Head of Behaviour and Attendance

Purpose

GEMS Education is seeking an experienced, strategic, and collaborative Corporate Head of Behaviour and Attendance to lead and shape a standardised, high-impact approach to behaviour and attendance across all GEMS schools.

This key leadership role will drive consistency, innovation, and excellence in behaviour management and student attendance, contributing significantly to improved learning, safeguarding, and well-being outcomes.

Key Accountabilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and embed a group-wide vision, strategy, and framework for behaviour and attendance, aligned to the GEMS Education mission and values.
• Ensure a consistent and evidence-based approach to behaviour management and attendance tracking across all schools, while supporting contextual flexibility.
• Lead the creation and implementation of GEMS-wide policies and guidance, ensuring these are inclusive, equitable, and aligned with local and international best practice.

School Support and Capacity Building

• Work directly with Education Team, EVPs, Principals, senior leaders, and pastoral teams to drive high standards of practice in behaviour and attendance.
• Design and deliver professional learning and development programmes for staff in key roles, such as pastoral leads, heads of year, and attendance officers.
• Conduct school support visits, audits, and reviews to provide constructive challenge, guidance and targeted support for continuous improvement.

Data and Impact

• Oversee the collection, analysis, and interpretation of behaviour and attendance data across all GEMS schools.
• Develop systems to identify patterns, trends, and areas of concern, enabling timely and effective interventions.
• Ensure all data systems and reporting processes are robust, compliant and support strategic planning.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong, collaborative relationships across the GEMS network, fostering a culture of shared responsibility for behaviour and attendance.
• Engage with external agencies and stakeholders where appropriate, particularly in cases requiring additional support or intervention.
• Represent GEMS Education at professional networks and events, promoting the organisation’s leadership in student engagement and inclusion.

Qualifications and Expected Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Childhood Psychology, Education, or related filed.
• 15+ years experience in Education ideally having led aspects of behaviour and attendance across a multi-academy trust (MAT).

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven experience in leading behaviour and/or attendance at a senior or cross-school level.
• Expertise in behaviour management and attendance improvement strategies.
• Demonstrable success in policy development, training delivery, and influencing whole-school culture.
• Strong analytical skills with experience using data to drive strategic decisions and interventions.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence across diverse contexts.

Desirable

• International school experience or a background in working across culturally diverse settings.
• Familiarity with GEMS Education principles and operational structures.
• Qualifications in education leadership, inclusion, psychology, or pastoral care.

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.