Primary Deputy Principal
Al Ain English Speaking School (AAESS) is seeking to appoint a passionate and dedicated Primary Deputy Principal.
This is a key leadership role, providing inspirational direction and a deep sense of care for the primary school. The successful candidate will ensure the highest standards of teaching, learning, and pastoral care, while fostering a culture of warmth, ambition, and inclusion where pupils thrive and staff are supported to do their best work.
About Cognita:
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘thrive in a rapidly evolving world’ .
At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world, wherever they’re starting from. We protect what’s special about them, while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger; ensuring they get an education that’s, quite literally, world class.
About AAESS:
Al Ain English Speaking School is one of the oldest schools in Al Ain with a reputation that goes beyond the city boundaries. It sits in the ‘Garden City’ renowned for being an oasis in the desert. AAESS is an all-through school with over 2200 children from 3 to 19, and continually growing. The campus is spacious and welcoming and prides itself on good facilities such as our fantastic indoor swimming pool; floodlit tennis courts; 566 seat auditorium; food prep and nutrition kitchen; automotive garage; TV and radio production studio and two Apple Mac suites. We deliver the British Curriculum and offer iGCSE, AS and A Levels, with our 6th Form students securing places in prestigious universities all over the world.
Al Ain English Speaking School is the first school in Al Ain to hold the British Schools Overseas Award, where we are endorsed by the British Government and quality assured by Ofsted. Additionally, the school holds the prestigious Silver Carnegie Mental Health Award, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and the mental well-being of its students and staff.
Al Ain English Speaking School is a caring and multicultural community that enables all individuals to realise their potential in a dynamic and innovative learning environment. We value enquiry, perseverance and reflection, treating one another with respect and integrity, while learning together to become responsible and enterprising global citizens.
Role Overview
As part of the continued growth and development of our school and leadership team, we are seeking two experienced, inspirational and highly professional Deputy Principals of Primary to provide strategic and instructional leadership across EYFS to Year 6.
The successful candidate will be an exceptional people leader with an excellent understanding of the British Curriculum, a passion for teaching and learning, and a proven track record of driving school improvement and student achievement.
Key Responsibilities
Lead, manage and develop primary teaching teams, promoting collaboration, accountability and high professional standards.
Drive data-informed school improvement, using assessment and attainment data to identify priorities and improve student outcomes.
Promote high expectations for student achievement, progress, behaviour and personal development.
Promote consistent, positive and proactive behaviour management strategies.
Lead curriculum development and adaptation to ensure a challenging, engaging and coherent British Curriculum from EYFS to Year 6.
Ensure high-quality, adaptive teaching that meets the diverse needs and abilities of all students.
Champion inclusive practice, ensuring all students are supported to access ambitious learning opportunities.
Drive a positive, collaborative and high-performing school culture.
Strengthen parental engagement and build positive partnerships with families.
Develop teacher and Learning Support Assistant (LSA) pedagogy, coaching and supporting staff to deliver consistently effective teaching and learning.
Work closely with the Primary Principal and Senior Leadership Team to implement strategic priorities and sustain continuous improvement.
An ability to lead Primary English or Mathematics would be an advantage.
Person Specification
Essential:
Proven primary school leadership experience.
Excellent knowledge of the British Curriculum from EYFS to Year 6.
Deep knowledge and understanding of teaching, learning, assessment, inclusion and adaptive teaching.
Experience of developing and coaching teachers and support staff.
Demonstrable experience of using data to drive improvement.
Excellent communication, interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
High levels of professionalism, integrity and emotional intelligence.
A dedicated commitment to high expectations and excellent student outcomes.
Desirable:
Experience of leading Primary maths or English.
Experience of leading whole school or phase-level improvement initiatives.
Relevant leadership qualification or evidence of ongoing leadership development.
We are looking for a leader who is strategic, collaborative, approachable and driven by a genuine commitment to developing people and improving outcomes for every student.
Benefits of living in Al Ain & the UAE:
Living in Al Ain City offers teachers extremely affordable living in an exceptionally friendly and cosmopolitan environment. Staff enjoy an excellent lifestyle, with plentiful leisure facilities (e.g. rugby, golf, swimming, discounted hotel memberships) and fascinating tourist attractions (e.g. Al Ain Zoo, Wadi Adventure, Jebel Hafeet). With the thrill and bright lights of Dubai and Abu Dhabi on our doorstep, staff have extensive opportunities for travel around the Gulf region and further afield.
The position is a full-time, permanent role and offers a highly competitive salary. Only fully completed applications will be processed. To support your application, please include your current, up-to-date CV. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The school reserves the right to interview and appoint strong candidates before the official closing date, and therefore we encourage candidates to apply early in the process.
Al Ain English Speaking School and Cognita are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expect the same from their employees. All new staff will be subject to detailed and enhanced pre-employment clearance, including identity checks, criminal background checks for all countries lived in, qualification checks, employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps in employment, and satisfactory reference checks for all employment in the last 10 years.