Deputy Head of Primary - Dubai South
GEMS Founders School - Dubai
United Arab Emirates
- New
- Job type:
- Full Time, Permanent
- Start date:
- 10 August 2026
- Apply by:
- 23 May 2026
Job overview
We are seeking to appoint an outstanding and experienced Deputy Head of Primary to join our Senior Leadership Team. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and forward-thinking leader to play a key role in shaping the future of a high-performing school.
The successful candidate will deputise for the Head of Primary and take a leading role in driving excellence in learning and teaching, curriculum development, and staff professional growth. You will work closely with the Head of Primary, Vice Principal, and wider leadership team to implement the school’s educational vision and ensure the highest standards of student achievement.
Key Responsibilities
• Support and deputise for the Head of Primary as required
• Lead on the development and delivery of high-quality teaching and learning across the Primary phase
• Drive curriculum innovation and ensure effective curriculum implementation
• Support the strategic direction of the school as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team
• Develop and embed globally relevant teaching practices aligned with the school’s vision and GEMS standards
• Monitor and evaluate teaching through lesson observations, providing impactful feedback to improve outcomes
• Lead staff professional development and support school improvement priorities
• Establish clear learning outcomes and benchmarks to raise student achievement
• Ensure all policies, procedures, and standards are consistently implemented
• Contribute to the wider life of the school, including co-curricular activities and events
Key Performance Indicators
• High-quality teaching and learning in line with GEMS educational standards
• Strong collaboration across all levels of staff
• Demonstrable student progress and attainment
• Successful delivery of co-curricular programmes
Person Specification
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree (essential)
• Recognised teaching qualification (essential)
Experience
• Minimum of 10 years’ teaching experience in reputable schools
• Proven experience in a Senior Leadership role
• Experience leading change and school improvement initiatives
Skills
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong organisational and time management abilities
• Confident in the use of ICT to support teaching and leadership
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire and lead teams
What We Offer
• A collaborative and supportive working environment
• Opportunities for continued professional development
• The chance to be part of a forward-thinking and ambitious school
If you are a passionate educational leader committed to excellence and innovation, we would love to hear from you.
About GEMS Founders School - Dubai
- GEMS Founders School - Dubai
- Umm Sequim Street, Al Barsha South
- Dubai
- United Arab Emirates
GEMS Founders School, Dubai (GFS) opened its doors in September 2016 to over 1800 students from FS1 – Year 8. This is the most successful school opening in GEMS Education history in terms of enrolment. In September 2017, we welcomed over 3500 students and extended the school to Year 9. In September 2018, we opened our Year 10 and Year 12 (International GCSE and A Level curriculum) and started that year with 3800 children. In 2019, we reached the capacity of 4260 students in Phases 1 and 2 of our original building and in 2021 expanded to Phase 3 to provide additional facilities for extended curriculum options. We reached full capacity in 2022 with 6139 children from FS1 – Year 13. Since opening, we have established a positive learning environment for our children and staff following both the National Curriculum for England and UAE Ministry of Education curricular. As a British school overseas with over 100 nationalities, it is important that we value all of our languages and cultural understanding and use this as a catalyst to embrace the culture, history and beliefs of our student and staff body. We have been rated Good in two DSIB inspections, with the most recent one also recognising some Outstanding features. 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 Succeed in everything you do at GFS.
Principal/CEO
Matthew Burfield
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