Head of Primary - August 2025

Job Description

GEMS Founders School Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Primary to provide professional leadership and management across our school. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring high-quality teaching, effective use of resources, and the improvement of student outcomes within the school. You will work closely with the Principal or CEO and school leadership team to achieve our vision to help our people grow, flourish, and achieve.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced leader to gain valuable international exposure within a global leading company and within a world-class International School located in the heart of Abu Dhabi.

Why GFA?

GFA is a new brand school which offers a unique educational experience through sustainability, innovation, and global citizenship.

Nestled at the heart of Abu Dhabi's sustainable urban community Masdar City, the new GEMS Founders School takes a bold step towards a more sustainable educational future with a keen focus on green initiatives and responsible environmental practices along with developing and shaping young minds to become the best version of themselves.

Offering the National Curriculum for England, the school is set to inspire students from FS1 to Year 9 and redefine the benchmarks of sustainability in the education sector.

As Head of Primary, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the direction and success of the school. Your main responsibilities will include:

• Embrace and encourage the ethos and standards of excellence as defined in the GEMS Core Values.
• Work closely with the Head of School and Deputy Head or Headmaster or Headmistress or Vice Principal to establish effective and globally relevant practices of learning and teaching.
• Implement the school vision for quality in the school linked with the GEMS expectation of excellent education.
• Integrate GEMS core values into the planning and delivery of all curricular and co-curricular lessons and activities.
• Develop minimum learning outcomes for all subjects and set benchmarks to raise standards.
• Help staff develop professionally and meet time-based school improvement targets.
• Conduct needs-based lesson observations or lesson appraisal and provide focused effective feedback in order to meet school targets.
• Ensure the GEMS policies, procedures, and codes of conduct are followed at all times.
• Initiate effort and energy beyond the typical workday, where the tasks require additional commitment.
• Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required.
• Perform other duties as requested by direct and dotted reporting line managers or supervisors.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Qualifications/knowledge: College degree. Teacher Training Qualification.
• Skills: Strong communication skills, verbal and written. Good ICT skills. Excellent time management skills. Good interpersonal skills.
• Experience: Minimum 10 years teaching in reputed schools. Experience in a Senior Leadership Team role. Experience in change management.

All positions attract an excellent remuneration package including:

• Competitive tax-free salary
• Individual fully furnished accommodation
• Free schooling
• Private medical insurance
• Annual airfares to country of residence
• End of service gratuity

GEMS Teachers also have free access to our loyalty app GEMS rewards which provides significant savings on day-to-day life in the UAE.

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.