Assistant Head of Primary - Curriculum Design and Development - August 2025 start

Arcadia School - Dubai is a vibrant and innovative international institution rooted in a strong UAE vision, prioritizing growth and innovation. Our expansive expat community fosters a lively and inclusive atmosphere, providing numerous activities and events outside of work. It’s an ideal environment for both professional and personal development, welcoming all individuals to engage with the local culture and community.

We are seeking to hire an accomplished **Assistant Head of Primary** to start in August 2025. The selected candidate will be part of the Senior Leadership Team and will have specific teaching responsibilities.

Our exceptional Primary Leadership Team values collaboration, creativity, high standards, and innovative thinking. The ideal applicant will be a motivating educator dedicated to enhancing student experiences and achievements within a supportive and collaborative environment. We emphasize the importance of relationships and dynamics for collective success, and this role requires a committed professional passionate about nurturing a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring our academic program remains engaging, relevant, and aligned with the school’s mission and values while embodying our ‘Happiness First’ vision.

We prioritize finding the right fit for our team and are committed to adapting to and developing the skills and strengths of our leaders. We are seeking diverse leaders with a comprehensive skill set in adaptive leadership. Applicants should illustrate their expertise, knowledge, and enthusiasm for **Curriculum Design and Development and team leadership**. The successful candidate will focus on curriculum development and may want to tailor their application to showcase their suitability. This role includes teaching responsibilities. As a member of our diverse and innovative community, the successful candidate will bring expertise in teaching, leadership, and professional development while maintaining our reputation as an Apple Distinguished School.

**Requirements:**

**Essential**
- A Bachelor's degree and full teaching qualifications such as BEd, MEd, PGCE, QTS, or equivalent.
- At least 7 years of teaching experience, with a minimum of 4 years in a middle leadership role.
- A dedicated professional focused on raising standards aligned with the school’s vision, mission, and values.
- An outstanding practitioner and leader capable of fostering innovative practices among the teaching staff based on current pedagogical trends and forward-thinking initiatives.
- A teacher and leader who has a natural desire to learn, contribute to, and engage with the Arcadia Professional Learning Community.
- Proficient in using digital tools to enhance learning and align with our school’s ‘Apple Distinguished School’ status.
- A collaborative professional who works effectively within their team and across the broader school community.
- A resilient personality capable of strategic thinking and collaborative or independent work.
- Proven leadership impact within the British National Curriculum and UAE curriculum requirements.
- Experience in a leadership role contributing to a successful school inspection, such as DSIB/BSO.
- Demonstrable success in leading teams effectively under pressure and meeting tight deadlines.
- Charismatic, credible, and professionally respected with a proven record of leading high-performing teams.

**Desirable**
- Experience in a senior leadership role such as Associate Assistant Head or Assistant Head.
- Background in coaching and developing school culture.
- Experience in implementing and adapting elements of an enriched curriculum.
- Involvement in research-based initiatives positively impacting teaching and learning.

**Key Responsibilities:**

This overview outlines the main responsibilities, with a comprehensive job description available detailing additional expectations.
- Contribute to the daily operations of the primary school.
- Maintain accountability for student achievement and outcomes.
- Lead in Curriculum Design, Development, and Innovation.
- Build and sustain strong, positive professional relationships through open and frequent communication with all stakeholders.
- Uphold expectations by knowing, reviewing, and implementing relevant school policies, particularly those related to academics.
- Contribute to a relevant, engaging, and research-led CPD program for the primary school.
- Participate in school self-evaluation processes, as well as inspection and accreditation preparations.
- Establish and maintain high-quality teaching across subjects and phases, informed by cutting-edge educational research.
- Ensure the delivery of a broad, structured, and coherent curriculum that offers world-class opportunities for students.
- Foster a culture where students and staff enjoy a positive and enriching school experience.
- Uphold educational standards to prepare students from all backgrounds for their next educational phase and life.
- Promote staff professionalism and continuous professional development.
- Encourage high standards of teaching and learning throughout the primary school.
- Lead teams such as core/curriculum enrichment subject leads, year leadership teams, and key stage teams.
- Support and implement whole-school quality assurance systems.
- Analyze data to measure the impact of challenges and interventions, guiding school policies and actions.
- Promote and assess the effectiveness of the school’s teaching and learning policies and strategies.
- Stay informed about current developments in teaching and learning.
- Contribute significantly to the wider life of the school, including the induction of new staff and support for events and activities beyond the standard school day as needed.
- Be supportive of UAE initiatives and cultural expectations.

Initial longlist interviews will be followed by a process allowing shortlisted candidates to demonstrate their leadership capabilities, vision for curriculum design and development, and knowledge of enhancing teaching, learning, and standards.

**Application Process:**

Interested candidates should complete the application form and submit a Cover Letter and CV, highlighting their expertise and vision for the role as attachments in the supporting documents section.

**Arcadia Education is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will undergo enhanced background checks according to our safer recruitment policy, which is available on the school's website.**

To learn more about the school, please visit our website at https://arcadia.sch.ae