School Counsellor (Female)

Job overview

JOB OVERVIEW

Contract type: Full Time / Limited (2 Years)

Suitable for NQTs (ECTs): No

Dates: START: Tentatively, 05 January, 2026

Location: Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

ABOUT US

Garden City British School (GCBS), a popular and a British School of high repute in Al Ain, seeks a School Counsellor (Female) to join a thriving team from 05 January, 2026. Our school presently caters to children from FS1 to Y9. The School Counselor provides social-emotional and academic support, guidance, and counseling (including therapy) to students. GCBS is rated as Band “A” (Good) School by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education (ADEK), and is accredited by Cambridge Assessment International Education.

The school aspires to create a global community of critical thinkers, creators, innovators, and leaders who will have a positive impact on the world of tomorrow. We pride ourselves on being a happy and vibrant community where students, parents, and teachers enjoy coming to school. All stakeholders embrace our moto ‘Striving to be the Best’ which is embedded in everything we do. Our enthusiastic students and supportive parents originate from 36 countries which makes us a truly international community. The campus is well-resourced and boasts excellent facilities.

GCBS won third place in a Best Library competition from amongst 116 schools in UAE, the only School in Al Ain. The School has produced remarkable achievements in a short span of time. The School’s cross-curricular, technology-driven Moral Education Programme has been of keen interest to the Crown Prince’s Office and is given the status of ‘noteworthy school’ in its implementation of the Programme.

GCBS is located in the School Zone of Al Ain, UAE, a city known as the “OASIS of the Middle East” which is a very quiet and safe place preferred for family living. The vibrant cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi are just 75 min drive away and the international airport is just 15 min from the School. For further details about the school please visit https://gardencityschool.ae/

ABOUT YOU

The successful candidate will show a genuine commitment to creating an inspiring and stimulating child-centered learning environment. Teachers will be highly motivated as exemplary practitioners demonstrating a deep understanding of personalised learning. Candidates should be committed to ongoing school improvement and feel comfortable in a climate of innovative and creative development.

We welcome applications from candidates with one of the following sets of qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in School Counseling or a related subject

OR

• Bachelor’s Degree in School Counseling or a related subject + 2 years of experience in experience in school counseling

Any joint honors degree which includes theology, criminology or religious education will not be accepted by Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge.

Please note that two supporting references and a police clearance certificate or DBS no more than 3 months old must be provided.

Candidates travelling with no dependents will benefit the most from our package.

OUR PACKAGE

• Tax-free Salary (paid monthly): Salaries start at AED 5,000/- for meeting the minimum qualification requirements outlined in the advert with no post-qualification experience and continues to AED 6,000/- for those qualified candidates with two or more solid years of experience.

• Allowances: Allowances could be available to applicants with significant experience or those taking on responsibility. This would be negotiated with the candidate based on their suitability.

• Accommodation (Accommodation for single staff only): Most teachers opt for school accommodation. This would be a furnished self-contained room with private bathroom in a school villa or apartment with shared kitchen/lounge facilities. Staff accommodation includes internet access and transportation to school.

Alternatively, teachers can opt for an accommodation allowance which would be AED 15,000/- to AED 20,000/- per annum. Those with responsibility allowances are eligible for a higher accommodation allowance which is dependent on the role.

• Travel: Overseas teaching staff receive a one-way ticket at the beginning and end of their contract to/from the point of hire (to a limit of AED 2,000). During the summer months and with an ongoing contract, teaching staff would receive AED 2,000 at the end of the summer term as a travelling allowance to use as they would like.

• Medical Insurance: This is comprehensive and accepted at most high-quality medical facilities throughout the UAE. Most prescription charges are included as is international travel coverage (except within the USA). The insurance excludes Alternative/Complementary Medicine, Dental and Optical coverages.

• Two-year contract and visa (renewable)

• End-of-service gratuity

• Fee discount for dependent children

TO APPLY

Interested applicants should click on the ‘Apply now’ button below to upload their CV and a short letter of application.

Candidates shortlisted for interview will be contacted soon after applying to arrange an interview via ZOOM for international candidates and at the school for local candidates.

**Please note:
Garden City British School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all pupils, holding ourselves to high standards of effective recruiting practices with specific attention to child protection.

All applicants are required to undergo child protection screening, submit a current DBS/police criminal check or equivalent from their home country or current country of residence, and provide a minimum of two references, with at least one from the Head Teacher/Principal of their most recent school.