Deputy Head of Primary School | Deira International school | Dubai

Deira International School is an Outstanding BSO and KHDA rated, award winning school located on a beautiful campus in Festival City, Dubai. In 2023 DIS was awarded the Education Excellence Award for ‘School Team of the Year’ and is also a platinum award holder for ‘Best Place to Work’, demonstrating our commitment to continual focus on ensuring we have a happy and thriving community.

With students from ages 3-18, DIS is run as a not-for-profit school and is part of the Al Futtaim Education Foundation. Founded in 2005, the school is renowned for providing an outstanding inclusive and holistic education. In our recent inspection, the report recognised the following:

·       Staff are overwhelmingly proud of the school and believe that it is well led and provides a safe and inclusive learning environment.

·       The quality of teaching, learning and assessment across the school is outstanding.

·       Teachers have high expectations of pupils and consistently challenge them in lessons and other activities to do their best.

·       Staff enjoy working at the school and believe they are treated fairly, respected and valued.

·        At every phase, the curriculum is planned with precision, is well sequenced and systematically builds on pupils’ prior learning.

·       DIS has a strong focus on academic progress and achievement.

The student body has over 80 different nationalities and this diversity is fundamental to the community nature of the school. Exceptional facilities provide wonderful opportunities for a holistic approach to education; sport, performing arts, academic, technological, leadership and creative pathways are all on offer, ensuring our students enjoy enriching and varied school experiences within our classrooms and beyond.

Although non-selective at admission, our students achieve exceptional exam results which compare to top UK schools. Digital literacy development is emphasised as the school prepares its pupils to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. This success enables our students to move on to the very top universities worldwide.

Our personalised, play-based and continuous provision in the Early Years ensures that students are rigorously assessed against the prime and specific areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. This focuses on developing key learning skills and the foundations for accessing the Primary Curriculum. In primary, students receive an enriching and broad curriculum offer, which includes the delivery of several non-core subjects. Our senior students take the IGCSE examinations in Year 11 and move into the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) in Years 12 and 13.

Al Futtaim Education Foundation (AFEF) owns and provides governance to Deira International School. AFEF aims to realise its vision of taking education in the UAE to the next level of future readiness and of preparing students for an increasingly globalised and technologically advanced world. Al Futtaim Education Foundation is an initiative of the Al Futtaim family to support the vision of the Government of Dubai and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) for the creation of a globally competitive economy while maximising its social contribution to the community through this not-for-profit endeavour.

At Al Futtaim Education Foundation, we are committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equality, and inclusion. We believe that every individual has the right to be respected and valued for who they are, and we strive to create a work environment where all members of our community feel safe, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. This includes recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce, creating inclusive learning and working environments, and promoting equity in all of our policies and practices. We are dedicated to building a foundation of respect and understanding, and we actively work to eliminate discrimination, bias, and prejudice in all forms.

The Post: Deputy Headteacher – Primary

Deira International School (DIS) is seeking to appoint an exceptional Primary Deputy Headteacher to join our outstanding school in August 2025.

This exciting opportunity is ideal for a successful and experienced leader who will play a pivotal role as part of the Primary School's leadership team. The successful candidate will contribute to shaping the future of our outstanding school while building on its recent successes.

The role requires someone who understands the unique opportunities presented by working in an international school in Dubai. DIS is a school founded on strong values and supported by a vibrant community. Our mission is to prepare students for an unpredictable yet exciting future, equipping them with the skills and confidence to thrive.

The successful candidate will join a team of established and highly driven leaders who are passionate about student progress and promoting a love of learning. They should share the same dedication to educational excellence and commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Contributing to the strategic leadership of the Primary School, working collaboratively with the leadership team.
• Supporting the implementation of an enriched curriculum programme that challenges and inspires students.
• Driving high academic standards while promoting a culture of well-being and inclusion for all students and staff.
• Acting as a role model for excellence in teaching, learning, and leadership.

The Successful Applicant Will Have:

• At least 7 years of post-qualification experience, including a minimum of 3 years in a leadership position within a high-performing British curriculum school.
• Experience, or be able demonstrate an understanding, of working in an international school environment.
• A B.Ed., or a degree and PGCE/PGDE (or equivalent).
• An educational leadership qualification, such as an NPQSL.
• A mind-set which understands all students have the potential for top performance, and the drive and passion to enable them to do so.
• Proven experience in leading enriched curriculum initiatives and driving academic success.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate staff and students alike.
• A commitment to promoting well-being and fostering a supportive school culture.

Excellent Salary & Benefits

Deira International School, Festival City is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students. A UK International Child Protection Certificate or equivalent police check is a pre-requisite for all appointments.