Assistant Head of Primary (Key Stage 1) – The Arbor School (Term 3 / Aug 2026)

Job OverviewThe Arbor School is seeking an inspiring and forward-thinking leader to join our Primary Leadership Team for Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2). As Assistant Head of Primary, you will lead the development and implementation of a rich, rigorous curriculum, champion excellent teaching and learning, and foster an inclusive, collaborative culture that aligns with our school’s mission to cultivate curiosity, compassion, and courage.You will work closely with the Head of Primary and fellow Assistant Heads to ensure that the Key Stage 1 phase operates seamlessly within the broader Primary vision - delivering an exceptional, research-driven learning experience that empowers both staff and students to thrive.Enough For All, For EverThe Arbor School opened in 2018 with a very different vision of what education could and should be – experiential, authentic and inspired by the natural beauty, human ingenuity, and profound ecological and social challenges of the Arabian Peninsula.The cultivation of a learning community uniquely committed to understanding and restoring the health of ecological and human communities as interconnected parts of a whole requires equal parts optimism, ambition, and humility. A fundamental belief in the inherit goodness of people and their capacity to act with empathy and compassion underscores the sense of hope that is fundamental to learning for a sustainable future. The resilience and determination to tackle challenges that have grown to global proportion is essential to finding sustainable solutions and orchestrating the social changes needed to grow them to scale. The realisation that comes from recognising that we are all students – never a master – drives our commitment to ignite a lifelong love of learning.RoleRecognising the interconnected nature of the cognitive, affective and participative domains, and their roles in shaping learning, we are pursuing a holistic approach to teaching and learning, designed to prepare learners:to understand the interconnected concepts of sustainability, individual and collective well-being, and environmental and social justice;to find purpose, meaning and joy in their interactions with the natural world and with each other, and to seek to understand people who are different to themselves; andto experience a sense of accomplishment and self-efficacy through their actions at home, in school and in the wider world.The Arbor PromiseArbor teachers are a part of a community which is inclusive, fun-loving, and active. Arbor teachers enjoy authentic friendships with their colleagues, positive relationships with school leaders, who care for their wellbeing, and are a team in the true sense. Arbor teachers are resilient in the face of challenge, are stable and calm in the face of change, and creative and flexible when solving problems. Arbor teachers bring their passions and interests to enrich our school and are clear that there is an expectation to do so. We commit to meeting agreed deadlines, to communicating proactively with an assumption of positive intent and share a passion to provide an education of the highest quality to our students.Key ResponsibilitiesLead, review, and refine the written, taught, and assessed curriculum across Key Stage 1.Promote and model outstanding pedagogy, ensuring consistency in teaching and learning across Years 1 and 2.Drive the effective use of assessment data to inform planning, monitor progress, and improve student outcomes.Mentor, support, and appraise teachers and learning support staff, embedding a culture of reflection, growth, and professional excellence.Support the transition between EYFS and Key Stage 1, and onward into Key Stage 2, ensuring curriculum and developmental alignment.Lead on operational elements such as timetabling, attendance, and Key Stage 1 events, in collaboration with the Head of Primary.Contribute to whole-school improvement planning, internal and external review processes, and KHDA compliance frameworks.Champion positive behaviour for learning and uphold the Arbor values of responsibility, respect, and resilience.Build authentic partnerships with parents and carers, promoting transparent and supportive communication.Play a key role in shaping the school’s strategic direction as an active member of the Primary Leadership Team.Required Candidate ProfileQualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent; a minimum of two years of educational leadership experience within a British curriculum school.Demonstrated expertise in the National Curriculum for England and early primary pedagogy.Proven success in raising achievement, leading curriculum innovation, and developing teams through coaching and mentoring.Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire trust and collaboration across diverse stakeholders.A reflective, resilient professional aligned with The Arbor School’s ethos of sustainability, inclusivity, and global citizenship.Remuneration: Competitive tax-free salary, school-provided accommodation, free school places for children, private medical insurance, annual airfares, and end-of-contract gratuity as per the UAE labour law.Application: To apply for this position, please complete the application on TES and upload:An up-to-date CV with a recent photograph to be included.A letter of application, no longer than two pages in length, which outlines your educational philosophy and suitability for the Arbor School.The Arbor School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all the students in our care and expects all applicants to share this commitment. We hold ourselves to a high standard of effective, safer recruiting practices with specific attention to child protection. All appointments are subject to CV and qualification checks, interview, identity checks, criminal record checks, and successful references.All appointments are subject to the approval of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.