Deputy Head of Prep School (Academic)

Queen Elizabeth s School, Dubai Sports City

The Role

Job Title: Deputy Head of Prep School (Academic)
Reporting to: Head of Prep School

Academic Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership in the design, delivery, and continuous refinement of the National Curriculum for England across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, ensuring the curriculum is both ambitious and appropriately adapted for a high-performing international setting.
• Ensure the academic programme is rich, engaging, and reflective of the school s commitment to academic excellence and holistic development.
• Champion the integration of Emirati culture, heritage, and values within the school s curriculum framework, ensuring that all students, particularly Emirati nationals, feel a deep sense of cultural pride, belonging, and representation within the school curriculum.
• Collaborate with subject and phase leaders to implement innovative, evidence-informed teaching approaches that support depth of understanding, intellectual curiosity, and critical thinking.
• Lead the implementation of robust formative and summative assessment strategies, ensuring alignment with UK expectations and internal benchmarks for student progress.
• Interrogate performance data to identify trends, close attainment gaps, and support high levels of achievement for all learners.
• Promote a culture of high academic standards, continuous improvement, and love of learning, in keeping with the ethos of Queen Elizabeth s Global Schools.

Excellence in Teaching and Learning

• Drive consistently high-quality teaching across the Prep School through regular lesson observation, feedback, and coaching cycles.
• Lead the professional development of teaching staff to ensure delivery of outstanding lessons that are inclusive, differentiated, and responsive to the individual needs of each student.
• Champion innovative, research-based instructional strategies, including the effective use of digital technologies to enhance learning outcomes.
• Foster a climate of reflective practice and professional growth, ensuring teaching remains dynamic, engaging, and learner_x0002_focused.
• Ensure the academic progress and achievement of all students, with a particular focus on Emirati students, through rigorous monitoring, targeted support, and inclusive instructional strategies that close attainment gaps and accelerate progress.
• Work with subject leaders to oversee the delivery of mandatory UAE subjects Arabic, Islamic Education, Moral Education, and UAE Social Studies ensuring they are taught to the highest standard, fully aligned with local regulatory requirements and exceeding minimum expectations set by authorities such as the KHDA/MOE.

Staff Development and Professional Growth

• Support the recruitment and retention of exceptional educators who embody the school s values and commitment to excellence.
• Design and lead a cohesive professional development programme focused on pedagogy, curriculum leadership, and collaborative practice.
• Conduct performance reviews that are developmental, purposeful, and aligned with strategic goals and professional standards.
• Serve as an inspiring academic leader and role model, fostering a collegiate, respectful, and high-performing staff culture

Student Progress and Wellbeing

• Work in close collaboration with class teachers, learning support specialists, and parents to ensure every child makes excellent progress and is supported to achieve their full potential.
• Oversee intervention and extension programmes that are data-driven, targeted, and impactful for learners at all levels.
• Ensure academic provision is aligned with the school s pastoral vision, nurturing students who are not only high achievers but also confident, well-rounded, and resilient individuals.

Strategic and Operational Leadership

• Support the Head of Prep School in delivering the school s academic vision and strategic priorities with clarity and consistency.
• Lead on academic timetabling, calendar planning, and staff deployment to ensure smooth and effective school operations.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant inspection frameworks, including BSO (British Schools Overseas), COBIS (Council of British International Schools standards and local regulatory requirements.
• Represent the school with professionalism and warmth at parent meetings, school events, and external engagements.
• Serve as Acting Head of Prep School when required, ensuring continuity of leadership and alignment with the school s strategic direction.

The Person

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor s Degree in Education or a related field, (Master s Degree in Education or Leadership preferred).
• A recognised teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE, QTS, or equivalent).
• A minimum of 5 years of teaching experience in a National Curriculum for England school, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in leading curriculum development, staff training, and academic improvement.
• Knowledge of local education landscape and guidelines is an advantage.

Personal Qualities

• Deep understanding of the National Curriculum for England and its application in an international context.
• Passion for innovation in education, with a commitment to driving academic excellence