Overview
Head of Primary Jobs in Dubai, United Arab Emirates at chk Education
Title: Head of Primary
Company: chk Education
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Job Title
Head of Primary
Location
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Salary and Package Details
AED 20,000–24,000 per month, tax-free, including base salary and housing allowance. The package also includes:
- 50% fee remission on school fees
- Comprehensive medical insurance
- Flight allowance
- End-of-service benefits in accordance with UAE labour law
Start Date
August 2026
About the School
This is a well-established and highly regarded international school in Dubai, offering a structured and rigorous academic programme across the primary years. The school is committed to delivering a high-quality curriculum that places equal emphasis on academic excellence, holistic development and outstanding teaching practice. With a clear vision for continuous improvement and a strong culture of professional collaboration, this school takes both its students and its staff seriously.
The primary stage is a vibrant and important part of the school community, and the incoming Head of Primary will play a central role in shaping its continued growth and development — leading a dedicated team of teachers, driving curriculum quality, and ensuring that every child in the primary years receives an outstanding educational experience.
What Sort of Leader Will Thrive Here
This role will suit an experienced primary leader who is equally comfortable in the classroom and the boardroom — someone who leads with both warmth and authority, and who understands that great schools are built on great teaching. You will thrive here if you are highly organised, strategically minded, and genuinely invested in the professional growth of the people around you. Leaders who are collaborative by nature, data-informed in their decision-making, and uncompromising in their commitment to high standards will find this an exceptionally rewarding place to lead.
About Dubai
Dubai is one of the world's most exciting and rewarding destinations for international educators and school leaders. A tax-free salary, world-class infrastructure, stunning year-round sunshine and a warm, diverse expatriate community make it an outstanding place to live and work. Whether you are drawn by the cultural vibrancy, the travel connections, the quality of life, or simply the opportunity to lead at the highest level in one of the most dynamic education markets in the world, Dubai consistently delivers. It is a safe, modern and genuinely cosmopolitan city where ambitious education professionals build exceptional careers.
Required Qualifications
- A valid teaching licence is essential — for example, a PGCE or a recognised US state teaching licence
- Significant experience in primary education, including a proven track record in a leadership or middle leadership role
- Strong knowledge of curriculum design, lesson planning, assessment and staff development at primary level
Essential Skills
- Experience working within the KHDA regulatory framework is a significant advantage — candidates who understand Dubai's inspection and compliance requirements and can lead a team confidently through a KHDA review will stand out strongly in this process
- Proven ability to lead, train, guide and support a team of primary teachers, overseeing their professional development and career progression
- Strong curriculum expertise, including the ability to design annual curriculum frameworks, review syllabi and ensure timely completion of all programmes of study
- Experience conducting formal and informal classroom observations, providing high-quality feedback and driving improvement in teaching and learning
- Ability to plan and manage timetables, workload distribution and staffing requirements effectively
- Strong data literacy — comfortable analysing student performance data, reporting results to senior leadership and using insights to inform curriculum and teaching decisions
- Collaborative and proactive approach to working with Human Resources on recruitment, selection, onboarding and training of teaching staff
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with teachers, senior leaders and families alike
- Highly organised, strategic and solutions-focused, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced international school environment
Safeguarding Skills and Qualities Required for International Teachers.
The safety and well–being of every child is the foundation upon which everything else is built, and we expect every leader we place to carry this responsibility with absolute seriousness. Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- A comprehensive and current understanding of safeguarding and child protection principles, particularly within an international school context
- The ability to embed a whole-school culture of safeguarding, ensuring all staff understand and fulfil their responsibilities
- Sound professional judgement, personal integrity and the ability to model appropriate boundaries at all times
- A proactive and vigilant approach to identifying and responding to concerns about a child's welfare
- Full commitment to compliance with all school safeguarding, health, safety and confidentiality policies
All appointments are subject to satisfactory background checks including references, proof of qualifications, identification verification and police checks, including overseas checks where applicable.
Who We Are – chk Education
chk Education is a leading boutique search firm specialising in the placement of exceptional educators and school leaders in international schools worldwide. We take a personalised, consultative approach — investing the time to understand both our candidates and our client schools in depth to ensure every placement is truly the right one. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of safer recruitment practice, in full alignment with best practice and the International Taskforce for Child Protection.
How to Apply: Interested candidates should send their CV to: [email protected]
If this particular role is not quite right for you but you are exploring international teaching or leadership opportunities, please do reach out to Rachael directly with your preferences and she will be happy to discuss what else may be available.
Due to the volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Please note that in some countries where our client schools operate, upper age limits may apply to visa and work permit eligibility. If you have any questions regarding this, please do not hesitate to ask.
chk Education utilises safer recruitment procedures to ensure compliance with child protection requirements in all employment processes. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment.
