Head of Primary - January 2027 (Diriyah Campus)

King’s College Riyadh is on the lookout for a dedicated and knowledgeable Head of Primary (Diriyah Campus) to become part of our expanding team starting January 2027. This is an incredible chance to take on a significant role in delivering a comprehensive, engaging, and balanced curriculum within a dynamic, values-oriented British international school.

About Cognita:
Cognita stands as a premier figure in independent education. Established in 2004, we are a thriving network of over 100 schools across 16 countries—including Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East—serving upwards of 85,000 students. While each of our schools possesses its own unique characteristics, we share a unified goal: to create an environment where everyone can 'Thrive in a rapidly evolving world.'

At Cognita, we recognize that each student is distinct. We cultivate their individual personalities and strengths, providing academic, social, and emotional support no matter their starting point or location. We cherish their uniqueness while offering enriching knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. Students become part of a broader community, ensuring they receive an education that is truly world-class.

About King’s College Riyadh:
King’s College Riyadh marks the first UK private school brand to launch a branch in Saudi Arabia, partnering authentically with King’s College UK, which has been educating students both in the UK and globally for over 140 years.

Since its inception in 2021, King’s has experienced rapid growth, reaching Year 7 in August 2025, with plans to extend through Year 13 (age 18), allowing students to complete their full King’s education in Riyadh. In contrast to many international schools in the region, King’s is fully co-educational from Pre-School through Year 7.

King’s College Riyadh:

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Brings with it 140 years of educational excellence to Saudi Arabia

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Offers a well-rounded curriculum, adapted from King’s UK to fit the Saudi context

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Provides outstanding pastoral care and fosters a strong sense of community

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Creates exceptional career development opportunities within an international school network

The collaboration with King’s College UK is fundamental to the school’s achievements. Joint efforts in areas such as vision and ethos, curriculum design, professional development, and extracurricular activities ensure adherence to the highest international standards. Students and staff in Riyadh benefit from the expertise and reputation that King’s College has built over nearly a century and a half.

The school maintains a balance between academic success and a robust focus on sports, music, the arts, and a variety of activities. Central to this approach is a commitment to pastoral care: students flourish when they feel happy, supported, and secure. The staff works diligently to nurture a warm, inclusive community, ensuring that every child has trusted peers and adults to rely on, making them feel valued and connected.

Role Overview:

As part of our continued expansion, King’s College Riyadh is in search of an experienced and inspiring Head of Primary (Diriyah Campus) to join our leadership team. This role offers an exciting opportunity for a driven leader to collaborate with the Executive Principal to shape the strategic vision of the school, uphold the highest standards of teaching and learning, and ensure the wellbeing and success of every student.

The successful applicant will oversee the daily operations of the Diriyah, Riyadh Campus, lead the staff, manage daily activities, and promote a positive, inclusive school culture as we continue to grow.

Key Responsibilities:

Academic Leadership & Holistic Education

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Establish and maintain high-quality, research-informed teaching across all subjects

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Design and implement a broad, structured, and coherent curriculum that fosters student success.

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Encourage high standards of behavior and a positive learning environment that promotes excellence.

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Ensure that valid, reliable, and proportionate assessment practices are implemented to monitor progress.

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Provide strategic oversight for special educational needs and inclusive learning practices.

Strategic Leadership & School Development

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Uphold and advance the school’s ethos, vision, and strategic direction.

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Cultivate a culture of high professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement among staff.

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Lead professional development initiatives, guaranteeing impactful training and mentorship.

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Drive evidence-based school improvement strategies to maintain excellence and foster innovation.

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Build strong partnerships with parents, the local community, and educational networks.

Operational Excellence & Compliance

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Manage daily school operations, including scheduling, events, and logistics.

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Ensure adherence to safeguarding policies, prioritizing the welfare of students and staff.

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Effectively oversee financial and human resources, ensuring efficiency and sustainability.

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Implement risk management strategies and ensure that policies and procedures enhance overall school effectiveness.

Growth & Community Engagement

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Promote the school’s reputation and parental involvement through effective communication.

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Support the admissions and retention strategy, guaranteeing an exceptional experience for parents and students.

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Serve as an ambassador for the school, advocating for its mission and values.

The ideal candidate will possess:

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Demonstrated school leadership experience, preferably as Deputy Head, Vice Principal, or a similar role.

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Solid pedagogical understanding of the UK EYFS and Primary Curriculum

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Experience in leadership within the GCC or Middle East context.

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Strong leadership, communication, and organizational abilities.

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Expertise in curriculum development, student performance assessment, and instructional leadership.

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A proven track record of managing teams, resolving challenges, and maintaining stakeholder relationships.

Why Join King’s College Riyadh?

At King’s College Riyadh, you will not just be a leader; you will be a change-maker influencing the future of a rapidly growing institution.

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Bring over 140 years of British educational excellence to the heart of Riyadh.

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Play a critical role in an ambitious school on an exciting growth trajectory.

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Become part of a supportive leadership team that values innovation, creativity, and teamwork.

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Inspire educators, empower students, and create a lasting legacy.

Our Offer:

The successful candidate will enjoy a benefits package that includes accommodation allowance, private medical coverage, flight allowances, end-of-service gratuity, and an attractive tax-free salary. Furthermore, there will be a strong commitment to supporting the development and career aspirations of the successful candidate.

Applications are to be submitted through the TES online application form; only fully completed applications will be considered. To enhance your application, please attach your current, up-to-date CV.

Interviews will be conducted online or in person.

The school reserves the right to interview and appoint outstanding candidates before the official closing date, so we encourage early applications.

Thank you for your interest in King’s College Riyadh. Due to the anticipated high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

King’s College Riyadh and Cognita are devoted to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expect the same commitment from their employees. All new staff will undergo thorough and enhanced pre-employment checks, including identity verification, criminal background checks for all countries of residence, qualification verification, employment history checks (including an exploration of any employment gaps), and satisfactory reference checks for all positions held in the last ten years.