Primary Head of Writing

Job Description

We are looking for an inspirational Primary Head of Writing who will work collaboratively with class teachers, phase leaders, secondary department heads and SLT at GEMS Wellington School – Qatar (WSQ). We seek a practitioner with genuine enthusiasm and expertise in Writing to lead an engaging curriculum of excellence for all primary year groups.

In addition to carrying out the professional duties of a class teacher (on a reduced timetable), the Primary Head of Writing will lead an outstanding Primary Writing Curriculum across the curriculum, ensuring all our children make excellent progress in writing through key leadership actions. The successful candidate must have secure knowledge of the progression of writing skills across the primary phase and strong expertise in the Talk for Writing (T4W) approach, ensuring a consistent and high‑quality writing curriculum.

They will also model excellence in their day‑to‑day practice.

Wellington School is one of the leading British curriculum schools in Qatar and part of the Premium GEMS Wellington brand. We firmly believe, as a truly inclusive school, that every child can achieve, reinforced by our commitment to excellence. As a community, we have very high expectations for all with a clear emphasis on personal values, proactive attitudes and positive behaviours.

We believe in excellence in all we do.

• Lead, motivate and inspire colleagues and children
• Provide clear direction and support for the team, establish effective working routines and possess a positive can‑do attitude
• Support an inclusive learning environment, raising standards for all students
• Be knowledgeable of and confident in proven, effective teaching and learning methodologies
• Have experience using the Talk for Writing approach
• Be fully committed to our philosophy that every student can achieve
• Maintain extremely high standards and expectations for all, and work effectively under pressure with excellence as the primary goal
• Constantly look to improve oneself, think outside the box and be open to new approaches
• Believe strongly in and fully support the wider extracurricular life of the school to develop fully rounded students
• Be an effective team player, maintain perspective and humour
• Establish credibility with all staff and positive relationships with all stakeholders including parents

The successful candidate will ideally have a minimum of 3 years teaching experience in a British Curriculum School and current experience in middle leadership or be ready to take on their first leadership role. They will also have an appropriate teaching degree and Qualified Teacher Status. This role is not suitable for ECTs. The post is to commence in August 2026.

• Explain how you have contributed to the wider school community outside of the daily expectations of your current role and the impact of that contribution.
• Explain how you have developed and shared your expertise in writing across the teaching team and what the impact was.

The Final date to receive applications is Friday 27th March 2026.

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students and staff. A UK‑enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a pre‑requisite for all appointments.