Assistant Principal – Wellbeing & Pastoral

About the role

GEMS International School – Dubai Hills is seeking an Assistant Principal – Wellbeing & Pastoral to join its Senior Leadership Team from January 2027. The role provides whole‑school leadership across Primary and Secondary, focusing on student wellbeing, behaviour, safeguarding and fostering a positive, inclusive culture.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and promote a positive, inclusive student culture aligned with the school’s IB philosophy.
• Support implementation of behaviour and pastoral frameworks, including the Be a GEM initiative.
• Drive whole‑school wellbeing initiatives in partnership with safeguarding, counselling and inclusion teams.
• Champion student voice, leadership and agency through service and community engagement.
• Monitor student behaviour, attendance and wellbeing data to inform interventions.
• Build strong partnerships with students, families and staff to ensure consistent pastoral care.

Required profile

• Recognised teaching qualification at degree level (B.Ed, PGCE, PGDE, State Teaching License or equivalent).
• Proven teaching and leadership experience, preferably in an IB or international school setting.
• Demonstrated pastoral leadership, student wellbeing and behaviour management experience.
• Ability to lead, coach and collaborate with staff across primary and secondary phases.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills with students, families and colleagues.

Required skills

• Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection policies.
• Experience developing and implementing whole‑school initiatives or frameworks.

What we offer

• Competitive tax‑free salary
• Individual furnished accommodation
• Annual return flights
• Private medical insurance
• Tuition fee benefit for up to one child
• Visa sponsorship, relocation allowance and end‑of‑service gratuity