Post Primary Principal – Person Specification
Essential and desirable criteria for application and responsibilities of the role are set out below.
Essential Criteria
* Hold a teaching qualification recognised for teaching in grant‑aided schools in Northern Ireland.
* Have a minimum of 8 years post‑qualification teaching experience in post‑primary education or equivalent experience within an affiliated educational body.
* Hold or have held for at least 5 years a post with strategic leadership or co‑ordination at the SMT/SLT level, or a Principal or Vice‑Principal post, or equivalent leadership experience.
* Demonstrate evidence of leadership leading to school improvement, strategic planning/organisational management and building a professional learning community.
* Demonstrate extensive knowledge of the Northern Ireland Post Primary Curriculum, current policies, classroom pedagogy, data management, organisational and financial management.
* Demonstrate highly developed skills in leadership, motivation, strategic vision, relationship building, partnership development, communication and staff management.
* Demonstrate personal qualities of vision, integrity, advocacy, empathy, adaptability and a caring child‑centred approach.
* Be registered with the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI) upon employment.
Desirable Criteria
* Additional postgraduate or equivalent qualification in Education.
* Evidence of leading whole‑school staff development and financial/budgetary management.
Responsibilities
* Formulate the overall aims and objectives of the school and implement policies.
* Participate in the selection, appointment and development of teaching and non‑teaching staff.
* Deploy and manage staff, ensuring balanced duties and adequate coverage.
* Maintain relationships with teachers, governors, parents, and external organisations.
* Determine, organise and deliver an appropriate curriculum, monitoring progress and analysing data to plan improvement.
* Oversee school financial management, ensuring sound governance and efficient allocation of resources.
* Ensure pastoral care, discipline and welfare of pupils in accordance with policy.
* Provide clear information to parents, governors and the community, and maintain a positive school image.
* Lead professional development schemes and performance reviews for staff and the Principal.
* Allocate duties to a Vice‑Principal or suitable person during absence, and coordinate teaching cover.
* Maintain liaison with the employing authority, the Board of Governors and other schools.
Management of Staff
* Delegate duties appropriately, ensuring teachers receive necessary support.
* Provide clear information to enable staff performance.
Training and Development of Staff
* Support newly‑qualified teachers and those returning to teaching with adequate induction and ongoing support.
Key Leadership Themes
* Shaping the Future: Keep abreast of educational trends, build and communicate a shared vision, inspire staff and model values.
* Leading and Managing Staff: Provide high‑quality leadership, promote shared leadership, support staff development, manage conflict and performance.
* Leading Learning and Teaching: Cultivate enthusiasm for learning, develop teaching culture, analyze data and plan improvement.
* Developing the School in the Community: Build positive community relationships, ensure effective communication and responsive to feedback.
* Managing the Organisation: Prioritize, plan, organise, delegate, and manage resources efficiently.
* Ensuring Accountability: Develop a culture of accountability, monitor performance, report to governors and promote effective practice.
Conditions of Service
The Conditions of Service will be in accordance with the regulations of the Department of Education for Northern Ireland. The job description is subject to review and may be amended.
Equality and Diversity
The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Candidates are required to meet the Enhanced Disclosure Certificate cost if appointed to a regulated activity post.
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