Head of Primary - January 2027

GEMS Education; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

GEMS Royal Dubai School, Dubai, UAE, invites applications for a Head of Primary to lead FS1–Year 6, reporting to the Principal. Strategic leadership will focus on teaching standards, student progress and staff development across a high-performing international setting.

The role requires significant leadership experience, NPQSL or equivalent, and strong knowledge of primary pedagogy, curriculum, assessment and safeguarding with ADEK familiarity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Education or equivalent with leadership qualification.
• NPQSL or equivalent leadership qualification.
• Six years' leadership experience, preferably in an international setting.
• Strong knowledge of Primary pedagogy, curriculum and assessment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Primary phase from FS1 to Year 6 with high standards in teaching, learning and wellbeing.
• Drive curriculum development and assessment in line with National Curriculum for England and ADEK requirements.
• Monitor student progress and attainment using data to drive improvement and outcomes.
• Coach, mentor and develop Primary leaders and teachers.
• Oversee transitions across FS1–Year 6 and into Secondary.
• Collaborate with Principal and senior teams to deliver school improvement priorities.
• Build strong relationships with parents and the wider school community.
• Support admissions, placements, class allocations and school growth.
• Ensure safeguarding and regulatory compliance across the Primary phase.

Skills

Leadership

Staff development

Communication

Curriculum knowledge

Data-driven improvement

Education

Bachelor of Education

PGCE/PGDE or equivalent

NPQSL or equivalent

Job description

Job Description

GEMS Royal Dubai School is a vibrant, premium British curriculum school, educating students from FS1 to Year 9, expanding to include Year 10 in September 2027, and annual growth to Year 13. With a diverse student body of over 870 students from more than 48 nationalities, our school combines a strong sense of community with a commitment to the highest academic standards. As we continue to grow, we are thrilled to announce the opening of our new, purpose-built secondary campus — a state-of-the‑art facility designed to further enrich the world‑class education we offer across two sites.

We are looking for dynamic and passionate EYFS and Primary teachers to join our exceptional team. If you are ambitious, excited about learning, and want to become part of our high performing team, this is an opportunity for you to make a difference as you drive the #RoyalStandard.

The Role

We are seeking an inspirational and experienced Head of Primary to lead our Foundation Stage and Primary School from FS1 to Year 6. Reporting to the Principal, the successful candidate will provide strategic leadership across the phase, driving high standards of teaching and learning, student progress, wellbeing and staff development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Primary phase, ensuring 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 progress and attainment, using data and assessment to drive improvement and ensure high outcomes for all learners.


• Develop and support Primary leaders and teachers through effective coaching, mentoring and professional development.


• Oversee transition and progression across FS1–Year 6 and into Secondary.


• Promote a positive, inclusive and supportive learning environment for students and staff.


• Work closely with the Principal, SLT, Inclusion and other key teams to deliver school improvement priorities.


• Build strong relationships with parents and the wider school community.


• Support student admissions, placement, class allocation and the continued growth of the school.


• Ensure safeguarding, school policies and regulatory requirements are consistently met.

The successful candidate will have:

• A Bachelor of Education degree, or an initial degree with PGCE, PGDE or equivalent.


• NPQSL or equivalent leadership qualification.


• Significant Primary leadership experience within a reputable British or international school.


• At least six years' leadership experience, preferably within an international setting.


• Strong knowledge of Primary pedagogy, curriculum, assessment and school improvement.


• Proven experience of developing staff and improving teaching and learning.


• Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.


• Experience working with ADEK or other regulatory bodies is desirable.

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious Primary leader to join GEMS Royal Dubai School at an important stage of its growth and play a key role in shaping the future of the Primary phase.