Head of Upper School (Year 11 - 13)

Mesaieed International School

We are seeking an experienced, compassionate, and highly resilient Head of Upper School who can inspire students, staff, and families across Years 11 13, and further strengthen our pastoral culture. Our Upper School continues to grow in strength and reputation, with good academic outcomes, exceptional student leadership, and a wellbeing programme that places the individual at the heart of every decision. Our approach is rooted in warmth and clarity, a model that blends high expectations with deep relational care, ensuring students feel known, valued, and supported as they navigate the most important stage of their school journey.

We are looking for an empathetic and dynamic pastoral leader who is deeply committed to nurturing student wellbeing, empowering tutors, and supporting families through the unique challenges of secondary schooling. You will champion a culture where every student can thrive (emotionally, socially, and academically), while also guiding them towards the highest standards of conduct, independence, and personal responsibility. You will model authenticity and professional integrity, building trust across the community and cultivating strong, respectful relationships with students, staff, and parents alike.

You will strike a careful and deliberate balance between offering highly effective support and development to those you lead, alongside providing rigorous challenge and accountability to ensure that our pastoral systems remain consistent, impactful, and deeply aligned with our values. Working alongside our leadership team, you will foster an atmosphere of collaboration, clear communication, and mutual respect across the campus, ensuring that every member of our community feels valued and supported.

This period marks an exciting stage in our school's evolution as we continue our journey towards excellence. We are continuing to refine a holistic and world-class pastoral curriculum that prioritises wellbeing, character education, safeguarding, and readiness for life beyond school. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping this vision, strengthening our culture of care, designing rich tutor-time experiences, and embedding proactive approaches that enhance mental health, study habits, and overall student flourishing. You will help ensure that every student in Years 11 13 receives the guidance, challenge, and encouragement they need to excel, both in school and far beyond it.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Shape and implement the Upper School pastoral vision, ensuring alignment with whole-school priorities and a consistent, values-driven approach across Years 11 13
• Pastoral Systems & Culture: Lead the development of high-quality pastoral routines, behaviour expectations, and wellbeing structures that support student success and readiness for post-16 pathways
• Staff Development: Lead, mentor, and support tutors and pastoral staff, building a cohesive team committed to relational practice, clarity, and outstanding care
• Student Wellbeing & Progress: Monitor academic, behavioural, and emotional indicators to ensure early identification of need and effective, personalised interventions
• Post-16 Transition & Careers Guidance: Oversee key transition points, including exam readiness, pathways counselling, university applications, and preparation for life beyond MIS, while also contributing to the development and coordination of whole-school careers guidance to ensure a coherent, high-quality experience for all students
• Quality Assurance: Evaluate tutor provision, pastoral programmes, and student experiences, ensuring consistently high standards across the Upper School
• Parental and Community Engagement: Build strong partnerships with families, communicating with clarity, empathy, and confidence to support each student s journey
• Safeguarding and Inclusivity: Ensure all pastoral practices adhere to safeguarding expectations and promote an inclusive environment that champions student wellbeing and belonging