Head of Primary
Hamilton International School (Qatar)

Head of Primary Job Description

Head of Primary - Job Description

 Job Purpose

The Head of Primary is responsible for providing strategic, instructional, and operational leadership that ensures excellence in all aspects of Primary School life. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the role demands a commitment to fostering high-quality teaching and learning, student achievement, and well-being within a dynamic and inclusive environment. The Head of Primary ensures that curriculum, teaching, and assessment practices align the best international practices and ISP’s Learning.First Framework, inspiring levels of engagement and academic success for students of all abilities.

With a clear vision for the Primary School, the Head drives continuous school improvement in collaboration with senior leaders, faculty, students, and the wider school community. Above all, the Head of Primary must cultivate a student-centered, supportive, and innovative learning environment that fully integrates ISP’s 5 Pillars for Schools to ensure students experience academic success, holistic development, and global exposure.

Key Duties and Areas of Responsibility

1. Leadership and Management

• Collaborate with the Principal and Senior Leadership Team to develop, implement, and continually review strategic goals for school improvement in alignment with iSP Learning Improvement Process (LIP)
• Lead the development, publication, and execution of the Primary Phase Development Plan through systematic self-evaluation and ISP’s Academic Achievements Pillar.
• Oversee the creation and implementation of the Primary timetable that aligns with student needs, ISP best practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct performance reviews and oversee the professional growth of all academic staff.
• Design and evaluate professional development programs through ISP’s Learning Hub, ensuring alignment with ISP Learning.First and international best practices.
• Manage the recruitment, onboarding, and retention of Primary staff, ensuring a high- quality induction process.
• Promote teamwork, act as a role model, and foster a high-quality learning environment, ensuring personal development is at the heart of faculty and student engagement.
•  Manage resources (space, staff, budget, and equipment) effectively, in collaboration with Finance and Admissions Managers.
• Use data-driven insights to monitor and enhance academic standards, implementing targeted improvements as needed.
• Ensure the implementation of school policies.

2. Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning

•  Lead the design, implementation, and review of the Primary curriculum, ensuring alignment with American Common Core Standards.
• Ensure curriculum articulation between Early Years, Primary and Secondary School for a seamless academic progression.
• Promote cutting-edge pedagogical practices that encourage innovation, inquiry, and student-led learning.
• Foster the integration of technology in teaching to enhance engagement and skills development.
•  Ensure consistent monitoring and assessment of teaching quality, providing actionable feedback for improvement.
• Develop and implement systems for tracking student progress, utilizing data to inform teaching practices and drive a culture of excellence.
• Ensure that Multilingualism is embedded across the curriculum as per ISP’s Multilingualism Pillar.

3. Student Learning and Well-Being

• Ensure students receive appropriate support to achieve their potential with a focus on inclusive education and ISP’s Life Competencies and Pathways Pillars.
• Facilitate the continuity of pastoral and academic information as students’ progress throughout Primary.
• Collaborate with Secondary Department to ensure a smooth transition of students from Primary to Secondary by facilitating the continuity of academic and pastoral data.
• Provide socio-emotional guidance through collaboration with counselors and pastoral care teams.
• Collaborate with the Inclusion Department to ensure that individual learning needs (e.g., EAL, special educational needs, gifted and talented) are met effectively.
• Monitor and improve student behavior, attendance, and engagement, ensuring a culture of respect and accountability.
• Oversee student safeguarding and well-being, ensuring compliance with international best practices.
• Strengthen student leadership opportunities by leading initiatives that promote participation in ISP International Learning Opportunities (iLOs), extracurricular activities, and community engagement, reinforcing ISP’s International & Cultural Experiences Pillar.
• Establish partnerships with local and international organizations to enhance student learning and career pathways.
• Organize interdisciplinary learning experiences that connect students to real-world challenges and innovation.

4. Staff Development and Performance Management

• Implement a robust faculty appraisal system, ensuring continuous professional growth and accountability.
• Conduct regular observations and feedback sessions to enhance instructional quality.
• Oversee the development of middle leaders and department heads, ensuring their leadership capacity is strengthened.
• Provide coaching and mentoring opportunities to cultivate a culture of excellence in teaching and learning.

5. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Foster strong relationships with parents, students, and the wider school community to ensure transparent and effective communication.
• Lead parent engagement initiatives, including student progress meetings, academic workshops, and school events.
• Ensure timely reporting on student achievement and progress, with clear next steps for learning.
• Collaborate with the Principal and Admissions Team to achieve enrollment targets and retention goals.
• Promote Hamilton’s Primary School through marketing initiatives, community events, and strategic partnerships.

6. Compliance, Health, and Safety

• Ensure adherence to local and international regulatory requirements, including iSP, NEASC, and MoEHE.
• Implement robust health, safety, and safeguarding measures, ensuring a safe environment for all students and staff.\
• Monitor and enforce school policies related to behavior management, attendance, and student well-being.

Other duties and responsibilities

 Any other duties that the Principal may from time to time ask the post-holder to perform

 Position Requirements 

 Education: 

• BA/Bed in Elementary Education
• Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership/ Curriculum & Instruction (Preferred) Valid Teaching Certification (recognized US or international accrediting body)
• School Leadership or Principal Certification or NPQH/SL qualification (preferred)

Language: English is mandatory

 Experience:

• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive leadership experience in an American curriculum elementary school
• Prior experience as a Head of Elementary, Assistant Principal, or similar leadership role Strong background in implementing Common Core Standards and data-driven instruction Experience managing school accreditation processes (Cognia, NEASC, or other)

Required Skills and Knowledge

 Knowledge:

• In-depth understanding of curriculum, including assessment methodologies.
• Awareness of curriculum developments and emerging trends in education.
• Application of effective teaching and learning theories to cater to individual student needs (e.g., classroom organization and instructional strategies).
• Proven leadership and management skills with experience in senior leadership roles.
•  Strong background in Primary/ Elementary education leadership.
• Experience as a curriculum and team leader.
• Budget management expertise.

 Skills:

• Ability to foster positive personal relationships within a team.
• Effective and experienced communicator (both written and verbal) across diverse audiences.
• High-level IT competency for educational leadership and administration.

 Personal Attributes:

•  Passionate about delivering quality education.
•  Able to command the respect of students, colleagues, and parents.
•  Highly organized, with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
•  Driven by a desire to improve educational quality and advance school development.
•  Reliable, detail-oriented, and committed to excellence.
•  Innovative, with a willingness to embrace change and continuous improvement.

 Additional Expectations:

• While this job description outlines the primary duties and responsibilities, additional tasks may be assigned as needed. Employees are expected to:
• Comply with the school’s Vision, Mission, and Policies.
• Maintain positive professional relationships with all staff members.
• Uphold professional boundaries with students, ensuring their physical and emotional safety is prioritized.
• Adhere to agreed working hours as arranged with the Principal.
• Handle confidential information responsibly, ensuring it is never compromised.