
GEMS
Assistant Principal – Pastoral
- Permanent
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Experience 2 - 5 yrs
Job expiry date: 20/10/2025
Job overview
Date posted
05/09/2025
Location
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Salary
Undisclosed
Compensation
Comprehensive package
Experience
2 - 5 yrs
Seniority
Director
Qualification
Masters degree
Expiration date
20/10/2025
Job description
The Assistant Principal – Pastoral at The Westminster School in Dubai is responsible for leading the school's behaviour for learning, safeguarding, and student well-being strategies. Acting as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), the role entails investigating incidents, managing child protection systems, and ensuring compliance with safeguarding policies. This senior leadership role includes developing staff training programs, evaluating student welfare per UAE Inspection Framework Standards 2 and 5, and contributing to strategic school improvement plans. The incumbent will manage Heads of House performance, formalize and implement pastoral policies, and foster a stakeholder-focused culture. Candidates must have a Master’s degree in Education, Leadership, or Psychology, and 3 to 5 years of leadership experience in a school setting. Key skills include data system usage, knowledge of data protection, administrative precision, multi-agency collaboration, and strong communication. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is mandatory for appointment.
Required skills
Key responsibilities
- Develop, maintain, and review effective behaviour systems to support outstanding learning behaviours
- Report behaviour metrics and advise on behaviour-related policy issues
- Act as Dedicated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and manage child protection investigations and actions
- Execute school-wide well-being strategies to enhance student outcomes
- Deliver staff training for behaviour and safeguarding systems implementation
- Monitor and evaluate personal and social development quality and report outcomes
- Support and hold Heads of House accountable using both support and formal procedures
- Implement and ensure compliance with policies related to pastoral care, safeguarding, and child protection
- Promote stakeholder engagement and improve satisfaction across students, parents, staff, and the community
Experience & skills
- Hold a Master's degree in Education, Leadership, or Psychology
- Have 3–5 years of leadership experience in a school
- Be trained in safeguarding in schools
- Demonstrate experience with data management systems
- Understand data protection regulations
- Be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
- Have excellent administrative and organisational skills
- Communicate effectively with students, staff, parents, and professionals
- Work collaboratively and form good relationships across stakeholders
- Commit to the highest standards of child protection
- Operate effectively in fast-paced, high-pressure environments
- Adapt to and drive change, dealing with ambiguity