Are you an ambitious educational leader looking to grow your career in a world class school? Sunmarke School in Dubai is looking for a new leader to join their primary team for the 2026 school year. This is a big chance for you to lead a high performing team in one of the best cities in the world. If you want a Tax-Free Salary and the chance to shape young minds, this Urgent Hiring is for you.
Sunmarke School is a leading private school in the United Arab Emirates that focuses on positive education and high academic standards.
Job Summary
This quick facts box helps you see if this role is the right fit for your career goals.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Deputy Head of Primary (Academics) |
| Company | Sunmarke School (Fortes Education) |
| Sector | Education / Teaching |
| Website | https://www.sunmarke.com/ |
| Hiring Status | Actively Hiring for August 2026 |
| Location | Jumeirah Village Triangle, Dubai, UAE |
| Work Type | Onsite |
| Contract | Full-time |
| Experience | 3 to 5 years in Senior Leadership |
| ATS Keywords | Curriculum, Assessment, Pedagogy, Data Analysis, Leadership, NPQSL |
| Expected Salary | 25,000 to 35,000 AED per month (Estimated) |
| Visa | Visa Sponsorship provided |
| Apply Link | Official Career Page |
Company Overview
Sunmarke School is part of the Fortes Education group. They have been providing top quality education in the UAE for over forty years. The school is located in the Jumeirah Village Triangle (JVT) area of Dubai. It is a very large school that teaches children from nursery all the way to year 13. They are famous for their Positive Education (PosEd) philosophy. This means they focus on character building and well-being as much as grades. People love working here because the school is always trying new things and using the latest technology.
Sunmarke is an award winning school with a great reputation. It was named the Most Innovative School by Which School Advisor. Their IB (International Baccalaureate) results rank in the top 68 schools globally. Also, their A Level and GCSE results are in the top 10 in Dubai. Expats love working at Sunmarke because it offers a very supportive environment. You will work with teachers from all over the world. The school has a very modern campus with high tech labs and sports facilities.
✅ Good News: Sunmarke School was judged as Outstanding in their British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspection.
Why This Job
This Deputy Head of Primary Job is a vital role in the school leadership team. You will report directly to the Head of Primary. Your main goal is to make sure the teaching and learning are the best they can be. You will lead the academic side of the primary school. This includes looking at data, improving the curriculum, and helping teachers get better at their jobs. It is a very Urgent Hiring because the primary school is expanding fast.
This role offers Growth Opportunities that are hard to find elsewhere. You will work with a team that values new ideas. You will get to lead amazing programs like the Forest School and the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) center. If you want to move into a Head of School role in the future, this position is the perfect stepping stone. You will gain experience in a high pressure but very rewarding international setting.
Key Responsibilities
Here are the main tasks you will handle in this leadership role:
Drive Academic Standards:
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- You will set high goals for all students and make sure they reach them.
Lead the Curriculum:
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- You will design and improve what children learn every day in the classroom.
Data Analysis:
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- You will use student data to find out where the school needs to improve.
Teacher Mentoring:
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- You will coach and mentor teachers to help them use the best teaching methods.
Strategic Planning:
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- You will work with other leaders to plan the future of the primary school.
Relationship Building:
- You will talk with parents and students to build a strong school community.
Requirements & Qualifications
Mandatory Requirements
Education:
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- You must have a Bachelor degree in Education with a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education).
Leadership Experience:
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- You need 3 to 5 years of experience in a senior leadership role.
School Type:
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- You must have experience in a large primary school or a multi form entry school.
Technical Skills:
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- You must be very good at using data to improve student results.
Communication:
- You need excellent English speaking and writing skills.
Nice to Have
Higher Qualifications:
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- An NPQSL (National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership) is a big plus.
International Experience:
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- Experience working in a high performing international school is helpful.
Language:
- Arabic skills are a plus but they are not required for this role.
💡 Pro Tip: Make sure your CV shows how you used data to make a real change in your current school.
Salary & Benefits
Working in Dubai offers some of the best financial rewards in the teaching world. The school provides a full package to make your move easy.
| Benefit Type | What is Included |
|---|---|
| Monthly Salary | Tax-Free Salary paid in AED |
| Housing | Accommodation included (Furnished) |
| Relocation | Cash allowance to help with moving costs |
| Travel | Annual flights for you, your spouse, and two children |
| Health | Medical insurance for you and your family |
| Vacation | Paid annual leave during school holidays |
In the UAE, you do not pay income tax on your earnings. This means you can save a lot of money every month. Also, you get an end of service gratuity. This is a lump sum payment you get when you leave the job. It is based on your final salary and how many years you worked there.
Who Should Apply
This job is perfect for a leader who loves innovation. You should apply if you meet these points:
A Team Player:
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- You love working with others to solve problems.
A Tech Lover:
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- You are excited about using AI (Artificial Intelligence) and VR (Virtual Reality) in class.
A Strong Motivator:
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- You know how to make teachers feel inspired and excited.
A Visionary:
- You always look for ways to make things better and more modern.
About Location: Jumeirah Village Triangle, Dubai
JVT is a quiet and green area of Dubai. It is very popular with families and teachers. The school is right in the heart of this community. Dubai has a desert climate. This means it is very hot in the summer and beautiful in the winter. You can use the Dubai Metro or taxis to get around easily. The cost of living is high, but with a Tax-Free Salary and housing included, you can live very well. Most teachers save about 30% to 50% of their pay every year.
Day in the Life of a Deputy Head in Dubai
💡 Pro Tip: Your day will start early at 7:00 AM. You will stand at the school gate to welcome students and parents. Most of your morning will be spent in classrooms observing lessons. You will meet with year group leaders to talk about student progress. In the afternoon, you might lead a staff meeting or look at data reports. The work is fast and busy, but seeing the children flourish makes it worth it. You will finish your day around 4:30 PM and head home to enjoy the Dubai sunshine.
How To Apply
The application process for Sunmarke School is very clear. Follow these steps to apply for this Deputy Head of Primary Job:
- Visit the official Fortes Education career portal.Find the role for Deputy Head of Primary Academics.Fill out the online application form with your personal details.Upload your updated CV and a cover letter.If you pass the screening, you will have a video interview.Final rounds often involve an interview with the Board of Directors.A background check and reference check will be the final steps.
The whole process usually takes 3 to 6 weeks. Since this is for an August 2026 start, they are looking for early applicants.
⚠️ Important: Ensure your CV highlights your experience with curriculum design before sending.
Visa & Legal Corner
Getting a visa in the UAE is a standard process that the school handles for you. Most expat teachers get a 2 year renewable residency visa. The school will act as your sponsor. You must provide certain documents to get your work permit.
| Required Document | Status |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Must have 6 months validity left |
| Attested Degree | Must be stamped by the UAE embassy in your country |
| Teaching License | Required for all academic roles |
| Police Clearance | From your home country and current country |
| Medical Test | Blood test and X-ray done in Dubai |
The UAE has strict labor laws to protect you. Your contract will clearly state your salary, hours, and benefits. There is usually a 6 month probation period for new staff. Always keep your original documents safe as you will need them for the visa process.
FAQ
Do I need to pay for my own flight to Dubai?
No, the school provides an annual flight for you and your family. This is part of the standard benefit package.
Is there an age limit for this role?
The UAE generally issues work visas for people up to age 65. Most schools look for experienced leaders who can commit to several years.
Will the school help me find a home?
Yes, Accommodation included means the school either provides a flat or gives you money for rent. Most new teachers take the school housing first.
Do I need to know Arabic?
No, Sunmarke is an international school. All lessons and meetings are in English. Knowing some Arabic is helpful for daily life but not for the job.
What is the start date?
The role is set to start in August 2026, but the Urgent Hiring process is happening now to find the best candidate.
Disclaimer
- We are a job information site and not the hiring company or an agency.We summarize public info to help you find your next career move.We never ask for money for job applications. If a recruiter asks for a fee, it is a scam.Always apply through the official school website to stay safe.Job details can change, so always verify the facts with the employer during your interview.