Whole School Pastoral Leader

TES FE News

Job Overview

Head of Pastoral Care August 2025 Start

School: International Community School (ICS), Al Manhal Campus, Abu Dhabi

International Community School (ICS) is a leading educational institution located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Driven by our vision to be the school of choice inspiring, challenging, and empowering a 21st-century learning community through an ethical and innovative education system, ICS Al Manhal is a diverse, inclusive, and values-based school committed to nurturing every aspect of a child s development.

We are seeking a compassionate, strategic, and experienced teacher who will be in charge of Pastoral Care to join our leadership team from August 2025. This is a vital senior leadership role for a committed educator who is passionate about student wellbeing, safeguarding, inclusion, and promoting a positive school culture that supports every child to thrive.

Key Responsibilities In Addition To Class Teacher Responsibility

• Lead and develop the whole-school pastoral vision and wellbeing strategy, ensuring alignment with ICS values and ADEK requirements
• Promote a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where all students feel valued, respected, and empowered
• Oversee safeguarding policies, child protection protocols, and wellbeing initiatives, ensuring compliance and best practices
• Lead and support the pastoral teams, including Heads of Year, supervisors and social workers/counsellors
• Monitor student behaviour, attendance, and emotional well-being, implementing targeted support plans where needed
• Lead restorative behaviour approaches, anti-bullying initiatives, and social-emotional learning programmes
• Work closely with parents and external agencies to support students emotional, behavioural, and mental health needs
• Coordinate student voice opportunities, peer mentoring schemes, and leadership development programmes
• Embed a trauma-informed approach to behaviour and relationship management across the school
• Provide professional development to staff on safeguarding, behaviour management, and inclusive practice
• Foster strong, trusting relationships with students, families, and staff to ensure holistic support and care
• Support the development of policies related to behaviour, attendance, safeguarding, and student welfare
• Contribute to whole-school self-evaluation and improvement planning with a focus on personal development, behaviour, and attitudes
  
  

Requirements

• A recognised teaching qualification (B.Ed., PGCE with QTS, or equivalent)
• Leadership qualification (e.g., NPQSL, NPQH, MA in Educational Leadership) is desirable
• Proven experience in a pastoral leadership role at a whole-school or phase level
• Deep understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and wellbeing frameworks (preferably within a UK or BSO context)
• Experience leading behaviour systems and inclusion strategies in a culturally diverse setting
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices and inclusive education
• Familiarity with ADEK regulations and BSO standards is an advantage
• Commitment to the personal, social, emotional, and academic development of all pupils
• Safeguarding lead preferred.
  
  

What We Offer

• A vibrant, inclusive, and values-driven school culture
• Leadership development opportunities in a collaborative and forward-thinking team
• A competitive salary and benefits package
• Professional learning and career progression pathways
• The chance to make a lasting impact on students lives and school culture