leadership and school operations.
• Ability to work closely with students, parents, colleagues and senior school leaders.
• Creative and enthusiastic approach to educational leadership and classroom practice.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of student achievement and wellbeing.
• Ability to support staff performance and professional development.
• Aspiration to contribute to a high‑performing international school.
• Commitment to continuous professional growth and career development.

Salary and Benefits

GEMS Education offers a competitive remuneration and benefits package, including:

• Competitive tax‑free salary.
• Individual fully furnished accommodation.
• Free schooling for eligible dependants.
• Private medical insurance.
• Annual return airfares to the employee's country of residence.
• End‑of‑service gratuity in accordance with UAE Labour Law.

GEMS Rewards Programme

GEMS teachers and school leaders receive complimentary access to GEMS Rewards, the organisation's employee loyalty programme. The programme provides access to thousands of discounts and two‑for‑one offers across the United Arab Emirates, including:

• Flights and travel.
• Hotels and accommodation.
• Restaurants and dining.
• Retail shopping.
• Leisure and entertainment.
• Other everyday products and services.

Professional Development and Leadership Opportunities

GEMS Founders Schools provide educational leaders with opportunities to influence teaching practices and contribute to whole‑school improvement. The successful candidate will work alongside experienced school leaders and benefit from professional learning opportunities available through the wider GEMS Education network. The school is British Schools Overseas accredited and has achieved Outstanding judgements across all BSO standards. The source also identifies access to teacher development pathways, including NQT, QTS and iPGCE programmes through the TES Institute. The Deputy Head of Primary will have opportunities to contribute to school development, strengthen leadership capabilities and support the professional growth of colleagues.

School Information and Commencement

• School: GEMS Founders School, AlMizhar
• Location: AlMizhar, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Commencement: August2027
• Curriculum: British
• Position Level: Primary School Leadership
• Reports To: Head of Primary, with ultimate accountability to the Principal/CEO

Safeguarding and Child Protection

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The organisation is dedicated to creating safe, supportive and inclusive learning environments where students can thrive. All employees, volunteers and partners are expected to share this commitment and uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and child protection. As part of its safer recruitment procedures, successful applicants are subject to comprehensive pre‑employment checks, including:

• Verification of identity.
• Verification of academic and professional qualifications.
• Review of employment history.
• Professional reference checks.
• Criminal record checks covering countries of residence and employment.
• Enhanced disclosure checks, where applicable.
• Prohibition and barring checks, where required.
• Overseas police clearance checks, where applicable.

These checks are conducted in accordance with relevant local and international safeguarding requirements. Successful candidates must demonstrate professional integrity and a commitment to maintaining a safe educational environment.

About GEMS Education and GEMS Founders School

GEMS Education is an international education provider with a network of schools offering educational opportunities and professional development pathways. GEMS Founders School, AlMizhar, is a British curriculum school in Dubai that promotes educational excellence, collaboration and a values‑driven approach to learning. The school's vision emphasises growth, flourishing and mindfulness, encouraging students and staff to develop within a supportive educational community. Its leadership team is committed to high‑quality teaching, school improvement and the development of effective professional practices. The Deputy Head of Primary will contribute to these objectives by supporting educational leadership, strengthening teaching standards and helping shape the continued development of the primary school.