Head of Primary - Foundation Stage and Primary

Gems Education UAE; Dubai; On-site; AED 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

GEMS Royal Dubai School in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, seeks an experienced Head of Primary to lead the Foundation Stage and Primary from FS1 to Year 6, reporting to the Principal. You will shape teaching, learning, curriculum development, assessment, wellbeing, and staff development across the phase.

The role focuses on sustaining high standards, driving school improvement, and preparing for the expansion as the school grows to Year 13, with collaboration across SLT, Inclusion, and parent

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Education or PGCE/PGDE or equivalent teaching qualification.
• NPQSL or equivalent leadership qualification.
• At least 6 years of leadership experience, preferably international.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across FS1 to Year 6.
• Maintain high standards of teaching, learning, behaviour and wellbeing.
• Lead curriculum development and assessment in line with English National Curriculum and ADEK requirements.
• Monitor attainment and progress to drive improvement.
• Develop Primary leaders and teachers through coaching and professional development.
• Oversee student transitions from FS1 through Year 6 into Secondary.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strategic thinking

People management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Education

PGCE/PGDE or equivalent

NPQSL or equivalent leadership qualification

Job description

Head of Primary – Foundation Stage and Primary

Job Snapshot

Role: Head of Primary – Foundation Stage and Primary

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Industry: Education Management

Function: School-College Administration

Experience: At least 6 years leadership experience

Job Type: Full-time

Position Overview: GEMS Royal Dubai School is seeking an experienced Head of Primary in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to provide strategic leadership across Foundation Stage and Primary education from FS1 to Year 6. Reporting directly to the Principal, this senior leadership opportunity focuses on strengthening teaching and learning, curriculum development, student achievement, wellbeing, staff development, and continuous school improvement during an important period of growth for the school.

Job Details

Country: United Arab Emirates

City: Dubai

Industry: Education Management

Function: School-College Administration

Salary: Not disclosed

Gender: No Preference

Candidate Nationality: Not specified

Job Type: Full-time

About GEMS Royal Dubai School

GEMS Royal Dubai School is a premium British curriculum school educating students from FS1 to Year 9. The school is expanding to include Year 10 from September 2027, with annual growth planned through Year 13. Its community includes more than 870 students representing over 48 nationalities. As part of its continued expansion, the school is opening a new purpose-built secondary campus, extending its educational provision across two sites.

Leadership Role

The Head of Primary will lead the Foundation Stage and Primary School from FS1 through Year 6, establishing consistently high expectations across teaching, learning, behaviour, student progress, wellbeing, and staff performance. Working alongside the Principal and Senior Leadership Team, the successful candidate will provide direction for the Primary phase while developing leaders and teachers, strengthening curriculum and assessment practices, and supporting the school's wider improvement priorities.

Key Leadership Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across the Primary phase from FS1 to Year 6.
• Maintain consistently high standards of teaching, learning, behaviour, wellbeing, and student achievement.
• Lead curriculum development and assessment in line with the National Curriculum for England, PYP expectations, and ADEK requirements.
• Monitor student attainment and progress, using assessment information and data to identify priorities and drive improvement.
• Support high outcomes for learners across the Primary phase.
• Develop Primary leaders and teachers through coaching, mentoring, and professional development.
• Strengthen teaching practice and support continuous improvement across the phase.
• Oversee student transition and progression from FS1 through Year 6 and into Secondary.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment for students and staff.
• Work closely with the Principal, Senior Leadership Team, Inclusion team, and other key teams on school improvement priorities.
• Develop constructive relationships with parents and the wider school community.
• Support student admissions, placement, and class allocation as the school continues to grow.
• Ensure safeguarding requirements, school policies, and applicable regulatory requirements are consistently followed.

Qualifications and Leadership Experience

• Bachelor of Education degree, or an initial degree combined with a PGCE, PGDE, or equivalent teaching qualification.
• NPQSL or an equivalent leadership qualification.
• Significant Primary leadership experience within a reputable British or international school.
• At least 6 years of leadership experience, preferably within an international setting.
• Strong knowledge of Primary pedagogy, curriculum, assessment, and school improvement.
• Proven experience developing staff and improving the quality of teaching and learning.
• Experience working with ADEK or other regulatory bodies is desirable.

Leadership Profile

The successful candidate will be an ambitious and experienced Primary education leader with excellent communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills. The position requires the ability to lead improvement, develop teaching teams, maintain high educational standards, and collaborate effectively with senior leaders, staff, students, parents, and the wider school community.

Joining GEMS Royal Dubai School at this stage offers the opportunity to play a significant role in shaping the future development of its Foundation Stage and Primary provision as the school continues to expand.