Assistant Principal - Pastoral (August 2026)

THE VACANCY

Cranleigh Abu Dhabi is delighted to invite applications for an exceptional Assistant Principal – Pastoral to join our Senior Leadership Team from August 2026.

This is a key strategic leadership role, responsible for leading safeguarding, pastoral care and student wellbeing across the whole school.

We are seeking an outstanding, values-driven leader who can champion a culture of care, guidance and support, ensuring every pupil thrives both academically and personally. The successful candidate will bring strong leadership experience, deep expertise in safeguarding and pastoral systems, and the ability to lead with clarity, compassion and impact within a dynamic and ambitious school environment.

The closing date for applications is 1st April 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the School reserves the right to appoint earlier should an exceptional candidate be identified.

THE ROLE

The Assistant Principal – Pastoral will provide strategic leadership of safeguarding, pastoral care and student wellbeing across Cranleigh Abu Dhabi.

The post holder will act as Whole School Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or oversee the DSL structure, ensuring full compliance with safeguarding, child protection and ADEK requirements. The role will ensure a cohesive, high-impact approach to student care, aligned with Cranleigh values and international best practice.

Key Responsibilities:

Pastoral Leadership & Strategy

• Lead a cohesive whole-school pastoral strategy

• Oversee pastoral systems across all phases, ensuring consistency and impact

• Line manage pastoral leaders and the Director of Care, Guidance & Support

• Lead behaviour, attendance and student conduct frameworks

• Use data to monitor trends and drive targeted interventions

Safeguarding (Whole School DSL)

• Lead all safeguarding provision, policy and case management

• Ensure full compliance with ADEK and safeguarding requirements

• Oversee safeguarding systems and records, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality

• Lead safeguarding training for staff, students and parents

• Chair safeguarding review meetings and oversee escalation processes

• Liaise with external agencies and act as key safeguarding contact for regulators

• Ensure safer recruitment practices are embedded across the school

Wellbeing

• Lead the implementation of a whole-school wellbeing strategy

• Line manage the Wellbeing Team (Counsellors and Social Workers)

• Ensure early identification and intervention for student wellbeing needs

• Promote preventative, research-based approaches to wellbeing

• Oversee integration of wellbeing within curriculum and wider school life

Student Experience & Community

• Lead a positive, inclusive and values-driven school culture

• Oversee student leadership and student voice

• Ensure effective delivery of tutor time, assemblies and wellbeing programmes

• Build strong relationships with parents and external partners

• Lead complex pastoral cases and parent engagement

Staff Leadership & Development

• Develop staff capability in pastoral care, safeguarding and behaviour management

• Ensure appropriate safeguarding training and compliance across all staff

• Promote staff wellbeing and a positive working culture

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Contribute to the Senior Leadership Team and whole-school strategy

• Lead ELT presentations as required

• Support inspection readiness, audits and compliance reviews

• Monitor and mitigate safeguarding and pastoral risks

• Undertake a reduced teaching timetable where required

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree with PGCE or equivalent (Master’s desirable)

Experience

• Minimum 6 years teaching experience with a strong performance record

• At least 2 years in a leadership role

• Proven experience in pastoral leadership and safeguarding (DSL/DDSL level)

Skills & Attributes

• Outstanding leadership and decision-making capability

• Strong organisational and analytical skills

• Ability to use data to drive improvement

• High levels of professionalism, discretion and emotional intelligence

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

APPLICATION PROCESS

Candidates should carefully review the attached JD to guide their application.

Cranleigh Abu Dhabi is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to appropriate background checks, including an enhanced DBS.

Please note: This job description is a fluid document and may evolve to reflect the needs of our growing school. Additional tasks reasonably deemed appropriate may be required. A full job description will be provided alongside a formal contract offer.

Apply exclusively via the WhatSchool platform.