Job Description

Assistant Head – Lower Primary – Virginia American School (AY26/27)
 

Job Description

Aldar Education are currently seeking an outstanding Assistant Head of Lower Primary for Virginia American School in Abu Dhabi, commencing AY26/27.

Virginia American School is an honoured part of the Aldar Schools network, a global leader in education with a commitment to excellence. Joining a family of several schools, we share a collective vision of shaping future leaders and providing a world-class education to a diverse student population with Aldar Education.

At Virginia American School, we believe that education is not just about academic excellence, but also about shaping well-rounded individuals who will become future leaders. Our curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and leadership skills in our students. We also provide a diverse and inclusive environment, preparing our students to thrive in a global society.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the highly successful Aldar family of schools and to help shape the future of Abu Dhabi’s leading school group. The successful candidates will be closely aligned with our core values and ethos and possess a genuine understanding and appreciation of the values of the region.

Responsibilities

Main Duties:

• Assist the Assistant Principal Primary in maintaining a safe, orderly, and positive learning environment in Lower Primary.
• Lead and oversee high-quality academic programs across all Lower Primary grades, ensuring strong student achievement and progress monitoring.
• Align curriculum, assessment, and teaching practices with national and international standards, including the UAE National Agenda and National Identity.
• Promote students’ academic, personal, social, and emotional development within a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment.
• Ensure effective pastoral care, safeguarding, student wellbeing, and pastoral care in line with ADEK regulations.
• Champion the school’s vision, mission, and values, fostering a positive, collaborative school culture.
• Integrate UAE values, culture, and heritage across curriculum and school life, ensuring compliance with national education requirements and assessments.
• Build strong partnerships with parents and the wider community through clear communication and active engagement.
• Lead, support, and develop staff through professional learning, mentoring, and performance management.
• Oversee daily operations, resources, learning environments, and educational technologies to support effective teaching and learning.
• Promote student literacy and a love for reading.
  
  

Specific Duties:

Academic Leadership & Student Achievement

• Lead high‑quality academic provision for KG and Grade 1.
• Monitor student progress using assessment and achievement data.
• Support the Assistant Principal in maintaining strong teaching standards.
• Ensure alignment with national/international benchmarks and the UAE National Agenda.
• Lead curriculum review and promote excellence, creativity, and critical thinking.
  
  

Student Personal Development & Wellbeing

• Promote students’ social, emotional, and personal development.
• Implement wellbeing and pastoral care systems.
• Support positive behaviour, discipline, and life‑skills development.
  
  

School Vision, Mission & Values

• Embed the school’s vision, mission, and values across the phase.
• Foster an inclusive, positive school culture aligned with whole‑school strategy.
  
  

Student Protection, Care & Guidance

• Ensure safeguarding and child protection in line with ADEK requirements.
• Work with the school counselor to support student wellbeing.
• Promote respect, inclusion, and anti‑bullying practices.
  
  

Parental Engagement & Community Collaboration

• Maintain clear communication and strong partnerships with parents.
• Lead parent meetings, workshops, and community engagement.
• Address concerns professionally and empathetically.
  
  

UAE National Agenda & Educational Standards

• Ensure compliance with UAE education standards and assessments.
• Integrate UAE culture, values, and National Identity into learning.
• Stay informed of policy updates and implement required changes.
  
  

Staff Leadership & Professional Development

• Lead, support, and evaluate teaching and support staff.
• Provide mentoring, feedback, and professional development.
• Promote collaboration and continuous improvement.
  
  

Operational Management & Resources

• Oversee daily operations, timetabling, and resources.
• Ensure effective use of technology.
• Maintain a safe, high‑quality learning environment.
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor Degree in Education or B.Sc degree with PGCE is essential. Desirable Master’s degree.

Minimum Experience:

• At least 6 years’ experience, including 4 consecutive years teaching performance exceeds standards and expectations as evidenced by performance appraisal
• At least 2 years’ experience in middle leadership role
• Experience of leading school initiatives that have led to improvement in standards and achievement.
• Experience working with parents and external agencies.
  
  

Job Specific Knowledge & Skills:

• With secure knowledge of teaching and learning, and a track record of implementing effective strategies to raise standards and plug gaps in learning.
• ability to work with data and be effective in using data to diagnose, intervene, and evaluate impact upon learning.
• ability to organize tasks
• ability to handle multiple tasks
• ability to exercise good judgment
• must possess leadership skills
• must appropriately handle confidential information
  
  

Aldar Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and police clearance.