Head of EYFS

Downe House Riyadh is seeking a passionate, experienced, and committed Head of EYFS to join our thriving school community from August 2026
.

This is an exceptional opportunity to lead and shape early childhood education within a world‑class school environment.

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools is proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.

At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world, wherever they’re starting from. We protect what’s special about them, while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger; ensuring they get an education that’s, quite literally, world class.

Opened in September 2022, Downe House Riyadh delivers a world‑class British curriculum in partnership with one of the UK’s most celebrated girls‑only private schools. With over a century of excellence, Downe House UK consistently ranks among the country’s top five all‑girls’ schools.

Located in the prestigious Aqeeq neighbourhood in northern Riyadh, the school offers a British curriculum enriched with Downe House UK’s tradition and expertise. The programme is carefully adapted for Saudi Arabia, ensuring girls achieve excellence in Arabic and Islamic Studies alongside core subjects.

The close partnership between the Riyadh and UK schools is evident in both philosophy and practice. At the heart of the Downe House ethos is the individual: every girl’s strength, challenges, and interests are recognised, with bespoke pathways that foster confidence and success.

• First‑class British education leading to IGCSEs and A Levels
• Academic excellence in girls’ education
• Exceptional pastoral care and opportunities for personal growth
• A wide range of co‑curricular activities

The school nurtures intellectual curiosity, creativity, and respect for others through strong pastoral systems, personalised tutoring, and a spotlight on every student.

• Pre‑Prep:
  Nursery to Year 2 (ages 2–7)
• Prep:
  Year 3 to Year 8 (ages 7–13)
• Senior:
  Year 9 to Year 13 (ages 13–18)

Boys and girls are admitted from Pre‑School to Year 4.

The state‑of‑the‑art campus features dedicated libraries, central atriums, science and design labs, art studios, a 450‑seat theatre, music, dance, and drama facilities, IT labs, and both senior and learner swimming pools.

The Head of EYFS will foster a phase culture that fully reflects the school’s values and ethos. They will promote and secure the highest standards of teaching, learning, behaviour, pupil progress, and achievement across EYFS.

The Head of EYFS will ensure that a first‑class, well‑rounded curriculum is delivered effectively and that pupils are fully engaged in both academic and extra‑curricular activities. The role also involves supporting the Principal in promoting the school and managing pupil admissions into Downe House Riyadh.

• Serve as a positive role model in leadership, teaching, and behaviour.
• Lead and manage day‑to‑day operations within EYFS.
• Ensure all children in the phase receive an outstanding education.
• Coordinate lesson delivery, activities, and opportunities that extend learning.
• Ensure planning at all levels (long-, medium-, weekly) is coherent and effective.
• Maintain documentation, evidence, and tracking systems that demonstrate pupil progress.
• Oversee pastoral care within EYFS and ensure a well‑structured pastoral programme.
• Maintain discipline aligned with school behaviour policies and model professionalism.
• Plan and deliver weekly assemblies with the EYFS team.
• Support the Principal in admissions, including tours, assessments, and marketing events.
• Drive parent engagement and ensure families…