Deputy Head of Primary - August 2027

Due to the continued success of our GEMS Founders School, Al Mizhar, we are looking for a Deputy Head of Primary to join us in August 2027.

This is a fantastic opportunity for experienced teachers to take the next step in their career with a global leading company and within a world-class International School located in the heart of Dubai.

We are British Schools Overseas (BSO) accredited gaining Outstanding judgements in all standards, allowing us to offer the NQT, QTS and iPGCE programmes to our teachers through the TES Institute. GEMS Founders School, Dubai is truly unique and anyone who comes to work here has a wonderful opportunity to leave their mark. In line with our school vision, you will have the opportunity to Grow, Flourish and an ethos of Mindfulness in everything you do at GFM.

GEMS Founders Schools offer leaders the opportunity to shape high-impact practice within a fast-growing, values-driven British curriculum environment. You will work closely with experienced school leaders, influence whole-school improvement from the outset, and benefit from the scale, support, and professional growth pathways of the global GEMS Education network.

Key Responsibilities:

As Deputy Head of Primary, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the direction and success of the school. Your main responsibilities will include:

• Promote and ensure high levels of safeguarding, child protection, student development and well being
• Assist, support, represent and deputise for the Head of Primary
• Embrace and encourage the ethos and standards of excellence as defined in the GEMS Core Values
• Play a major role in formulating and reviewing the School Improvement Plan, Strategic Direction and Self Evaluation
• Maintain and develop the ethos, values and overall mission and vision of the school
• Promote a positive image of the school
• Lead and develop staff through effective coaching, mentoring and performance management.
• Ensure that the school plays a constructive role in the life of the community
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of the school, students and staff.
• Implement policies for all stakeholders
• take a lead in the efficient organisation, management and supervision of school routines
• To be accountable to the Head of Primary and ultimately the Principal/CEO
• To fully understand the requirements and expectations within the National Curriculum for England, Ministry of Education, Dubai Schools Inspection Framework and British School Overseas Framework

Successful candidates will need to:

• Have a certified teaching qualification, at degree level such as B.Ed, PGCE, PGDE or equivalent.
• At least 5 years of solid and demonstrable experience in teaching a Primary School in a British curriculum school
• Experience in a similar role
• The personal leadership qualities to developing trusting relationships, a coaching approach to development and be able to inspire others.
• The desire to provide outstanding teaching and learning
• Aspiration to work in a world class school with real prospects for enhancing their career
• Excellent IT and interpersonal communication skills to work closely with students and parents
• A creative and enthusiastic approach both in and out of the classroom

Remuneration and Benefits

All positions attract an excellent remuneration package, including:

• Competitive tax-free salary
• Individual, fully furnished accommodation
• Free schooling for eligible dependants
• Private medical insurance
• Annual return airfares to country of residence
• End of Service Gratuity in line with UAE Labour Law

In addition, GEMS teachers and leaders benefit from complimentary access to the GEMS Rewards loyalty programme, offering substantial savings on everyday living in the UAE. With thousands of discounts and 2-for-1 offers across flights, hotels, dining, retail, and leisure, GEMS Rewards helps maximise earning potential and enhances the overall overseas experience.

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are dedicated to creating safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments where students can thrive, and we expect all employees, volunteers, and partners to share this commitment.

As part of our safer recruitment practices, all successful applicants will be subject to comprehensive pre-employment checks, including verification of identity, qualifications, employment history, professional references, and criminal record checks from all countries of residence and employment, in line with local and international safeguarding requirements. These checks may include enhanced disclosure, prohibition, barring, and overseas police clearance checks where applicable. We are committed to recruiting individuals who uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and child protection.