Deputy Head of Primary - January 2026 Start

Job Description

We are seeking to recruit an exceptional Deputy Head of Primary to join our dedicated team. The successful candidate will be instrumental in supporting the school’s Vision and Mission, along with all relevant policies, academic standards, and pastoral care within the Primary school.

Key Purpose

In collaboration with the Principal and Head of Primary, the Deputy Head of Primary will oversee the daily operations and strategic management of the Primary school. This role involves leading, managing, and monitoring progress, focusing on curriculum development, supporting Behaviour for Learning initiatives, and engaging with parents to help realize the school’s vision.

Main Purpose

Reporting to the Head of Primary, the Deputy Head of Primary will play a pivotal role in:

- Fostering and promoting the ethos and standards of excellence as defined by the GEMS Core Values.
- Ensuring high academic performance in the Primary school, with a commitment to helping all students reach their full potential and aligning with the UAE National Agenda targets.
- Developing the school’s aims and objectives.
- Establishing policies to achieve these aims and objectives.
- Managing staff and resources effectively to support these goals.
- Monitoring progress toward achieving the school’s objectives.
- Handling budgets and performing teaching and other professional tasks as delegated by the Principal.
- Supporting the Head of Primary in leading the Primary team, including overseeing performance management.
- Assisting in the development and implementation of the school’s educational strategy.

Qualities

- Maintain public trust in school leadership and uphold high standards of ethics, behavior, and professional conduct.
- Build positive, respectful relationships across the school and with the parent community.
- Act in the best interests of the students.
- Serve as an effective role model, consistently demonstrating the positive attitudes, values, and behaviors expected of pupils.
- Contribute positively to the wider life and ethos of the school.
- Treat students and staff with dignity, fostering relationships based on mutual respect while maintaining professional boundaries.

Duties and Responsibilities

School Culture and Behavior

- Embrace and promote the ethos and standards of excellence outlined in the GEMS Core Values.
- Collaborate closely with the Head of Primary to establish effective, globally relevant learning and teaching practices.
- Implement the school's vision for quality education that meets GEMS expectations.
- Foster a culture where students enjoy a positive and enriching school experience.
- Uphold educational standards that prepare students from diverse backgrounds for their next educational and life stages.
- Ensure a culture of professionalism among staff.
- Encourage high standards of student behavior based on established rules and routines recognized by both staff and students.
- Apply consistent and fair behavior management practices in alignment with the school’s behavior policy.

Teaching, Curriculum, and Assessment

- Establish and maintain high-quality teaching across all subjects and phases, grounded in evidence.
- Ensure that teaching is supported by subject expertise.
- Develop monitoring and evaluation systems to assess teaching and learning standards and implement necessary improvement strategies.
- Ensure the delivery of a broad, structured, and coherent curriculum.
- Advocate for curriculum leadership, including subject leaders with relevant expertise and access to professional networks.
- Employ valid and reliable methods to assess students’ understanding of the curriculum.

Additional and Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Disabilities

- Foster a culture and practices that enable all students to access the curriculum.
- Maintain high expectations for all students with SEN and disabilities.
- Collaborate effectively with parents to identify additional needs and provide necessary support and adaptations.

Organizational Management and School Improvement

- Establish and sustain the school’s ethos and strategic direction in partnership with the governing board and through consultation with the school community.
- Develop and oversee systems, processes, and policies to ensure effective school operations.
- Ensure the safety and welfare of staff and students through effective safeguarding measures.
- Manage staff and student well-being.
- Identify challenges to school effectiveness and formulate realistic, timely strategies for improvement tailored to the school’s context.
- Lead on areas of school improvement, ensuring effective monitoring, implementation, and review of strategies.

Staff Management and Professional Development

- Conduct performance management for allocated staff, including appraisals, and hold them accountable for their performance.
- Ensure staff have access to high-quality professional development opportunities.
- Stay informed about developments in education and pursue training and continuing professional development as needed.

Governance, Accountability, and Partnership

- Understand and appreciate the importance of effective governance and accept responsibility.
- Ensure that staff are aware of their professional responsibilities and held accountable.
- Lead the school efficiently, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks and statutory duties.
- Collaborate successfully with other schools and organizations as needed.
- Maintain professional relationships with colleagues to enhance educational outcomes for all students.

Skills

The ideal candidate will possess:

- A valid teaching certification, such as a B.Ed, PGCE, PGDE, or equivalent.
- A passion for delivering exceptional teaching and learning experiences.
- Extensive experience with the National Curriculum for England.
- Proficiency in people development, along with proven leadership and communication skills.
- A minimum of three years’ experience in a relevant role.
- An IELTS score of at least 6 or equivalent may be required.

GEMS Education is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a prerequisite for all appointments.

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