Job Description

At GEMS World Academy, Abu Dhabi, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive, dynamic learning community where every student feels valued, challenged, and supported. Situated on Al Reem Island, our curriculum blends the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) with the National Curriculum for England, ensuring a personalised, inquiry-based learning approach that nurtures curiosity, wellbeing, global citizenship, and a lifelong love of learning.
We are currently seeking an experienced and inspirational Head of Primary starting August 2026 to lead the Foundation Stage and Primary School (FS1-Year 6). Reporting to the Principal, this senior leadership position is responsible for driving academic excellence, leading curriculum and assessment, and fostering a supportive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment across the Primary phase.
Key Responsibilities

• Embrace and encourage the ethos and standards of excellence as defined in the school's Core Values.

• Be responsible for student discipline, pastoral care, and wellbeing across the Primary phase, liaising with Administration, Class Teachers, Team Leaders, Inclusion, and parents as necessary.

• Liaise with the Registrar and SLT regarding new student needs (e.g., FS-Y6 placement, mid-year admissions, induction procedures, transition to Secondary). Work closely with the Principal to maximise and grow enrolment numbers.

• Ensure the provision of support classes, intervention programmes, enrichment activities, educational trips, assemblies, sports days, celebration events, and performance opportunities.

• Assist with Parent-Teacher meetings, community events, charity drives, school initiatives, and major whole-school activities.

• Ensure the curriculum reflects the developmental needs of Primary pupils and aligns with PYP expectations, the National Curriculum for England, and ADEK standards.

• Work with Assistant Heads , Subject Coordinators, and the PYP Coordinator to ensure curriculum continuity, progression, and consistency in teaching and learning across the Primary phase.

• Chair meetings and committees as required, ensuring effective communication, collaboration, and follow-through.

• Manage Primary budgets and undertake teaching and other professional duties as reasonably delegated by the Principal / Head of School.

• Ensure all school policies, procedures, safeguarding practices, and codes of conduct are followed at all times.

• Initiate effort and energy beyond the typical workday where tasks require additional commitment, especially during key school events or peaks in the academic cycle.

• Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required.

• Perform other duties as requested by line managers and senior leadership.

• Ensure effective teamwork and open communication with all Primary teaching and support staff.

• Ensure that Phase and Supervisory staff develop strong skills in instructional leadership, classroom practice, and operational management.

• Ensure the high quality of learning and teaching across the Primary School, aligned with school expectations, IB/PYP standards, and British curriculum best practice.

Curriculum Development and Assessment * Lead the development and management of the Primary curriculum, in line with PYP philosophy, school policy, and British curriculum standards.

• Lead the development and management of curriculum planning, ensuring clear curriculum intent, implementation, and measurable impact.
• Lead curriculum transition and progression from FS to KS1 and KS1 to KS2, and ensure smooth transition to Year 7 through collaboration with Secondary leaders.
• Lead the development and management of Primary timetabling and resource allocation.
• Manage the implementation of the school's Primary strategy and ongoing school improvement initiatives.
• Lead the student placement and class allocation process, ensuring balanced and supportive learning environments.
• Lead and support primary SLT in developing and managing year-group and subject-based tracking systems.
• Track and review student progress across all year groups using ongoing assessments, learning evidence, and internal/external data.
• Implement the school's policy for personal, social, emotional, moral, and cultural development (including PYP Learner Profile attributes).
• Promote extracurricular opportunities, Primary clubs, and co-curricular enrichment across the curriculum.
• Lead strategies to improve attainment and progress across all Primary year groups, ensuring high achievement for all learners.
• Develop and implement intervention support programmes to sustain and enhance progress for students requiring additional challenge or support.
• Contribute to the organisation, implementation, and monitoring of curriculum delivery and assessment to ensure it:

• Provides a strong academic foundation for all learners.
• Is developmentally appropriate and aligned with the school's ethos and PYP approach.
• Meets ADEK requirements and school statutory responsibilities.
• Leads to outstanding achievement for all students regardless of starting points.

Skills

• A Bachelor of Education degree, or an initial degree plus PGCE/PGDE or equivalent
• NPQSL or equivalent
• Strong experience in Primary leadership roles within British and/or IB PYP schools.
• At least 6 years of leadership experience in reputable international schools.
• Deep understanding of child development, early childhood and primary pedagogy, and inquiry-based learning.
• Proven leadership experience including staff development, curriculum design, and school improvement.
• Strong interpersonal, organisational, and communication skills.
• Experience working with ADEK or other regulatory bodies (preferred).
• Evidence of successful operational management and leadership of teaching and learning.
• Expertise in assessment for learning, data analysis, curriculum mapping, and instructional coaching.

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a pre-requisite for all appointments.

Skills Required