School Principal

We are recruiting a Principal to lead Ranches Primary School from August 2025.

Nestled in the serene and family-oriented community of Arabian Ranches 2, Ranches Primary School (RPS) is a vibrant standalone primary school with a dedicated nursery on the same premises. Together, we provide a seamless educational journey for children from 18 months to 11 years, following the English National Curriculum (British Curriculum).

Our nursery and primary school foster a nurturing, inclusive environment where over 60 nationalities are represented, creating a culturally rich community where every child is celebrated. With bespoke facilities tailored to the developmental needs of young learners, RPS ensures that each child feels secure, valued, and supported on their educational journey.

At RPS, we are committed to developing each child's potential through personalised learning and a holistic approach to well-being. Our ethos centres on preparing students not only for academic success but also for becoming confident, compassionate citizens ready to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead Ranches Primary School (RPS), a vibrant, community-focused school in Dubai, into its next phase of growth and development. Known for its warm and inclusive environment, RPS is dedicated to nurturing happy, confident learners who are ready to thrive in a fast-changing world.

We are looking for a passionate leader who can build on the school’s strong foundations while embracing fresh opportunities to innovate and grow. As Principal, you will lead a close-knit team of staff, students, and families in a purpose-built primary school that’s truly at the heart of its community. With bespoke facilities and a focus on the holistic development of every child, RPS is perfectly placed to provide an exceptional primary school experience.

We are looking for someone with expertise in primary education who values collaboration, well-being, and inclusivity. Your leadership will help foster a culture where students and staff feel supported, inspired, and empowered to succeed. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for making a difference in a community school setting, this is the role for you.

Qualifications & Experience

1. A graduate degree in education or a related field; a Master’s or equivalent professional development (e.g., NPQH) is preferred.
2. A proven record of outstanding leadership as a senior leader in a primary school environment.
3. Demonstrated excellence as a classroom practitioner with a deep understanding of effective pedagogy.
4. Strong business acumen, along with HR and compliance expertise, and an awareness of educational trends.
5. Middle East experience, ideally in the UAE, or a strong understanding of the region’s educational landscape.

To apply, please email your detailed CV and a cover letter to Lynne Rennie, Head of Recruitment at Cognita ME, at lynne.rennie@cognita.com. Your cover letter should highlight your interest in the role and how your experience aligns with the key criteria.

The deadline for applications is 26th January 2025, but we encourage early submissions. References will only be contacted at the final stages of the process, and only with your prior consent.

Cognita is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects the same from its employees. All new staff will be subject to detailed and enhanced pre-employment clearance, including identity checks, criminal background checks for all countries lived in, qualification checks, employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps in employment, and satisfactory reference checks for all employment in the last 5 years.