Head of School, Primary - September 2026

GEMS Royal Dubai School, a vibrant and esteemed institution delivering a British curriculum, currently caters to students from FS1 to Year 8. Beginning in September 2026, the school will expand its offerings to include Year 9, with a clear growth strategy that will extend through Year 13.

With a diverse student body of over 850 individuals representing more than 48 nationalities, GEMS Royal Dubai School nurtures a strong sense of community while maintaining high academic standards. In line with our growth, we are thrilled to announce the opening of a new, purpose-built secondary campus in September 2026. This state-of-the-art facility will further enhance the world-class education available across our two campuses.

We are seeking a dynamic, passionate, and highly motivated Head of School, Primary to join our Executive Leadership Team starting in September 2026. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of fostering high standards and a deep commitment to ensuring excellence for every child. This presents a remarkable opportunity for a visionary leader dedicated to improving children’s learning experiences and eager to make a significant difference while upholding the Royal Standard.

The role

Working closely with the Principal/CEO and Vice Principal, the Head of School, Primary will supervise the Primary Phase, building on the solid foundations and achievements that have already been established. This role includes a teaching commitment, allowing the successful candidate to model exemplary practices and lead by example.

Key responsibilities

• The successful candidate will provide strategic oversight of academic performance and student personal development within the Primary Phase by effectively guiding middle leaders and maintaining an unwavering focus on excellence.

• They will establish and nurture strong partnerships with parents, actively promoting the school’s Parents as Partners vision.

• A thorough knowledge of the Primary curriculum across all subjects is crucial, along with the strategic use of student performance data to optimize progress and customize learning pathways.

• The Head of School will oversee and exemplify high-quality teaching and learning, working collaboratively with staff to share best practices and drive innovation grounded in educational research.

• A strong commitment to safeguarding and student wellbeing will be central to this role, emphasizing personal, social, and emotional development.

• The individual will play a key role in self-evaluation and school development planning, utilizing various forms of evidence to assess impact and drive measurable improvements.

• They will embody a high-performance mindset, remaining reflective, resilient, and solution-focused, while effectively engaging with colleagues, students, and parents, showcasing excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Additionally, this role entails active involvement in the broader life of the school through extracurricular activities and community events, as well as stepping in for the Principal and/or Vice Principal as required.

Application process

If you have a dynamic and innovative leadership approach, are passionate about education, and are committed to achieving outstanding outcomes for students, we would be delighted to receive your application.

Shortlisting will begin on 9 February 2026.