Head of Primary

Required Skills

Nice to have:

The Head of Primary must possess an honours degree, a recognized teaching qualification (PGCE, B.Ed with QTS), and in-depth knowledge of IB PYP curriculum, KHDA standardized testing, Assessment for Learning, and student achievement improvement strategies. Essential experience includes leadership of curriculum and/or pastoral care in a school with management of a significant team, international experience in a private school with a diverse community, and successful development of school improvement plans. Strong organizational, administrative, coaching, mentoring, communication, and interpersonal skills are also required.

Job description / Role Job Type Full Time Job Location UAE Nationality Any Nationality Salary Not Specified Gender Not Specified Arabic Fluency Not Specified Job Function Education & Teaching Company Industry Education & Training Role specification Head of Primary (member of senior management team) Reports to:Principal & Vice Principal Relationships & line managementWork in close partnership with the Head of Early Years to ensure continuity and alignment across the Early Years and Primary phases.IB Primary Years Programme CoordinatorPastoral Lead (Deputy Head Pastoral) & future Primary senior leadership growth positions Overview As a founding member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Head of Primary will play a key role in establishing systems, routines and culture from the ground up, leading staff onboarding and IB/PYP-aligned induction, supporting launch readiness across areas such as timetabling, staffing and curriculum setup, and working closely with Admissions, Marketing and Operations to ensure a successful school opening. The Head of Primary is responsible for the overall operations, teaching and learning, school growth, budgets and wellbeing of the students up to Grade 5. They need to be an innovative and energetic leader with a passion for learning as well as a deep understanding of how to balance the needs of all the stakeholders of a rapidly growing, high quality international school in Dubai. They should have a strong track record of leading a school with strong academic results and show the ability to inspire and sensitively lead a culturally rich and diverse, dynamic school community. Key characteristics The ideal candidate should be able to describe how they are a strong role-model for each of the characteristics of the IB Learner Profile on a regular basis in their work, with particular importance being attached to the following: Insightful leadershipDemonstrating the ability to see and understand big picture decision-making and action-taking at the same time as showing an eye for detail. Being able to see situations from multiple and diverse sets of perspectives. CommunicationEffectively communicating with all stakeholders, efficiently and using multiple methods, taking into account the diversity and prior educational experiences of a community with a wide range of levels of English proficiency. Self-management and the management of a teamEnsuring that systems are in place and followed to ensure the smooth running of the school, with a focus on ensuring the highest quality teaching and learning practices and opportunities are being achieved. Key responsibilities Organisation, leadership and management Contribute to pre-opening operational readiness, including systems design, staffing structures, and whole-school routines aligned to the school’s vision. Work closely with Admissions, Marketing and Operations to support enrolment, community engagement and school launch. Establish, review and develop internal Early Years (EY) and Primary School aims, policies, structures and procedures, and job descriptions in line with whole school policies, in liaison with the SLT. This includes timetabling and cover oversight. Oversee the planning and ongoing development of the School Improvement Plan and other externally reviewed documentation including the data for DSIB inspection reports. Lead Primary phase readiness for inspection and accreditation processes, including DSIB and IB requirements, and contribute to whole-school quality assurance systems. Financial and budgetary planning for EY and Primary School teaching and learning resources in liaison with the principal and accounts team. Oversee the line management, support and appraisal process for all teachers, teaching assistants and support staff in the EY and Primary School. Chair full Primary School staff meetings and other meetings across Primary School as needed, ensuring that meeting minutes are recorded and made accessible as well as attending meetings of the Senior Leadership Team and the Governing Board as and when required. Recruitment and retention of staff. Helping to identify, coach and mentor participating in the recruitment process for the phase as and when required. Ensure that the school meets the requirements of the KHDA in terms of curriculum and standards in line with the UAE culture. Curriculum, assessment and reporting Lead the implementation of the school’s future-focused Primary curriculum, including innovation, entrepreneurship, and age-appropriate digital and AI learning, in line with the school’s academic vision and KHDA priorities. Ensure a strong emphasis on literacy, reading culture, and high-quality English and Mathematics provision. Use data to set, monitor and drive improvements in student progress, attainment, wellbeing, and attendance across the Primary phase. Manage the planning, design and delivery of the curriculum with the EY Head and PYP Coordinator and Subject Specialists in the phase. Ensure that all published documentation, learning platforms and marketing material are up to date and reflect the curriculum being delivered in classes. Manage the timetable planning, class distribution of students and teacher allocations and be part of the admissions process interviewing students before entry to the school. Liaise with the operations team to ensure that curriculum resources are appropriately and efficiently acquired and managed. Oversee the reporting of student progress and attainment to parents through written reports, parent teacher meetings and regular reports to the SLT and Governing Board. Ensure that KHDA expectations, in terms of curriculum content, are met consistently across Pre KG to Grade 5. Ensure high-quality provision of Arabic, Islamic Education, and UAE Social Studies, and promote UAE national identity and values across the Primary phase. Student inclusion, pastoral care and wellbeing Ensure the highest standards of safeguarding and child protection are upheld across the Primary phase, in line with school policy, UAE regulations, and international best practice. Oversee the implementation of the School and Primary School's behaviour policy and learning policy, including establishing and promoting the school ethos. Coordinate procedures for student admissions, in liaison with the admissions team. Oversee transition from the Primary School in coordination with the Head of Secondary School. External relations Support enrolment and retention through strong parent engagement and alignment with the school’s premium positioning. Ensure the development of strong parental relations which are student focused and serve to continue school growth and improvement. Maintain regular, proactive communication with parents using the school website, social media and the relevant learning and communication platforms. Organise and lead regular parent orientation, workshops, and coffee mornings, bringing in other team members as appropriate to familiarize parents with school philosophy, curriculum and systems relevant to their children. Market the school in conjunction with the Principal and Admissions Team. Ensure admissions processes are seamless and admissions targets are consistently met. Work with the Parent Support Group to promote the home school partnership and maximise parental support for learning and school life. The person The successful candidate will have the ability and drive to motivate and inspire their large team in delivering high quality teaching and learning in line with the school’s vision and mission. They will have a background in leadership that demonstrates a proven track record of success and be able to detail at interview the kind of knowledge, expertise and resilience that has enabled that success. The successful candidate will have the following qualifications, experience and skills: Qualifications Essential University education with honours degree Recognised teaching qualification (PGCE, B.Ed with QTS) Desirable Master’s degree in education NPQSL/H or equivalent IB workshop leader Knowledge Essential – in-depth knowledge and understanding of: Curriculum – first-hand experience of leading in an IB PYP school. Standardised testing as detailed by the KHDA in the UAE Assessment for Learning, Assessment of Learning, use of data, baselines assessment and value added. Inclusion & ELL provision Application of effective teaching and learning strategies that achieve high levels of teaching and student achievement. Current educational issues and up to date curriculum developments (desirable knowledge of the UAE’s E33 strategy.) Desirable – an ability to communicate reasonable understanding of: CIS/ IB accreditation process Commercial operations of schools Experience Essential Leadership of curriculum and/or pastoral care in a school with management of a significant team of teachers and support staff. International experience in private school with a demonstrably diverse community. Development and successful implementation of high-quality primary school improvement plan with successful improvement in student progress and attainment. Successful parents and community relations Planning and delivering Continuous Professional Development programs combining external workshops, providers and internally prepared relevant training. Desirable Timetabling of staff, spaces and students across a large primary school. Working in schools in the UAE or similarly structured school inspection systems Skills Essential Organisational and administrative skills, and experience of efficient resource management. Coaching and mentoring skills. Clear educational vision based on evidence and experience. Passionate about improving learning. Initiative taker – will get on with things independently but ask when unsure. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The scope of the role will evolve in line with the phased opening of the school, with responsibility aligned to the cohorts in operation during the initial years. Ambassador International Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, police clearance, and relevant background checks. Apply Now