Job Description

High School Principal - 2026
Reports To: High School Academic Manager
Purpose of Role:
The Principal drives student achievement by leading a team of excellent staff to prepare Scholars for university and beyond. The Principal sets a rigorous vision for student achievement and implements strategic steps to lead staff, families, students, and the greater community to fulfill that vision. The Principal collaborates with the Assistant Principal(s) and Operations and Blended Learning Manager to uphold high expectations for school culture, student achievement, and professional development.
The Principal drives decision making within the Schools model in terms of the instructional program and school operations to ensure that every scholar is academically successful and an excellent representative of the core values. The Principal is integral to the Schools "culture" and our commitment to rigorous, engaging learning experiences for our scholars.
Responsibilities:
Drive Student Achievement and Success:

• Establish a rigorous, personalized academic vision with clear, ambitious goals that aim for a 100% pass rate in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.
• Ensure that scholars meet all matriculation requirements, with tailored support for those at risk of underperforming, using data-driven interventions based on real-time assessment data.

Lead Data-Driven Instructional Excellence:

• Use quantitative and qualitative data to drive personalized learning and interventions, ensuring that every scholar has a tailored path to success.
• Implement advanced technology-enhanced learning strategies (blended learning, AI-driven tools, etc.) to support academic excellence, study habits, and scholar autonomy.

Enhance School Culture and Scholar Engagement:

• Foster a school culture of high achievement, emotional resilience, and leadership through programs that promote both academic excellence and social-emotional learning.
• Ensure scholar engagement through leadership programs, mentorship opportunities, and initiatives that build scholar responsibility and ownership of their learning journey.

Promote Professional Growth and Instructional Leadership:

• Facilitate continuous professional development for staff through coaching cycles, leadership development programs, and termly evaluations to ensure excellence in teaching and instructional leadership.
• Ensure that the teaching staff is fully equipped to integrate blended learning models and innovative instructional practices into their classrooms, supporting both academic mastery and critical thinking.

Manage Scholar Behavior and Support Systems:

• Oversee the development and implementation of individualized behavior support plans for scholars struggling to meet behavioral expectations, focusing on restorative justice approaches and fostering personal responsibility.
• Work collaboratively with the Assistant Principals and Counseling Teams to ensure a robust system of scholar support, including mental health resources and social-emotional development programs.

Collaborate with Stakeholders for Holistic Scholar Support:

• Actively engage parents, families, and the wider community in the educational process, creating a strong support network around each scholar to enhance accountability and achievement.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the Department of Basic Education and other stakeholders to ensure the school's adherence to academic standards and regulatory requirements.

Ensure Matric and Umalusi Accreditation Readiness:

• Lead the preparation and administration of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams and Umalusi accreditation, ensuring full compliance with examination standards.
• Drive efforts to maintain the highest levels of matriculation success, including mock exams, scholar study plans, and targeted academic support programs for Grade 12 scholars.

Operational Leadership and Financial Management:

• Oversee the school's operational management, including budgeting, resource allocation, and ensuring that the school operates efficiently and effectively.
• Lead the school leadership team in monitoring and evaluating operational practices, ensuring they align with Schools' mission and vision.

Foster Innovation in Educational Practice:

• Promote the adoption of innovative educational practices that reflect current global trends, such as project-based learning, technology integration, and global competencies to ensure that scholars are prepared for both university and careers.
• Drive the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the curriculum, encouraging scholars to engage with global challenges and solutions.

Accountability and Continuous Improvement:

• Implement rigorous systems for monitoring and evaluation, ensuring continuous improvement across both academic and non-academic areas of the school.
• Hold staff and scholars accountable for high performance standards, with regular check-ins and review meetings to assess progress toward school-wide goals.

Requirements:
Qualifications and Criteria:
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and criteria:
Experience

• At least 3-4 years of excellent classroom instruction in a high school context
• At least two years in school leadership
• Experience and practice with labour laws
• Experience and practice with Umalusi accreditation and National Senior Certificate examination administration

Preferred qualifications and criteria

• English language fluency
• Grade 12 Certificate
• Completed B.Ed or PGCE degree (SP & FET)
• Honours or a Masters qualification are advantageous
• SACE registration
• Clear criminal record

Values: Service, Persistence, Achievement, Responsibility, Kindness
Benefits:

• fair market linked remuneration
• discretionary performance-based annual bonuses and increases
• above average/good annual leave
• life, disability and funeral cover
• employee wellness support
• educational support & study leave
• individualised professional development, support and mentorship
• employee discount on school fees
• opportunities for career growth

Remuneration: Commensurate with experience
Position type: Full Time

Skills Required