Special Vice‑Principal Person Specification
Candidate must be registered with the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI) upon taking up employment.
Essential Qualifications
* Hold a teaching qualification which meets the requirements for recognition to teach in grant‑aided schools in Northern Ireland.
Desirable Qualifications
* Relevant additional teaching or leadership qualifications that demonstrate understanding of the Northern Ireland curriculum and inclusive education.
Experience
* Minimum of 8 years teaching experience in a paid capacity in primary, post‑primary or special education within the last 12 years, or equivalent experience in an affiliated education body within the last 5 years.
* Minimum of 2 years held (or currently holding) a post at SMT/SLT level or Vice‑Principal level with strategic leadership experience leading to measurable improvement in school outcomes.
* Evidence of leading a key aspect of whole‑school improvement or strategic planning at a whole‑school level.
Knowledge
* Deep knowledge of the Northern Ireland Curriculum in a special school setting and current policies and procedures.
* Knowledge of current educational developments, including how to evaluate and respond to new challenges and manage change effectively.
* Understanding of effective classroom pedagogy and the ability to raise teaching, learning and achievement standards across the school.
* Proficiency in data management, organisational and financial management.
Skills
* Leadership: motivate, manage, challenge and enthuse staff, develop an ethos and articulate vision for the future of the school.
* Relationship building: develop good relationships at all levels and promote a collaborative approach among staff, pupils, parents and governors.
* Strategic planning and self‑development of staff to achieve outcomes.
* High‑quality pastoral oversight and partnership development with the local community.
* Excellent communication, organisational and prioritising skills.
* Manage staffing matters in accordance with EA policies and procedures.
Personal Qualities
* Vision, sound values and enthusiasm.
* Assertiveness, confidence and a caring child‑centred approach.
* Integrity, advocacy, empathy, discretion and strong decision‑making.
* Adaptability and the ability to cope under pressure.
Professional Duties of a Vice‑Principal
* Formulate the aims and objectives of the school and establish the policies to achieve them.
* Manage staff and resources to support the principal’s direction.
* Monitor progress towards achievement of aims and lead school evaluation activities.
* Assume delegated professional duties in the absence of the principal, including financial administration and budget planning.
* Ensure a break of at least 30 minutes between 12 noon and 2 pm.
Key Areas of Responsibility
Shaping the Future
* Keep abreast of educational trends and build a shared, coherent vision.
* Clothe the school with an ethos that promotes high expectations and celebrates achievement.
* Inspire, motivate and empower staff to bring the vision to life.
Leading and Managing Staff
* Provide high‑quality leadership to secure improvement.
* Foster culture of shared leadership, support development and manage conflict.
* Drive professional development for all staff aligned with the school’s plan.
Leading Learning and Teaching
* Cultivate enthusiasm and commitment to learning.
* Oversee curriculum implementation, share best practice and challenge under‑achievement.
* Analyse data, plan for improvement and conduct self‑evaluation.
Developing the School in the Community
* Promote the school’s image and maintain strong relationships with parents and the wider community.
* Ensure effective communication channels and act on community feedback.
* Collaborate with statutory and voluntary agencies to enhance pupil education.
Managing the Organisation
* Prioritise, plan and organise effectively for self and team.
* Make sound decisions and establish appropriate structures.
* Implement the School Development Plan, delegate tasks and monitor progress.
Ensuring Accountability
* Develop a culture of accountability across governors and staff.
* Integrate self‑evaluation, external inspection evidence and regular reports to advance school performance.
Conditions of Service
The terms will align with the Department of Education for Northern Ireland regulations. The description is subject to review and may be amended through discussion with the principal.
Equal Opportunities Employer
The Education Authority is an equal opportunities employer. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.
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