Primary Teacher- Maternity Cover- November 2025 (Local Hire)

Job Overview

Downe House Riyadh is seeking a committed and enthusiastic Primary Teacher- Maternity Cover to join our vibrant team. This role will run for approximately 12 weeks, from early November until the first week of February. The exact start date will be confirmed based on the staff member’s maternity leave arrangements.

This is an excellent opportunity to work in a supportive and collaborative school environment, making a real impact on our students’ learning journey.

About Cognita

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 are 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.

About Downe House Riyadh

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.

Downe House Riyadh Offers

• A 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.

School Structure

• 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.

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Primary Teacher- Maternity Cover to join our team on a short-term basis to cover maternity leave. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a prestigious school and make a meaningful contribution to our students’ learning and development.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging, high-quality lessons in line with the school’s curriculum.
• Create a supportive, inclusive classroom environment where every child can thrive.
• Work closely with colleagues to ensure continuity of learning during the maternity cover period.
• Maintain effective communication with parents and the wider school community.
  
  

Candidate Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree with QTS or PGCE in Primary Education or international equivalent.
• A minimum of 2 years teaching experience.
• Must already be resident in Saudi Arabia and hold a valid visa (Local Hire only).
• Proven track record of working with children aged 5 years – 11 years.
• Experience of working in a British curriculum school.
• A passion for working with children and a commitment to fostering their academic and personal growth.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Experience of adding value to a reputable educational organisation.
• Experience of working as a team member in a school environment.
• Experience of maintaining confidentiality.
• Experience of working in a multi-cultural setting.
  
  

Why Join Downe House Riyadh?

• Be part of a prestigious, globally connected school with a reputation for excellence.
• Work within a supportive and professional team that values collaboration and innovation.
• Gain experience in a dynamic international school setting while contributing to a meaningful short-term project.
  
  

If you are an experienced teacher currently based in Saudi Arabia and available for a short-term role, we would love to hear from you!

Our Offer

The successful candidate will benefit from an attractive tax-free salary. In addition, there will be a significant commitment to supporting the development and career goals of the successful candidates.

Applications can be submitted via the TES online application form, only fully completed application will be processed. To support your application, please include your current, up-to-date CV.

Interviews will take place online/ in person.

The school reserves the right to interview and appoint strong candidates before the official closing date, and therefore we would encourage candidates to apply early in the process.

Thank you for your interest in Downe House Riyadh. Due to the large number of applications expected, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Downe House Riyadh School and Cognita are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects the same from its employees. All new staff will be subject to detailed and enhanced pre-employment clearance, including identity checks, criminal background checks for all countries lived in, qualification checks, employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps in employment, and satisfactory reference checks for all employment in the last 10 years.