Job Description Purpose of the Role The Head of Primary is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic oversight, management, and continuous improvement of the primary school. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality, inclusive education, promotes whole-child development, and contributes to school-wide strategic planning.
The postholder will lead academic and pastoral priorities, oversee curriculum and assessment, drive professional development, and monitor teaching and learning outcomes. The role is aligned with UK Teachers' Standards, KHDA Framework, and the School Improvement Plan (SIP), ensuring excellence across teaching, leadership, inclusion, and student achievement.
Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership and Management- Lead the primary phase in line with school-wide SIP objectives and SEF priorities, contributing to whole-school strategy.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate phase-wide action plans, ensuring alignment with KHDA SEF criteria and school improvement goals.
- Monitor student progress, teaching quality, and departmental performance, using data to inform targeted interventions and continuous improvement.
- Lead, mentor, and appraise all primary staff, fostering professional growth, collaboration, and high morale.
- Manage resources, budgets, and facilities to optimise learning opportunities across the phase.
Teaching and Learning Oversight- Ensure high-quality, engaging, and inclusive teaching across the primary phase.
- Promote cross-curricular literacy, numeracy, STEM, and creative skills, embedding UAE heritage and values.
- Develop innovative, evidence-based teaching approaches and ensure effective differentiation for all learners, including ELL students and Students of Determination.
- Lead curriculum planning and development in line with UK curriculum expectations, MoE requirements, and international best practice.
Assessment, Monitoring, and Reporting- Analyse data to monitor progress, attainment, and trends across the primary phase.
- Ensure robust assessment, tracking, and reporting systems are in place and inform SEF evaluations.
- Provide strategic recommendations to SLT to enhance student achievement and wellbeing.
Pastoral and Safeguarding Leadership- Promote a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment.
- Ensure proactive safeguarding, pastoral care, and support for Students of Determination.
- Champion student wellbeing, resilience, and personal development.
Collaboration and Community Engagement- Act as a key representative of the primary phase within SLT and the wider school community.
- Build strong partnerships with parents, the community, and external agencies to enhance student learning and wellbeing.
- Lead primary phase participation in school-wide initiatives, enrichment, and extracurricular programs.
Skills, Qualifications, and ExperienceEssential:
- Qualified teacher with extensive primary leadership experience
- Minimum 5-7 years teaching experience with at least 3 years in leadership or middle/senior management
- Deep understanding of curriculum design, assessment, differentiation, and inclusion
- Proven experience in strategic planning, staff mentoring, and managing performance
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding, pastoral care, and wellbeing
Desirable:
- Experience in UAE or international schools
- Familiarity with KHDA inspections, SEF, SIP, and MoE curriculum for primary
Competencies and Attributes- Strategic, visionary, and collaborative senior leader
- Empathetic, culturally aware, and approachable
- Innovative, proactive, and solution-focused
- Strong organisational, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
- Committed to excellence in teaching, learning, inclusion, and wellbeing
- Integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism
Alignment to StandardsUK Teachers' Standards (Leadership Focus):
- Set and maintain high expectations for students and staff
- Ensure effective teaching and learning strategies across the primary phase
- Manage behaviour, pastoral care, and professional responsibilities effectively
- Lead continuous professional development and mentoring
KHDA SEF & Education Inspection Framework:
- Student Achievement and Progress - strategic oversight and intervention planning
- Teaching for Effective Learning - ensure consistent, high-quality pedagogy
- Personal Development, Behaviour, and Wellbeing - support confidence, independence, and resilience
- Provision for Students of Determination - inclusive practices and differentiated support
- Leadership, Collaboration, and Professional Responsibilities - contribute to SEF self-evaluation, SIP targets, and whole-school improvement
School Improvement Plan (SIP) Alignment:
- Drive whole-school priorities and measurable outcomes for the primary phase
- Lead initiatives to raise attainment, close gaps, and enhance teaching quality
- Ensure departmental and phase actions support school-wide strategic goals
UAE Ministry of Education Alignment:
- Deliver lessons according to MoE curriculum standards for primary
- Embed UAE heritage, culture, and values within the curriculum
- Champion inclusion and development of Students of Determination
ISP Principles Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding
and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.
Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.
Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.
Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.
Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.
ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years' employment history.
ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.