Head of Primary (Aug 2025 )

Dubai Heights Academy is seeking to appoint an ambitious and inspirational Head of Primary

Dubai Heights Academy is a warm and welcoming place to work. Located in the Al Barsha South area of Dubai, this is an exciting opportunity to join our team.

The school opened in 2017. It offers an inclusive, exciting and outstanding education to an international community of students from FS1 to Year 12 (2025-2026) and will continue to grow organically to Year 13.

The campus is state-of-the-art with separate buildings for each phase as well as a 380 seat auditorium. There are three temperature controlled swimming pools, fully equipped science and computer labs, specialist rooms for art, DT, music, and drama, a library, two multipurpose sports halls, a full size football pitch, a variety of outdoor play areas and a spacious canteen. The academic year 2025-2026 will see the opening of a brand new secondary building, significantly enhancing the current facilities.

Dubai Heights Academy provides a curriculum that meets the needs of all of our students and follows the National Curriculum for England as the basis of its curriculum. This has been tailored to comply with local requirements and supplemented with Arabic language, Islamic Studies, Moral Education and Social Studies. In addition, Dubai Heights Academy has partnered with MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) to develop and deliver a bespoke AI (artificial intelligence) project-based programme for secondary and an early language programme using social robots for Primary, to further enrich our broad and balanced curriculum.

We are driven by an underlying philosophy captured by our school ethos of ‘Every Child, Every Mind and Everybody matters’ and believe that every student deserves the best possible education, regardless of background and ability.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Primary Headteacher with a proven track record of leading a team or having held an assistant or deputy role and ready for the next step in their career. We are looking for professionals who are creative, innovative and passionate about lifelong learning. The successful candidate should be adaptable, motivated by challenge and have a proven track record of outstanding practice.

Job Overview

Dubai Heights Academy is s seeking a highly motivated and experienced Head of Primary to lead our Primary and Early Years Department. The successful candidate will oversee the Primary department's day-to-day operations, ensuring that high-quality education is delivered to our students. As Head of Primary, you will work closely with our senior leadership team to develop and implement strategies that align with our overall vision and mission.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leading the Primary School, including overseeing the academic and pastoral aspects of the curriculum
• Developing and implementing an engaging and challenging curriculum that meets the needs of all students and is in line with the British National Curriculum
• Supporting and managing a team of teachers and support staff to ensure high-quality teaching and learning and take action to address any areas of concern
• Ensuring a positive and nurturing learning environment for students, with a strong focus on student wellbeing and pastoral care
• Working collaboratively with other school leaders to ensure coherence across the whole school
• Fostering positive relationships with parents and the wider community to enhance the school's reputation and engagement
• Implement policies and procedures to ensure the smooth running of the Primary and EYFS section
• Lead quality assurance and performance management in the Primary department

The successful applicant will be required to have the following: 

• A B.Ed. or degree and PGCE / PGDE or equivalent with exceptional subject knowledge especially in the core subjects
• Preferably a Masters degree in a relevant subject or NPQSL/NPQH leadership qualification   
• Experience as a Primary/Early Years Headteacher is preferred
• Preference for candidates with UAE senior leadership and local DSIB inspection experience.
• At least 5 years’ experience in a leadership position
• At least 5 years experience of the National Curriculum for England  
• Knowledge and understanding of the Early Years framework and early learning goals
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organisational skills.
• Proven track record of delivering outstanding academic results.
• Understanding of the needs of the international student body and a commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
• Ability to manage change and inspire staff to achieve excellence.
• Experience in curriculum development and implementation
• Knowledge of relevant regulations and guidelines in the education sector
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with other members of the senior management team

In return we can offer you: 

• A positive and innovative learning culture supported by students, staff, parents and governors        
• A collaborative and supportive attitude amongst staff which promotes a sense of teamwork and unity        
• A Senior Leadership team who is committed to promoting the best environment and outcomes for staff and students

Our Compensation and Benefits package includes: 

• Competitive tax-free salary        
• Accommodation allowance        
• Annual flight allowance        
• Medical Insurance coverage        
• Discounted school fees for up to two children        
• End of service gratuity in line with UAE Labour Law

Interviews will take place at Dubai Heights Academy or via Zoom, should a face to face interview not be possible. Closing date for applications is as advertised, however interviews may take place ahead of this date so an early application is advantageous.

Whilst we thank all applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Successful applicants will take up their position in August 2024 and will be required to participate in a short programme of induction.

Safeguarding Statement:

Dubai Heights Academy is totally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and as such expects all its employees to share this commitment. All new staff will be subject to enhanced pre-employment clearance including identity checks, criminal background checks (from your home country/country of residence), qualification checks (attestation) and employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps in employment and at least two satisfactory professional references, which will be verified. Applicants may also be required to provide other applicable personal documents e.g. degree, marriage certificate etc. A full checklist will be provided to successful candidates.