About Us
Fortes Education has been a leading education provider in the UAE for over four decades with premium international schools and nurseries that have experienced outstanding success and growth. Our schools offer the most innovative and character-building education in the entire Middle East region. Our core ethos and philosophy of education is Positive Education (PosEd). Through PosEd, our schools foster active engagement in learning, celebrating character strengths and accomplishments. We encourage children to cultivate fulfilling relationships with others and seek meaning and purpose in their own lives. We enable children to become happy learners and develop into innovative thinkers, confident young adults, and life-long learners. Our students develop resilience, a growth mindset and deep character strengths that allow them to flourish in an ever-changing world.
About Sunmarke School Where Amazing Happens
Sunmarke School provides an ambitious and inspiring, values-based education that nurtures the hearts and minds of students so that they can flourish and achieve their dreams. Powered by our unique signature programmes, Sunmarke is a uniquely innovative school, transforming young lives. This was reflected in Sunmarke School winning the coveted Most Innovative School award at the Which School Advisor ceremony in Dubai and London and by our world-class IB results ranking in the Top 68 schools Globally and twice in the Top 3 in Dubai. These are matched by our A Level and GCSE results which place us in the top 10 schools in Dubai.
Sunmarke is an allthrough school which offers a premium education across a fantastic range of pathways for students including the National Curriculum of England, GCSE/IGCSE,A'Levels, BTEC and the IB Diploma Programme.
We also offer a suite of Signature Programmes unrivalled in Dubai. With unique experiences in Environmental and Sustainability Studies, students learn in Forest School settings, as well as utilising cutting-edge hydroponic technology to examine how science can support sustainability in future terrains. Our world-class STEAM centre and curriculum offers students an incredible opportunity to apply their learning in solving real-world problems, from Foundation Stage through to Year 9. We run best-in-class mini-MBA programmes for our Year 10 to 13 students in conjunction with the Peter Jones Academy and Wharton Investors programme, to ensure their future success in business and entrepreneurship. We are technologically very innovative and have a world-class AI and Robotics lab that offers unrivalled experiences in these fast-changing areas. Additionally, we run comprehensive AI programmes for students in all core subjects, as well as deepening other subjects through Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) experiences. We have outstanding performing arts opportunities with fantastic facilities and amazing teachers to help our more creative students truly find their voice. We are home to the Fortes Pro Sports Academy where international professional sports coaches work exclusively with our students to reach new heights of performance and to elevate our students to national and international titles.
Sunmarke School was judged by the Dubai School Inspection Bureau (DSIB) as a Very Good school in our 3rd year of operation and'Outstanding'in our British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspection in 2019.
We present an exciting opportunity to join our all-through school and to play an important part in our journey to'outstanding. Sunmarke School, Dubai is one of our flagship schools, located at a prime location in Jumeirah Village Triangle.
About You
Due to the expansion of the existing leadership structure in Primary in
August 2026, we are looking to appoint an experienced, committed, and inspirational educational leader to the position of
Deputy Head of Primary - Academics to build upon the school's achievements and successes and move it forward in its next phase of development.
The Deputy Head of Primary Academic is a pivotal senior leadership role, offering the opportunity to shape and lead exceptional academic provision within a thriving, large Primary School. Working in close partnership with the Head of Primary, the post holder will drive excellence in teaching, learning, assessment, and curriculum, ensuring outstanding outcomes for all pupils.
You will work in partnership with the Head of Primary & the Primary Leadership team to shape and deliver our shared vision, ensuring that every learner is inspired, challenged, and supported to achieve their full potential.
This is an opportunity for a dynamic, forward-thinking leader who thrives on collaboration, innovation, and the belief that every child deserves the very best opportunities and success on a global stage.
The successful candidate will set and sustain ambitious academic standards, ensuring clarity and coherence in curriculum intent, implementation, and impact across the Primary phase. Through inspirational leadership and a commitment to evidence-informed practice, the Deputy Head of Primary Academics will develop high-performing teams, build leadership capacity, and foster a culture of professional excellence, innovation, and accountability.
If you think you have got what it takes for this role, then Sunmarke School may be just the challenge for you.
We Are Looking For Certain Qualities
- The Deputy Headteacher should hold as a minimum, bachelor's degree in education with PGCE or equivalent. Tertiary qualifications such as NPQSL are desirable but not essential.
- Minimum 3 5 years senior leadership experience. Proven leadership experience with responsibility for teaching, learning and curriculum.
- Experience working in a large Primary phase or multi-form entry school.
- Experience using data strategically to raise standards and improve pupil outcomes.
- Experience working in an international or high-performing school environment.
- A commitment to deliver on the educational vision for the school and work along with the Head of Primary and the Primary Leadership team to shape the school's strategic direction in leading the school on its journey to outstanding.
- A creative & innovative practitioner and a highly effective leader who leads by example and can inspire, motivate and develop excellence in others through coaching and mentoring.
- Build and develop highly effective teams, organisational structures and academic processes with an ability to delegate work and support colleagues in undertaking their responsibilities.
- Ability to build and maintain outstanding relationships.
- Ability to remain positive and enthusiastic when working under pressure.
- Ability to organise work, prioritise tasks, make decisions and manage time effectively.
Our Offer
- Excellent tax-free salary
- Furnished Accommodation
- Relocation Allowance
- Medical Insurance for self, spouse & 2 dependents
- Annual Flightsfor self, spouse & 2 dependents
- Annual paid vacation
- An enthusiastic learning community of students, teachers, parents, and Board members, who are dedicated to maximise student achievement, and creating positive learning opportunities in and out of the classroom.
- Working within a team of highly driven and supportive colleagues
- Excellent professional development
- Working in Dubai, one of the world's most sought-after work and travel destinations
Application Process
If you have the passion, energy,and commitment to drive accelerated outcomes for young people,we will welcome your application. In return, you will join a rapidly evolving organisation that can offer you a central role in our future growth plans.
Interested candidates are invited to complete our
Online Application by visiting: http://forteseducation.com/Careers/Current-Openings
Please follow the instructions provided to complete andsubmityour application.
You Should Submit
- A copy of your curriculum vitae/rsum
- A cover letter, preferably of no more than two pages, addressed to Andrea Higgins, Head of Primary - Sunmarke School. The letter should outline the following:
- How would you help drive excellence in teaching, learning, assessment and curriculum, ensuring outstanding outcomes for all pupils in the Primary School at Sunmarke School.
- How has your previous experience prepared you for the post in question
- What will your success criteria be at the end of your first year in post
Appointment Start Date: August 2026
Closing Date: Sunday, 1 February 2026, 5 p.m. (UAE time)
Successful candidates will be invited to participate in our Assessment Centre either in person or online on Tuesday,3rd February 2026.
Safer Recruitment Statement
Fortes Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Policies for safer recruitment are aligned with the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection. At Sunmarke School, we hold ourselves to a high standard of effective practices in relation to child protection, and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to various background checks, including receipt of satisfactory references, proof of relevant qualifications, identification, and police checks, including overseas checks.
