
GEMS
Deputy Head of Primary – British Curriculum School Leadership
- Permanent
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Experience 5 - 10 yrs
Job expiry date: 10/05/2026
Job overview
Date posted
26/03/2026
Location
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Salary
Undisclosed
Compensation
Comprehensive package
Experience
5 - 10 yrs
Seniority
Senior Manager
Qualification
Bachelors degree
Expiration date
10/05/2026
Job description
GEMS Winchester School Dubai is seeking a Deputy Head of Primary to join from August 2026, responsible for supporting the Head of Primary in delivering the school’s vision, mission, academic standards, safeguarding requirements, and pastoral support across the Primary School within a British Curriculum environment. The role involves deputising for the Head of Primary, assisting in shaping and implementing the school’s educational strategy, and ensuring alignment with GEMS Core Values and standards of excellence. The Deputy Head of Primary will support the development and implementation of School Improvement Plans, strategic direction, and self-evaluation processes, while maintaining the ethos, values, mission, and vision of the school. The role requires promoting safeguarding, child protection, student development, and well-being, monitoring performance of students and staff, implementing policies, and ensuring efficient organisation of school routines. The position requires strong knowledge of the National Curriculum for England, Ministry of Education requirements, and the Dubai Schools Inspection Framework, along with leadership responsibilities including staff coaching, mentoring, and performance management. The Deputy Head of Primary will also promote a positive image of the school, support community engagement, manage operational routines, and remain accountable to the Head of Primary and Principal/CEO while ensuring high-quality teaching and learning outcomes within a world-class British curriculum school environment.
Required skills
Key responsibilities
- Support the Head of Primary in implementing the school’s vision, mission, academic standards, safeguarding policies, child protection procedures, and pastoral care frameworks within the Primary School.
- Deputise for the Head of Primary when required, represent leadership in meetings and operational decisions, and assist in shaping and implementing the school’s educational strategy and leadership initiatives.
- Lead development and review of the School Improvement Plan, Strategic Direction, and Self Evaluation processes, ensuring alignment with National Curriculum for England and Dubai Schools Inspection Framework requirements.
- Promote safeguarding, child protection, student development, and well-being while ensuring compliance with Ministry of Education regulations and internal school policies.
- Lead staff development initiatives including coaching, mentoring, performance management, and professional development to enhance teaching and learning quality.
- Monitor and evaluate school performance, student outcomes, and staff effectiveness using evaluation frameworks and academic performance data.
- Implement policies for stakeholders including students, staff, and parents, and manage operational routines ensuring efficient organisation and supervision of school activities.
- Promote positive school culture, maintain school ethos and values, engage with community stakeholders, and support leadership accountability to the Head of Primary and Principal/CEO.
Experience & skills
- Hold certified teaching qualification at degree level such as B.Ed, PGCE, PGDE, or equivalent with strong foundation in Primary School leadership within British curriculum environments.
- Demonstrate at least 5 years of teaching experience in a Primary School within a British curriculum school environment.
- Possess experience in a similar leadership role supporting school management, academic standards, and staff supervision.
- Demonstrate strong knowledge of National Curriculum for England, Ministry of Education requirements, and Dubai Schools Inspection Framework.
- Show experience in School Improvement Plan development, strategic planning, self-evaluation, and performance monitoring within educational settings.
- Demonstrate ability to lead safeguarding, child protection, pastoral care, and student well-being initiatives.
- Possess excellent IT skills and interpersonal communication skills for working with students, parents, and staff.
- Hold UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check and demonstrate commitment to safeguarding and promoting student welfare.