Assistant Headteacher of Pastoral-Primary-AY 2026/27-GEMS World Academy, Abu Dhabi

GEMS WORLD ACADEMY - ABU DHABI; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 60,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An international school in Abu Dhabi is seeking an Assistant Headteacher of Pastoral – Primary to lead the pastoral care and wellbeing of students. This role involves overseeing behaviour, safeguarding, and supporting teachers in creating a nurturing environment. The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 6 years of experience in primary education along with strong leadership skills. The position starts in August 2026 and offers opportunities to influence the lives of children positively.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years’ experience in reputable schools.
• Experience in pastoral leadership within Primary education.
• Strong knowledge of the IB PYP and English National Curriculum.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee student pastoral care and wellbeing.
• Monitor attendance, behaviour, and wellbeing data.
• Support the organisation of assemblies and wellbeing initiatives.

Skills

Pastoral leadership

Safeguarding

Student wellbeing

Conflict-resolution skills

Interpersonal communication

Organisational skills

Education

Bachelor of Education or relevant teaching qualification

Job description

We are currently seeking an outstanding Assistant Headteacher of Pastoral – Primary to join GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi, beginning August 2026. Reporting to the Head of Primary and working closely with the Principal and Senior Leadership Team, this key leadership role is responsible for leading pastoral care, student wellbeing, behaviour, and safeguarding across the Primary phase.

Our curriculum blends the IB framework with the National Curriculum for England, offering the PYP from FS1 to Year 6, with progression into the MYP and IGCSE from Year 7 to 11.

Our educational philosophy centres on unlocking each child’s unique potential through a personalised, inquiry-based approach that fosters curiosity, global citizenship, and lifelong learning ensuring every child feels safe, supported, and empowered to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Key Responsibilities:

• Embrace and actively promote the ethos and standards of excellence as defined in the GEMS Core Values and Be a Gem Playbook.
• Lead and oversee student pastoral care and wellbeing across the Primary phase.
• Be responsible for student behaviour, discipline, attendance, and safeguarding, liaising with teachers, parents, counsellors, and leadership as required.
• Act as a key point of contact for pastoral concerns, child protection matters, and student welfare issues.
• Ensure effective implementation of positive behaviour management strategies aligned with school policy.
• Work closely with the Head of Primary to ensure a safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment.
• Liaise with the Admissions Manager regarding new student transition, induction, and inclusion needs (e.g. FS1 induction, Year group transitions) including the recruit, retain and retire strategy.
• Support the organisation and delivery of assemblies, wellbeing initiatives, enrichment activities, trips, and whole-school events.
• Assist with Parent-Teacher meetings, workshops, community events, charity initiatives, and GEMS-wide programmes.
• Ensure compliance with ADEK, safeguarding, and GEMS policies and procedures at all times.
• Chair meetings and lead pastoral committees as required.
• Monitor and analyse attendance, behaviour, and wellbeing data to inform early intervention strategies.
• Support and guide teachers and pastoral leaders in effective student management and wellbeing practices.
• Initiate effort and energy beyond the typical work day where additional commitment is required.
• Perform other duties as requested by direct & dotted reporting line managers.
• Ensure effective teamwork and communication with teaching and support staff across the Primary section.

Pastoral Care, Wellbeing and Safeguarding

1. Lead the development and implementation of the Primary pastoral care framework in line with GEMS policy.
2. Ensure high standards of safeguarding, child protection, and student welfare are maintained across the Primary phase.
3. Promote students’ personal, social, emotional, moral, and cultural development.
4. Lead strategies to support positive mental health, wellbeing, and resilience among students.
5. Oversee behaviour management systems and ensure consistent application across year groups.
6. Develop and implement early intervention and support plans for students requiring additional pastoral support.
7. Work collaboratively with school counsellor, social worker, and external agencies where appropriate.
8. Promote student voice, leadership, and inclusion initiatives.
9. Ensure effective communication with parents regarding pastoral matters.

Skills

The ideal candidate will have:

• A Bachelor of Education degree, or an initial degree plus a relevant teaching qualification such as PGCE, PGDE or equivalent.
• A minimum of 6 years’ experience in reputable schools, including leadership responsibility within Primary education.
• Strong experience in pastoral leadership, safeguarding, and student wellbeing, ideally within an international school setting.
• Knowledge and experience of the IB PYP and an understanding of the English National Curriculum.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• A collaborative leadership style with the ability to support, mentor, and develop staff.
• A deep commitment to inclusive education, child-centred practice, and safeguarding excellence.