Deputy Head Primary Academic

Job description / Role

Job overview

Hartland International School seeks to appoint an exceptional Deputy Head Primary (Academic), to support our expansion and provision across this phase of the school.

Our school

As we enter our 11th year, Hartland has established a reputation for excellence in learning, teaching and leadership in the region. Our student body consists of just over 2000 students from nearly 110 nationalities, making Hartland a truly unique and international community where a strong blend of academic challenge, enrichment opportunities and pastoral support for all, targets and inspires excellence. All that we do is underpinned by a values-based family community of teachers, children and parents providing the best possible education for every child in our care.

The post

At this time, we are seeking to appoint a Deputy Head of Primary to join the team. This is a key leadership position within the school, responsible for ensuring the highest standards of teaching, learning, curriculum design, assessment and staff development across the primary phase. Applications are invited from suitably qualified practitioners who are passionate and forward thinking and who will contribute to the vibrant learning environment of Hartland. By being ambitious, not only for students but for yourself, you will help us to build and maintain a school that truly makes a difference to the lives of all who are part of the Hartland family.

Integral to this role is the willingness to be part of a team who are committed to the thorough nature of the school and as such, driving improvement to provide the highest standards of learning and teaching, delivered through enriching curriculum experiences, that result in students being confident, empowered and capable of growing their potential.

You will provide leadership and advice to staff, students and parents and as a key member of the Leadership Team, you will be someone who can thrive on the challenge of growing a school and community. Above all you will do this in a visible leadership style that will influence, support, challenge and inspire excellence in others.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and ensure excellence in teaching and learning across the primary phase, modelling outstanding practice and driving high-quality pedagogy.
• Oversee curriculum design, alignment and progression, ensuring coherence across subjects and compliance with school, national and regulatory expectations.
• Provide strategic leadership in the use of assessment and performance data to evaluate teaching impact, monitor student progress and shape academic improvement priorities.
• Lead on quality assurance processes, including observations, standards reviews and preparation for inspections and accreditation.
• Strengthen academic leadership by supporting and holding subject leaders accountable for curriculum quality, assessment standards and student achievement.
• Promote a culture of professional growth, collaboration and reflective practice to sustain ongoing improvement in academic standards.

The successful candidate will:

• Hold a relevant degree and teaching qualification.
• Have experience of teaching the National Curriculum for England, whether in the UK or in an international setting.
• Have a minimum of three years’ experience as Assistant Head, Deputy Head or Senior Leadership in a high performing school.
• Have exceptional communication skills.
• Be committed to the Hartland values.

In return you will have the opportunity to work in a premium state-of-the-art modern school with a committed and dedicated staff. We have a pro-active approach to continuing professional, personal development and wellbeing, and the successful candidate will join a school where our values and our community are integral to our ethos. You will receive a competitive and attractive tax-free salary, high quality fully furnished accommodation, private medical insurance, annual airfare to home country and an ‘End of Service Gratuity’.

Safeguarding statement

Policies for safer recruitment are aligned with the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection. At Hartland International School we hold ourselves to a high standard of effective practices in relation to child protection and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We expect all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to various background checks including receipt of satisfactory references, proof of relevant qualifications, identification and police checks, including overseas checks.

The school is also committed to equality of opportunity and to the culture and principles of equity, diversity and inclusion.

How to apply

The closing date for this position is 5 December 2025. Early applications are encouraged as we may interview on receipt of applications, prior to the closing deadline. Interviews will take place in Dubai and London in January. Start date for this position is August 2026.

Candidates wishing to apply should complete the application form and upload it with a CV and covering letter. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide a video unless they are UAE based, in which case they will be invited in to school.

Applications will only be considered if they are complete and submitted through the appropriate portal. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.