Assistant Headteacher - Primary

Job description

Due to the continued success of GEMS Founders School, Al Mizhar, we are looking for an assistant headteacher within primary to join us in August 2027.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced leader to take the next step in their career with a global leader and within a world-class international school located in the heart of Dubai.

This is a fantastic opportunity for experienced teachers to take the next step in their career with a global leader 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. This allows 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 embrace 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

• Lead and model excellent classroom practice in line with the GEMS Teaching and Learning Policy, Teach Like a GEMS Educator (TLAG), and Read Like a GEMS Educator (RLAG).
• Support the principal and senior leadership team in school improvement, staff development, and safeguarding.
• Coach and mentor teachers to ensure consistently high standards of teaching, assessment, and inclusion.
• Use data and assessment to improve student outcomes and support readiness for Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) inspections.
• Promote positive behaviour, wellbeing, and a strong school culture aligned with GEMS values.

Key skills and experience

• Demonstrated leadership and management experience within a school setting, ideally at key stage level or in a comparable middle or senior leadership role.
• Secure understanding of curriculum design, assessment, and student progress tracking, with the ability to use data effectively to drive improvement.
• Proven ability to promote high standards of behaviour, inclusion, and student wellbeing in line with GEMS Founders values.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the capacity to build productive relationships with staff, students, parents, and external stakeholders.
• A collaborative leadership style, with the ability to motivate, support, and inspire teams to achieve shared goals and sustained school improvement.

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 two-for-one offers across flights, hotels, dining, retail, and leisure, GEMS Rewards helps maximise earning potential and enhances the overall overseas experience.

Safeguarding

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.