Deputy Head – Senior School (Pupil Wellbeing and Development)

GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail is seeking to appoint an exceptional and experienced leader to join the Senior Leadership Team as Deputy Head – Senior School (Pupil Wellbeing and Development) from August 2026. The successful candidate will provide strategic and operational leadership of pupil wellbeing, pastoral care and safeguarding across Years 7–13, ensuring a world-class environment where pupils are safe, supported and empowered to thrive.

Job Purpose

The Deputy Head (Pupil Wellbeing and Development) is responsible for the strategic leadership and day-to-day management of pastoral provision and safeguarding in the Senior School and serves as the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). Working closely with the Head of Senior School and SLT, the postholder will lead a comprehensive wellbeing programme that promotes happiness, resilience, personal growth and high standards of conduct, ensuring every pupil achieves their full potential.

• Act as the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring compliance with statutory and GEMS safeguarding requirements.
• Lead the Safeguarding Committee and promote a whole-school culture of vigilance and care.
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives to enhance pupil wellbeing, happiness and achievement.
• Lead policy development relating to pastoral care and safeguarding.
• Monitor and analyse pastoral data, including pupil voice and wellbeing surveys, to inform strategy and improvement.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding and pastoral developments locally and internationally (including KHDA and BSO frameworks).

• Lead and line manage pastoral leaders, including the Assistant Head (Pupil Wellbeing and Development) and Heads of Year.
• Oversee induction, training and development of staff with pastoral responsibilities.
• Ensure high-quality pastoral reporting and effective communication with parents.
• Oversee the Personal, Social and Moral Education (PSME) programme.
• Manage transition at key stages in collaboration with Prep and Sixth Form leaders.
• Oversee the Pupil Wellbeing budget and associated resources.
• Work closely with the School’s Medical Centre, counselling team and catering team from a pastoral perspective.

• Lead implementation and review of the Behaviour, Rewards and Sanctions policies.
• Promote high standards of dress, conduct and community expectations.
• Support Heads of Year and Tutors in managing disciplinary matters.
• Lead investigations into serious incidents, providing clear reports and recommendations to the Head of Senior School and CEO.

• Liaise with HR to ensure safeguarding checks and the Single Central Register are maintained.
• Ensure due diligence checks on external providers in collaboration with Operations.
• Oversee online safety in collaboration with ICT and GEMS safeguarding teams.
• Work in partnership with GEMS and the Wellington cluster to implement wellbeing and safeguarding initiatives.
• Provide regular reports to the CEO, Head of Senior School and Local Advisory Board.

• Support Senior School admissions processes, including tours and pupil interviews.
• Contribute to pastoral communications for parents and maintain wellbeing content across school platforms.
• Deliver presentations and workshops for parents and staff on pastoral matters.

• Fulfil all Senior Leadership Team responsibilities, including deputising for the Head of Senior School where required.
• Contribute to recruitment, policy development and strategic planning.
• Lead and contribute to whole-school initiatives aligned to the Academy’s vision and values.

• Proven strategic and operational leadership experience within a Senior School setting.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, pastoral systems and pupil wellbeing frameworks.
• Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Deep understanding of British curriculum frameworks and inspection standards (KHDA, BSO).
• Recognised teaching qualification (PGCE or equivalent).
• Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field; Master’s degree or NPQ desirable.

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a pre-requisite for all appointments.