Principal

Position Summary

Croydon House School seeks an exceptional educational leader to serve as Principal. The successful candidate will provide visionary leadership, ensuring the delivery of high-quality education while fostering a culture of academic excellence, innovation, integrity, and student wellbeing. The Principal will lead the strategic, academic, financial, and operational management of the school and work collaboratively with the Governing Board, staff, parents, learners, and the wider school community to achieve the school’s mission and long-term objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Provide strategic direction aligned with the school’s vision, mission, and values.
• Lead the implementation and review of the school’s strategic plan.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Promote excellence in teaching, learning, and student achievement.

Educational Leadership

• Ensure high standards of curriculum delivery, assessment, and academic performance.
• Drive learner achievement through effective instructional leadership.
• Promote learner wellbeing, inclusion, and holistic development.
• Support continuous professional development for all staff.

Leadership and People Management

• Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain high-performing staff.
• Build a positive, collaborative, and accountable organisational culture.
• Manage staff performance and succession planning.
• Promote employee wellbeing and engagement.

Financial and Operational Management

• Oversee the school’s financial sustainability and annual budgeting process.
• Ensure effective management of school facilities, resources, and infrastructure.
• Maintain sound governance, risk management, and compliance practices.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and education regulations.

Community Engagement

• Develop strong relationships with parents, alumni, education authorities, and community stakeholders.
• Promote the school’s reputation and support enrolment growth.
• Represent the school at public, educational, and community events.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must possess:

• A recognised Bachelor’s degree in Education or an equivalent teaching qualification.
• A postgraduate qualification in Education, Educational Leadership, School Management, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Current registration with the South African Council for Educators (SACE).
• A minimum of 10 years’ teaching experience.
• At least 5 years’ experience in a senior school leadership role (e.g. Deputy Principal, Head of School, Principal, or equivalent).
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, organisational leadership, and school improvement.
• Proven financial management and budgeting experience.
• Strong knowledge of the South African Schools Act, labour legislation, and relevant education policies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, and conflict resolution skills.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, and emotional intelligence.
• A valid driver’s licence.

Preferred Competencies

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Visionary and inspirational leadership.
• A commitment to academic excellence and learner success.
• Experience leading curriculum innovation and school improvement initiatives.
• Strong governance and stakeholder management skills.
• Financial and business management acumen.
• Sound judgement and effective decision-making.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills.
• Ability to inspire, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting learner wellbeing.

Requirements to Apply

Interested applicants should submit the following:

• A comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV).
• A cover letter outlining their suitability for the position and leadership philosophy.
• Certified copies of academic qualifications.
• Proof of current SACE registration.
• A certified copy of a valid South African identity document or passport (where applicable).
• A certified copy of a valid driver’s licence.
• Contact details of at least three professional referees, including the applicant’s current or most recent employer.
• A recent police clearance certificate or willingness to undergo the necessary criminal background screening.
• Consent to qualification, employment, and reference verification.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to:

• Deliver a presentation on their vision for Croydon House School.
• Participate in competency-based interviews.
• Complete leadership and psychometric assessments.
• Undergo qualification, reference, credit, and criminal record checks.

Key Performance Indicators

The Principal’s performance will be measured against:

• Learner academic achievement and progress.
• Staff engagement, development, and retention.
• Financial sustainability and responsible resource management.
• Strategic plan implementation.
• Stakeholder satisfaction.
• Compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
• School enrolment, reputation, and community engagement.

Employment Equity

Croydon House School is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion. Suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If applicants have not received a response within four weeks of the closing date, they should consider their application unsuccessful.

Pay: R35 000,00 - R40 000,00 per month

Experience:

• Principal : 5 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• PGCE and qualification (Required)

Work Location: In person