Head of Primary - School Leadership

Aldar Education LLC; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 450,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

Aldar Education is seeking a Head of Primary in Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE, to lead Early Years through Year 8 within a British curriculum context. The post holder will drive high educational standards, pupil outcomes, safeguarding, and a cohesive school journey while working with senior leaders to deliver strategic priorities.

The role requires extensive senior leadership experience in a Primary setting, strong curriculum oversight, and a commitment to inclusion and excellence in a high-performing

Qualifications

• Experience leading school improvement and raising pupil outcomes.
• Senior leadership experience within a Primary/Prep setting.
• Knowledge of ADEK/ UAE regulatory requirements is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead educational standards, pupil outcomes, culture and daily effectiveness.
• Oversee safeguarding, inclusion and wellbeing across the Primary School.
• Set strategic priorities and translate them into measurable actions.
• Manage staffing, budgets and operational routines within the Primary School.
• Collaborate with Senior School and stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Safeguarding knowledge

Curriculum development

Staff development

Education

Bachelor's degree

PGCE or equivalent

NPQSL/NPQH or Masters in educational leadership

Job description

Head of Primary - School Leadership Job Snapshot

Role: Head of Primary

Location: Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates

Industry: Primary-Secondary Education

Function: Educaiton Management

Experience: Minimum 8 years of experience in education, including substantial senior leadership experience

Job Type: Not specified

Position Overview Aldar Education is seeking an exceptional Head of Primary in Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates, commencing January 2027. This senior leadership opportunity carries strategic, educational and operational responsibility across Early Years, Key Stage 1 and the preparatory years within a high-performing British curriculum school. The Head of Primary will lead educational standards, pupil outcomes, safeguarding, culture, inclusion and day-to-day effectiveness while ensuring a coherent journey from FS1 through Year 8 and successful transition into Senior School.

Job Details Country: United Arab Emirates

City: Abu Dhabi Emirate

Industry: Primary-Secondary Education

Function: Educaiton Management

Salary: Not disclosed

Gender: No Preference

Candidate Nationality: Not specified

Job Type: Not specified

Start Date: January 2027

About the Role

The Head of Primary will be a highly visible member of the Senior Leadership Team, working closely with the Executive Principal, Head of School and other senior leaders to deliver the school 's strategic priorities. The role requires an experienced and credible educational leader who can unite Early Years, primary and preparatory practice while respecting the developmental needs of each stage. The postholder will combine academic ambition with strong pastoral judgement, clear accountability and effective operational leadership.

Strategic Leadership

• Provide clear, visible and accountable leadership across the Primary School.
• Develop and deliver a strategic vision and improvement plan aligned with the wider direction of the school.
• Take overall responsibility for educational standards, pupil outcomes, culture, organization and operational effectiveness.
• Contribute fully to whole-school strategy, policy development and decision-making as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Maintain clear communication with senior leaders regarding performance, priorities, risks and significant developments.
• Ensure the Primary School is prepared for inspections, regulatory reviews and compliance visits.
• Maintain compliance with applicable ADEK and UAE requirements.
• Translate strategic priorities into measurable actions across Early Years, primary and preparatory provision.

Quality of Education

• Secure consistently high standards of teaching, learning, curriculum and assessment from FS1 to Year 8.
• Provide expert oversight of a developmentally appropriate, academically ambitious and balanced curriculum.
• Ensure effective curriculum progression throughout the Primary School.
• Strengthen transition into, through and beyond the Primary phase.
• Evaluate educational standards through rigorous quality assurance, pupil outcomes, professional dialogue and stakeholder feedback.
• Hold leaders and teaching teams accountable for pupil progress and classroom practice.
• Ensure appropriate support and challenge for all pupils.
• Oversee provision for pupils of determination, English language learners and gifted and talented pupils.
• Promote intellectual curiosity, creativity, independence and a strong culture of scholarship.
• Use evidence and evaluation to identify priorities for continuous school improvement.

Pupil Welfare, Safeguarding and Inclusion

• Lead pupil welfare, behaviour, attendance and pastoral care across the Primary School.
• Ensure safeguarding and child protection remain central to school culture and daily practice.
• Work closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead and relevant pastoral and inclusion leaders.
• Ensure safeguarding concerns are addressed promptly and appropriately.
• Build an inclusive environment in which every pupil feels safe, respected, valued and able to thrive.
• Ensure staff consistently fulfil their safeguarding, supervision and duty-of-care responsibilities.
• Promote pupil voice and leadership.
• Support character development and a strong sense of belonging.
• Maintain high expectations for pupil behaviour, well-being and personal development.

People Leadership

• Lead, develop and hold accountable primary leadership, teaching and support teams.
• Establish clear professional expectations and lines of accountability.
• Oversee performance management and staff development.
• Support colleague wellbeing and succession planning.
• Identify staffing requirements across the Primary School.
• Contribute to recruitment, induction, deployment and retention of high-quality colleagues.
• Address performance and conduct concerns promptly and fairly.Manage workplace concerns in accordance with relevant policies.
• Build a collaborative, professional and high-performing culture.
• Develop leadership capability across teams and support future leadership succession.

Parents, Admissions and Community

• Act as a visible and accessible senior leader for parents and the wider school community.
• Build trusted relationships through clear communication and professional handling of concerns.
• Work closely with Admissions to support pupil recruitment and retention.
• Contribute to pupil assessments, school tours and transition arrangements.
• Represent the Primary School at parent meetings, events and community activities.
• Work with Marketing and Communications teams to celebrate achievement and strengthen the school 's profile.
• Maintain positive engagement with families throughout the pupil journey.

Operations, Resources and Health and Safety

• Ensure effective day-to-day operation of the Primary School.
• Oversee staffing arrangements, routines, timetables, events, trips and supervision.
• Deploy people, budgets, accommodation and resources effectively and responsibly.
• Work closely with Operations, Finance, People and Culture, Admissions, IT, Facilities and other support functions.
• Ensure records, policies, procedures and regulatory documentation are accurate and appropriately maintained.
• Promote a strong health and safety culture.
• Ensure activities and learning environments are appropriately risk assessed.
• Ensure colleagues understand emergency procedures and incident-reporting requirements.
• Maintain clear accountability for pupil safety throughout school operations.

Whole-School Contribution

• Model and promote the school 's values, ethos and commitment to excellence.
• Work collaboratively with Senior School leaders to provide a coherent educational journey for pupils.
• Participate fully in Senior Leadership Team meetings.
• Contribute to whole-school events and strategic initiatives.
• Support effective transition between Primary and Senior School.
• Undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the seniority and purpose of the role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor 's degree.
• Recognized teaching qualification such as PGCE or equivalent.
• Recognized leadership qualification such as NPQSL or NPQH; or
• Postgraduate Diploma or master 's degree in educational leadership.

Experience

• Minimum 8 years of experience in education.
• Substantial senior leadership experience.
• Senior leadership experience within a Prep, Junior or Primary School setting.
• Proven record of leading school improvement.
• Demonstrated success in securing high standards of teaching and pupil outcomes.
• Experience leading and holding multidisciplinary teams accountable.
• Experience with inspection, regulatory compliance and school self-evaluation.
• Experience within a British curriculum or international school environment.
• UAE leadership experience is highly desirable.
• Knowledge and experience of ADEK requirements are highly desirable.

Knowledge and Leadership Skills

• Strong knowledge of safeguarding and child protection.
• Strong understanding of inclusion and differentiated educational provision.
• Strong knowledge of curriculum, assessment and pastoral care.
• Excellent people management and staff-development capability.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Effective strategic and operational decision-making.
• Sound professional judgement.
• Strong conflict-resolution capability.
• Ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Ability to provide visible and credible leadership.
• Commitment to academic excellence and continuous improvement.
• Deep commitment to the academic, personal and social development of every pupil.
• Strong commitment to inclusion and safeguarding.

Safeguarding and Appointment Requirements

Aldar Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and police clearance.

About Aldar Education

Aldar Education is a UAE-based education provider operating a group of owned and managed schools. Its schools deliver a range of curricula and learning pathways, with a focus on student-centered learning, educational excellence, professional development and preparing students for future success.