Assistant Principal Wellbeing and Pastoral - Jan 2027

GEMS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL - DUBAI HILLS; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Job summary

GEMS International School – Dubai Hills seeks an outstanding Assistant Principal – Wellbeing & Pastoral to join the Senior Leadership Team from January 2027. The role covers Primary and Secondary with a focus on creating a positive, inclusive, values-driven school culture and safeguarding a safe environment where every student can thrive academically and personally.

Reporting to the Senior Vice Principal – Student Life & Culture, the successful candidate will lead behaviour and wellbeing

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in a school setting focusing on wellbeing and pastoral care.
• Experience implementing wellbeing frameworks and safeguarding compliance.
• Ability to lead across primary and secondary and work with diverse communities.

Responsibilities

• Provide visible whole-school leadership across Primary and Secondary to foster a positive student culture.
• Oversee behaviour and pastoral frameworks and safeguarding initiatives like Be a GEM.
• Lead wellbeing initiatives with safeguarding, counselling, inclusion and pastoral teams.
• Champion student voice, leadership, and community engagement within the school.
• Support Beyond 100 enrichment programs and co-curricular opportunities.
• Promote Emirati culture and international-mindedness in school activities.
• Monitor wellbeing, attendance, and engagement with data-informed interventions.
• Foster strong partnerships with students, families and staff for consistent wellbeing care.
• Contribute to school improvement, safeguarding, and inspection readiness.

Skills

Leadership

Pastoral care

Student wellbeing

Strategic planning

Education

Masters in Education Leadership

IB/PGCE/Teaching qualification

Tools

Student information systems

Job description

Job description

About GEMS International School, Dubai Hills

Located in the heart of Dubai Hills, GEMS International School (GIS) is a leading IB World School offering the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum.

As the official GEMS Centre of Excellence for Aeronautics, Aviation and Space, GIS combines academic excellence with future-focused learning, preparing confident, globally minded students for success at leading universities worldwide.

Why Join GEMS International School, Dubai Hills?

• Full IB continuum within a collaborative, inquiry-led learning environment.
• Prime location in the prestigious Dubai Hills community.
• Official GEMS Centre of Excellence for Aeronautics, Aviation and Space.
• Exceptional university outcomes, with 100% of the Class of 2024 securing university places and 91% gaining entry to their first-choice institution, and USD $31.5 million in university scholarships awarded to the Class of 2024.
• A culture that values innovation, wellbeing and professional growth.

Position Overview

We are seeking an outstanding Assistant Principal – Wellbeing & Pastoral (Student Life & Culture) to join the Senior Leadership Team at GEMS International School – Dubai Hills from January 2027.

Reporting to the Senior Vice Principal – Student Life & Culture, the successful candidate will provide whole-school leadership across Primary and Secondary, supporting the development of a positive, inclusive and values-driven school culture, with a particular focus on student wellbeing, behaviour, safeguarding, student leadership and belonging.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced pastoral leader who is passionate about creating an environment where every student feels safe, valued and empowered to thrive, both academically and personally.

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, promoting positive relationships, restorative practices and high expectations.
• Lead and contribute to whole-school wellbeing initiatives, working closely with safeguarding, counselling, inclusion and pastoral teams to ensure effective student support and early intervention.
• Champion student voice, leadership and agency, creating meaningful opportunities for students to contribute to school life, service and community engagement.
• Support the development of Beyond 100, promoting enrichment, co-curricular opportunities and experiences that strengthen student confidence, character and belonging.
• Promote Emirati culture, UAE heritage and international-mindedness through inclusive school initiatives, events and community engagement.
• Monitor student behaviour, attendance, wellbeing and engagement, using data and feedback to identify trends, inform interventions and drive continuous improvement.
• Build strong partnerships with students, families and staff, ensuring effective communication and a consistent approach to student wellbeing and pastoral care.
• Contribute to school improvement, quality assurance, safeguarding compliance and inspection readiness as an active member of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Champion the school's vision, values and commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and student wellbeing throughout the school community.

Preferred candidate

Years of experience

No experience required