About us

Garden City British School (GCBS), a popular and British school of high repute in Al Ain, seeks a Head of Department - Primary (Year 1 - Year 5) to join a thriving team from 24 August, 2026. Our school presently caters to children from FS1/Pre-KG to Y9/G8. GCBS is rated as Band “A” (Good) school by Abu Dhabi Department of Education (ADEK) and is accredited by Cambridge Assessment International Education.

The school aspires to create a global community of critical thinkers, creators, innovators, and leaders who will have a positive impact on the world of tomorrow. We pride ourselves on being a happy and vibrant community where students, parents, and teachers enjoy coming to school. All stakeholders embrace our motto ‘Striving to be the Best’ which is embedded in everything we do. Our enthusiastic students and supportive parents originate from 36 countries which makes us a truly international community. The campus is well-resourced and boasts excellent facilities.

GCBS won third place in a Best Library competition from amongst 116 schools in UAE, the only school in Al Ain. The school has produced remarkable achievements in a short span of time. The school’s cross-curricular, technology-driven Moral Education Programme has been of keen interest to the Crown Prince’s Office and is given the status of ‘noteworthy school’ in its implementation of the programme.

GCBS is located in the School Zone of Al Ain, UAE, a city known as the “Oasis of the Middle East” which is a very quiet and safe place preferred for family living. The vibrant cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi are just 75 minutes’ drive away and the international airport is just 15 minutes from the school.

About you

The successful candidate will show a genuine commitment to creating an inspiring and stimulating child-centered learning environment. Teachers will be highly motivated as exemplary practitioners demonstrating a deep understanding of personalised learning. Candidates should be committed to ongoing school improvement and feel comfortable in a climate of innovative and creative development.

We welcome applications from candidates with one of the following sets of qualifications:

• An internationally recognised Bachelor’s Degree in Education specialising in Primary Education.
• Or an internationally recognised Bachelor’s Degree in an ENC subject and an internationally recognised teaching qualification such as PGCE or PGDE in Primary Education.
• Or an internationally recognised Bachelor’s Degree in an aspect of Primary Education with QTS.

Any joint honours degree which includes theology, criminology or religious education will not be accepted by Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge.

There is no longer a need for teachers to have post-graduation teaching experience (in accordance with Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge regulations which apply to all private schools in Abu Dhabi).

Please note that two supporting references and a police clearance certificate or DBS no more than 3 months old must be provided. Candidates travelling with no dependents will benefit the most from our package.

Our package

Our comprehensive package includes the following:

• Tax-free salary (paid monthly): Salaries start at AED 11,000/- for meeting the minimum qualification requirements outlined in the advert with no post-qualification teaching experience and continue to AED 14,000/- for those qualified candidates with 5 or more solid years of English National Curriculum experience.
• Accommodation (accommodation for single staff only): Most teachers opt for school accommodation. This would be a furnished self-contained room with private bathroom in a school villa or apartment with shared kitchen/lounge facilities. Staff accommodation includes internet access and travel allowance up to AED 20,000/- per annum.
• Travel: Overseas teaching staff receive a one-way ticket at the beginning and end of their contract to/from the point of hire (to a limit of AED 2,000). During the summer months and with an ongoing contract, teaching staff receive AED 2,000 at the end of the summer term as a travelling allowance to use as they wish.
• Medical insurance: This is comprehensive and accepted at most high-quality medical facilities throughout the UAE. Most prescription charges are included as is international travel coverage (except within the USA). The insurance excludes alternative/complementary medicine, dental and optical coverages.
• Two-year contract and visa (renewable).
• End-of-service gratuity.
• Fee discount for dependent children.

Suitable for NQTs (ECTs): No

To apply

Interested applicants should upload their CV and a short letter of application. Candidates shortlisted for interview will be contacted soon after applying to arrange an interview via ZOOM for international candidates and at the school for local candidates.

Please note:
Garden City British School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all pupils, holding ourselves to high standards of effective recruiting practices with specific attention to child protection.
All applicants are required to undergo child protection screening, submit a current DBS/police criminal check or equivalent from their home country or current country of residence, and provide a minimum of two references, with at least one from the Head Teacher/Principal of their most recent school.