Job Description

Aldar Education is seeking an exceptional Head of Primary to join in January 2027, providing strategic, educational and operational leadership across Early Years, Key Stage 1 and the preparatory years. This is a substantial whole-school leadership role for an experienced, visible and credible leader who combines academic ambition with excellent pastoral judgement.

The successful candidate will join the Senior Leadership Team of a high-performing British curriculum school and will shape a coherent educational journey from a child’s earliest years through to successful transition into Senior School. The role offers the opportunity to lead a distinctive primary and preparatory provision with a strong sense of identity, community and purpose. to undertake other duties appropriate to the seniority and purpose of the role.

The Head of Primary will hold overall responsibility for educational standards, pupil outcomes, culture, safeguarding and the day-to-day effectiveness of the Primary School. The postholder will ensure that every pupil benefits from excellent teaching, strong pastoral care and a broad, ambitious and engaging education.

The role requires a leader who can unite Early Years, primary and preparatory practice while respecting the developmental needs and character of each stage. They will be highly visible to pupils, parents and colleagues and will work closely with the Executive Principal, Head of School and wider Senior Leadership Team to deliver the school’s strategic priorities.

Strategic leadership

• Provide clear, visible and accountable leadership across the Primary School.
• Develop and deliver a strategic vision and improvement plan aligned with the school’s wider direction and Aldar Education’s commitment to excellence.
• Take responsibility for standards, pupil outcomes, culture, organisation and operational effectiveness across the phase.
• Contribute fully to whole-school strategy, policy and decision-making as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Maintain clear communication with senior leaders regarding performance, priorities, risks and significant developments.
• Ensure readiness for inspections, compliance visits and regulatory reviews, meeting all applicable ADEK and UAE requirements.

Quality of education

• Secure consistently high standards of teaching, learning, curriculum and assessment from FS1 to Year 8.
• Provide expert oversight of a developmentally appropriate, academically ambitious and balanced curriculum.
• Ensure strong curriculum progression and effective transition into, through and beyond the Primary School.
• Evaluate educational standards through rigorous quality assurance, pupil outcomes, professional dialogue and stakeholder feedback.
• Hold leaders and teaching teams accountable for pupil progress and the quality of classroom practice.
• Ensure effective support and appropriate challenge for all pupils, including pupils of determination, English language learners and gifted and talented pupils.
• Promote intellectual curiosity, creativity, independence and a strong culture of scholarship.

Pupil welfare, safeguarding and inclusion

• Lead pupil welfare, behaviour, attendance and pastoral care across the Primary School.
• Ensure safeguarding and child protection are central to the culture and daily operation of the school.
• Work closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead and relevant pastoral and inclusion leaders to address concerns promptly and appropriately.
• Build an inclusive environment in which every pupil feels safe, valued, respected and able to thrive.
• Ensure colleagues consistently fulfil their safeguarding, supervision and duty-of-care responsibilities.
• Promote pupil voice, leadership, character development and a strong sense of belonging.

People leadership

• Lead, develop and hold accountable primary leadership, teaching and support teams.
• Establish clear expectations, professional standards and lines of accountability.
• Oversee performance management, professional development, staff wellbeing and succession planning.
• Identify staffing needs and contribute to the recruitment, induction, deployment and retention of excellent colleagues.
• Address performance, conduct and workplace concerns promptly, fairly and in accordance with policy.
• Build a positive, collaborative and high-performing professional culture.

Parents, admissions and community

• Act as a highly visible senior leader for parents and the wider school community.
• Build trusting relationships through accessibility, clear communication and the professional handling of concerns.
• Work closely with Admissions to support pupil recruitment, retention, assessments, tours and transition arrangements.
• Represent the Primary School at events, parent meetings and within the wider community.
• Work with Marketing and Communications to celebrate achievement and strengthen the school’s profile.

Operations, resources and health and safety

• Ensure effective day-to-day operation, including staffing, routines, timetables, events, trips and supervision arrangements.
• Deploy people, budgets, accommodation and resources effectively and responsibly.
• Work closely with Operations, Finance, People & Culture, Admissions, IT, Facilities and other support teams.
• Ensure records, policies, procedures and regulatory documentation are accurate and appropriately maintained.
• Promote a strong culture of health and safety and ensure activities and learning environments are appropriately risk assessed.
• Ensure colleagues understand emergency procedures, incident reporting and their responsibilities for pupil safety.

Whole-school contribution

• Model and promote the school’s values, ethos and commitment to excellence.
• Work collaboratively with Senior School leaders to provide a coherent educational journey for pupils.
• Participate fully in Senior Leadership Team meetings, whole-school events and strategic initiatives.
• Undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the seniority and purpose of the role.

Minimum Educational Qualifications Required for the Role

• Bachelor’s degree and a recognized teaching qualification, such as PGCE or equivalent.
• A recognized leadership qualification, such as NPQSL, NPQH, a Postgraduate Diploma or master’s degree in educational leadership.

Minimum Years of Experience Required

• A minimum of 8 years’ experience in education, including substantial senior leadership experience.

Nature of Relevant Experience Required

• Senior leadership experience within an Prep, Junior or Primary School setting.
• A proven record of leading school improvement and securing high standards of teaching and pupil outcomes.
• Experience of leading and holding multidisciplinary teams accountable.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding, inclusion, curriculum, assessment and pastoral care.
• Experience of inspection, regulatory compliance and school self-evaluation.
• Experience within a British curriculum or international school environment.
• UAE leadership experience and knowledge of ADEK requirements are highly desirable.

Special Skills & Abilities

• Strong people management and staff-development skills.
• Excellent communication, organisation and decision-making.
• Sound professional judgement, conflict resolution and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Deeply committed to safeguarding, inclusion and the academic, personal and social development of every pupil.

This job description is not all inclusive. Aldar Education reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are also mindful of our national development strategy and encourage UAE Nationals in their application at our company. 

Aldar Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and police clearance.