Head of Primary School - Baghdad

Head of Primary | Baghdad, Iraq | British School

Location: Baghdad, Iraq

Start Date: November or December 2026

Salary: Up to USD 5,500 per month, depending on experience

Contract Type: Full time, on site

About the Role

MZ Talent Group is recruiting an experienced Head of Primary for an established British school in Baghdad.

The school is seeking a strong, visible and hands on leader who can take responsibility for the academic and operational performance of the Primary section. The successful candidate will lead teaching and learning, support staff development, maintain high standards of pupil achievement and help strengthen the overall performance of the school.

This is a demanding senior leadership position within a busy school environment. The successful candidate must be resilient, organised and capable of remaining calm under pressure. They must be comfortable making difficult decisions, managing competing priorities and holding staff accountable for agreed standards.

This position would suit an experienced Head of Primary, Deputy Head or senior leader with substantial British school experience and a proven record of leading improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across the Primary section.
• Lead the effective delivery and development of the British curriculum.
• Maintain high standards of teaching, learning, assessment and pupil progress.
• Monitor educational outcomes and use data to identify areas requiring improvement.
• Conduct lesson observations, learning walks and staff performance reviews.
• Support, develop and hold teaching staff accountable for professional and academic standards.
• Lead curriculum planning and ensure consistency across year groups.
• Work closely with subject leaders, teachers and the wider senior leadership team.
• Promote a positive, disciplined and inclusive learning environment.
• Support the recruitment, induction and professional development of Primary staff.
• Build effective relationships with pupils, parents and colleagues.
• Respond professionally to parent concerns and resolve issues appropriately.
• Ensure that safeguarding, pupil welfare and school policies are consistently implemented.
• Contribute to whole school development, inspections and improvement planning.
• Manage pressure, competing priorities and challenging situations with professionalism and sound judgement.

Essential Requirements

• PGCE or PGDE with Qualified Teacher Status.
• A recognised bachelor’s degree.
• At least five years of successful classroom teaching experience.
• At least five years of school leadership experience.
• Substantial experience working within a British school.
• Strong knowledge of the British curriculum and current teaching and assessment practices.
• Previous experience working within an international school or international educational setting.
• Proven experience leading teachers and improving the quality of teaching and learning.
• Experience managing staff performance and implementing school improvement plans.
• Excellent spoken and written English.
• Strong communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to relocate to Baghdad and work on site.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be a confident and decisive leader who sets clear expectations and follows through on agreed actions. They will be approachable and supportive while maintaining professional boundaries and holding staff accountable.

They must be able to work effectively in a high pressure environment, deal constructively with difficult situations and maintain focus while managing several priorities at once.

Cultural awareness, adaptability and previous international experience are important. Candidates should be comfortable working within a diverse school community and understand the professional and cultural expectations of working in Iraq.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary of up to USD 5,500 per month, based on experience and suitability.
• Private accommodation provided.
• Visa sponsorship.
• Free private healthcare.
• One annual return flight to the employee’s home country.
• Recruitment and relocation support from MZ Talent Group.

Safeguarding

The successful candidate will be required to complete the school’s safeguarding and background screening process. This may include identity checks, qualification verification, employment references and police or criminal record checks.

How to Apply

Apply through the MZ Talent Group LinkedIn page with an updated CV clearly showing your teaching experience, leadership experience, qualifications and British school background.

Only candidates who meet the essential requirements will be considered.