GEMS Cambridge International Private School - Sharjah
Job description – Secondary Assistant Head Teacher – Pastoral (January 2026)
The Assistant Headteacher – Pastoral is a key senior leadership role within the Secondary phase, responsible for leading the pastoral strategy across the school. This includes oversight of student wellbeing, behaviour, attendance and the development of a strong, values-led culture across all key stages. This role will be part of the Safeguarding team and will work with the Lead Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead for Secondary). The role works closely with Heads of Key Stage, Form Tutors, and other pastoral staff to ensure a cohesive and proactive approach to student support and development.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Management
• Provide strategic leadership of the pastoral team, including direct line management of the Heads of Key Stage (Senior Pastoral Leaders) and pastoral support staff.
• Work collaboratively with the Head of Secondary and SLT to embed a strong, inclusive, and supportive culture across the school.
• Promote and uphold the school’s values through the leadership of the House system and student leadership structures.
Safeguarding and Child Protection
• Serve as one of the schools Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSL), supporting the Lead DDSL in all aspects of safeguarding policy and practice.
• Lead safeguarding investigations when required and liaise with relevant external agencies in line with school and statutory protocols.
• Ensure all staff receive appropriate safeguarding training and updates in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Student Welfare and Wellbeing
• Oversee and support student welfare and pastoral interventions across Year 7 to Year 13.
• Lead on the development and implementation of whole-school wellbeing initiatives aligned with the school’s values and culture.
• Identify and support students at risk through effective referral systems and timely interventions.
Behaviour, Attendance, and Inclusion
• Lead and monitor the implementation of the school’s behaviour policy, promoting consistency, fairness, and restorative practices.
• Oversee attendance and punctuality, working with Heads of Key Stage and pastoral leads to improve student engagement and reduce persistent absence.
• Support inclusive practices and provision for students with additional pastoral needs.
House System and Student Leadership
• Lead the school’s House system, ensuring it promotes community, competition, and celebration of student success.
• Drive student engagement through inter-house events and values-based initiatives.
• Support and develop student leadership roles, ensuring their impact is meaningful and visible across the school community.
Parent and Community Engagement
• Act as a key point of contact for parents regarding pastoral and behavioural concerns.
• Support the delivery of parent engagement events, workshops, and information sessions related to wellbeing and student support.
• Foster strong relationships with families to ensure a collaborative approach to pastoral care.
Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
• Analyse pastoral data (behaviour, attendance, safeguarding, wellbeing) to identify trends and inform strategic decision-making.
• Report regularly to the Head of Secondary and SLT on key pastoral indicators and areas of development.
• Contribute to self-evaluation and school improvement planning.
Professional Development
• Support and deliver CPD for staff on areas such as safeguarding, wellbeing, positive behaviour management, and inclusion.
• Model and promote high standards of pastoral care and professional conduct.
Teaching at GEMS is not just a job, it’s a career. Our teachers enjoy free access to leading CPD programs and have the opportunity to grow with the company on a global scale. With most of our leaders coming from within the GEMS network of schools, GEMS teachers are in a unique position to consider career opportunities across the world as we expand into more and more countries.
Teachers in the UAE enjoy an exciting lifestyle, with opportunities for new and exciting leisure activities and travel across the region and further afield! Working at GCS brings additional unique opportunities for teachers to work in Sharjah and enjoy the benefit of a 4-day work week and a 3-day weekend, while living in the provided luxury accommodation in Dubai.
If you meet these criteria, are committed to ensuring outstanding teaching and learning, and have the drive and passion to get the most from our students then we would welcome your application.
Working with GEMS and specifically in GCS offers you a unique opportunity to enhance and progress your career in a global setting.
Assistant Brand Manager – Sharjah
To apply for this job please visit www.tes.com.