Assistant Principal, Wellbeing and Pastoral

About the role

GEMS International School, Dubai Hills is hiring an Assistant Principal, Wellbeing and Pastoral (Student Life & Culture) to join the Senior Leadership Team from January 2027. Reporting to the Senior Vice Principal, the role leads whole-school pastoral work across Primary and Secondary, covering wellbeing, behaviour, safeguarding, student leadership and belonging.

Key responsibilities

• Provide visible whole-school leadership across Primary and Secondary, promoting a positive, inclusive and high-performing student culture aligned with the school's values and IB philosophy.
• Support the development and consistent implementation of behaviour and pastoral frameworks, including the Be a GEM initiative, with restorative practices and high expectations.
• Lead and contribute to whole-school wellbeing initiatives, working with safeguarding, counselling, inclusion and pastoral teams on student support and early intervention.
• Champion student voice, leadership and agency, and support the Beyond 100 programme of enrichment and co-curricular opportunities.
• Promote Emirati culture, UAE heritage and international-mindedness through school initiatives, events and community engagement.
• Monitor student behaviour, attendance, wellbeing and engagement using data and feedback to inform interventions and continuous improvement.
• Build strong partnerships with students, families and staff, and contribute to school improvement, quality assurance, safeguarding compliance and inspection readiness.

Required profile

• A recognised teaching qualification at degree level, such as a B.Ed, PGCE, PGDE, State Teaching License or equivalent.
• Proven teaching and leadership experience, ideally in an IB or international school, able to work across Primary and Secondary.
• Experience in pastoral leadership, student wellbeing, behaviour management and safeguarding and child protection.
• Experience developing and implementing whole-school initiatives, policies or frameworks.
• Ability to lead, coach and collaborate with staff, and excellent communication skills with students, families and colleagues.
• Available to start from January 2027.

What we offer

• Competitive tax-free salary.
• Furnished accommodation and annual return flights.
• Private medical insurance and visa sponsorship.
• Tuition fee benefit for up to 1 child, relocation allowance and end of service gratuity.