Dubai British School Jumeirah are currently recruiting for a number of exceptional educational professionals to become members of the Primary DBSJ team for the AY 2026 – 2027.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for suitably qualified professionals who are passionately innovative, cognitively agile and committed to continual professional learning. 

Assistant Headteacher - Teaching & Learning (August 2026)

The Role

The Assistant Head Teacher (Primary) will be a highly effective classroom practitioner and an influential instructional leader who plays a key role in shaping the quality of teaching, learning and culture across the Primary phase. Working closely with the Head of Primary and wider leadership team, the post holder will contribute strategically and operationally to whole-school improvement, ensuring that every child experiences ambitious, inclusive and thoughtfully designed learning.

At the heart of DBSJ’s Primary model is a deep commitment to relationships, continuity and trust. Our Cycle Approach reflects the belief that strong, sustained relationships between teachers, students and families are fundamental to success. The Assistant Head Teacher will champion this approach, supporting staff to maintain relational continuity while ensuring high standards of teaching and learning across year groups and key stages.

This role requires a leader who is grounded in the classroom, credible with staff and confident in coaching others. The successful candidate will model excellent practice, lead by example and work alongside teachers and middle leaders to embed consistent, high-quality learning design. They will help move practice beyond activity-based planning towards learning that prioritises progression, independence, depth and thinking.

At DBSJ, great teaching is rooted in empathy, driven by inquiry and strengthened by community. Our leaders are collaborators, curriculum shapers and culture builders who believe strongly in collective efficacy, reflective practice and shared responsibility for all learners. The Assistant Head Teacher will play a central role in developing people, strengthening practice and sustaining a culture of trust, professionalism and continuous improvement across the Primary phase.

Key Responsibilities

Teaching & Learning Leadership

• Lead the development of consistent, high-quality teaching and learning across the Primary phase.

• Embed DBSJ’s Learning Design framework, ensuring planning prioritises progression, independence and depth over activities.

• Strengthen task design so that support, stretch and challenge are integrated within a single learning experience.

• Ensure learning intentions and success criteria are skill-based, purposeful and promote pupil thinking.

• Use evidence from learning walks, lesson visits, planning scrutiny and pupil outcomes to identify strengths and inform next steps for improvement.

Staff Development & Coaching

• Coach teachers and middle leaders using a coaching-with-accountability model that balances reflection with high expectations.

• Lead professional conversations focused on planning, learning design and task design rather than surface compliance.

• Contribute to the design and delivery of professional learning aligned to whole-school priorities.

• Model reflective, evidence-informed instructional leadership to build collective efficacy across the Primary phase.

All Students Can Succeed

• Champion inclusive practice so that all learners, including EAL, SEND and high-attaining pupils, experience success.

• Support teachers to identify and remove barriers through adaptive lesson and task design rather than additional tasks or ability grouping.

• Use assessment information intelligently to inform planning and coaching, while maintaining a clear focus on the child behind the data.

Leadership, Culture & Professionalism

• Contribute to the strategic leadership and continuous improvement of the Primary phase.

• Model professional behaviours aligned with DBSJ values, including reflection, integrity and care.

• Support and sustain a culture of trust, learning and continuous improvement.

• Work collaboratively with leaders, teachers, support staff and the wider school community.

Our Professional Commitments

At DBSJ, we believe that who you are as an educator and leader is as important as what you do. Our professional culture is rooted in four core beliefs:

• All students can succeed.

• Our community is of high importance.

• High-performing teams act with integrity, care and professionalism.

• Education is a complex, ever-changing landscape.

These beliefs underpin our approach to professional accountability and leadership, guiding staff through a journey from passive alignment to culture-enhancing behaviours. We value empathy, curiosity, vulnerability, reflective practice and a deep commitment to doing what is right for children.

Candidate Profile

Essential

• A recognised teaching qualification (B.Ed, QTS, PGCE or equivalent).

• A minimum of 5 years’ successful teaching experience within a primary school setting.

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in a middle leadership role, with evidence of impact on teaching and learning.

• Proven excellence as a classroom practitioner with strong evidence of pupil progress.

• Experience of leading, coaching or supporting colleagues to improve classroom practice.

• A strong understanding of inclusive, data-informed and student-centred practice across the Primary phase.

• Alignment with DBSJ’s ethos, values and reflective professional culture.

• Willingness and capacity to contribute to whole-school and phase-level initiatives.

Desirable

• Experience in British or international curriculum schools.

• Familiarity with KHDA and/or DSIB inspection frameworks.

• Experience contributing to whole-school improvement or curriculum development.

Education

• B.Ed, PGCE or equivalent teaching qualification.

• Postgraduate qualification or leadership development desirable but not essential.

Safeguarding Statement

DBSJ and Taaleem are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks, including references, identity verification, qualification authentication, social media review, and an enhanced DBS or international police clearance (including historical clearances).

BSME Acknowledgement

DBSJ is an associate school of the BSME and will not engage with candidates currently in the first year of contract at another BSME school. We may contact Principals of current BSME schools prior to approaching candidates.

DBSJ reserves the right to close this advertisement early if an outstanding candidate is identified. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Safeguarding Statement

DBSJ and Taaleem are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks including references, identity verification, qualification authentication, social media review, and an enhanced DBS or international police clearance (including historical clearances).

BSME Acknowledgement

DBSJ is an associate school of the BSME and will not engage with candidates currently in the first year of contract at another BSME school. We may contact Principals of current BSME schools prior to approaching candidates.

DBSJ reserves the right to close job advertisements early if an outstanding candidate is identified. Early applications are strongly encouraged.