Job Description

We are looking for a qualified Wellbeing Lead to join our established team at GEMS Education, in Dubai, starting from August 2026.
Core Responsibilities:

• Lead the strategic development and implementation of the school's wellbeing vision, ensuring a whole-school, preventative, and inclusive approach to student wellbeing.
• Oversee and coordinate pastoral systems and wellbeing provision, working closely with senior leaders, counsellors, Heads of Year, and teaching staff.
• Monitor and support student wellbeing, safeguarding, behaviour, and attendance, ensuring timely intervention and appropriate escalation where required.
• Use qualitative and quantitative data to identify trends, inform interventions, and evaluate the impact of wellbeing initiatives.
• Support staff in embedding wellbeing practices into teaching, learning, and daily school life, including staff training and guidance.
• Act as a key point of contact for students and parents in relation to wellbeing concerns, providing guidance and reassurance where appropriate.
• Liaise with external agencies and professionals to ensure students receive appropriate support when needed.
• Contribute to the development and review of policies and procedures related to wellbeing, safeguarding, and inclusion.
• Promote a positive, inclusive school culture that supports emotional resilience, student voice, and personal development.
• Work collaboratively with the wider leadership team to ensure wellbeing remains a core strategic priority across the Secondary School.

Skills
The ideal candidate should have a strong track record in effective teaching and helping students succeed. While experience in teaching the IB Middle Years and Diploma programmes is preferred, outstanding educators from any curriculum background are encouraged to apply. A genuine passion for working in a non-selective and culturally diverse community is also a key requirement. Additionally, the candidate should possess:
Key Requirements:

• A Bachelor's degree in Education, Psychology, Counselling, or a related field, or an initial degree plus a relevant recognised professional qualification.
• A minimum of 3-5 years' experience in a pastoral, wellbeing, safeguarding, or student support role within a Secondary School environment.
• Demonstrable experience supporting student wellbeing, mental health, or pastoral care, ideally within an international or IB school setting.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and wellbeing best practice.
• Experience working collaboratively with teachers, senior leaders, parents, and external agencies.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organisational skills, with a calm, professional, and empathetic approach.
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion, resilience, and sound judgement.
• Professionally certified where required, meeting relevant regulatory body expectations (e.g. KHDA or equivalent).
• A commitment to continuous professional development and reflective practice.
• Advanced qualifications or specialist training in wellbeing, mental health, or safeguarding are preferred but not essential.
• Availability to start in August 2026.

YOUR PACKAGE AND BENEFITS
All positions attract an excellent remuneration package including: Competitive tax-free salary, individual fully furnished accommodation, free schooling for 1 child, private medical insurance, annual airfares to country of residence and end of Service Gratuity.
Teaching at GEMS is not just a job, it's a career. Our teachers enjoy free access to leading CPD programmes 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 around the world as we continue our expansion around the world.
GEMS Teachers also have free access to our loyalty app GEMS rewards www.gemsrewards.com which provides significant savings on day-to-day life in the UAE. We offer thousands of discounts and 2 for 1 offers on everything from flights, hotels, restaurants and retail outlets, making your salary go further and enhancing the opportunity to save whilst working overseas.
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.

Skills Required