Primary Principal – Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
* Hold a teaching qualification recognised for teaching in grant‑aid schools in Northern Ireland.
Desirable Qualifications
* Additional post‑graduate (or equivalent) qualification in Education.
Experience Requirements (at closing date for applications)
* Minimum of 7 years of post‑qualification teaching experience in primary education or an equivalent role within the last 12 years.
* Minimum of 5 years (within the last 10 years) in a post that includes strategic leadership or coordination of a whole‑school area at least at the level of Subject Co‑ordinator, Head of Key Stage, SMT or SLT, including measurable school improvement.
* Experience as Principal or Vice‑Principal, or with leadership and management experience within an affiliated body.
* Evidence that leadership has led to school improvement.
* Evidence of holding a leadership role in strategic planning and/or organisational management.
* Evidence of building a professional learning community within a school or other organisation.
Preference May Be Given To Candidates With
* Evidence of involvement in staff development within schools.
* Experience of financial and/or budgetary management within schools.
Knowledge
* The Northern Ireland Primary Curriculum and current policies and procedures.
* Current educational developments and ability to evaluate and respond to new challenges and manage change.
* Effective classroom pedagogy and ensuring high standards of teaching, learning and achievement throughout the school.
* Effective data management.
* Effective organisational management, including appropriate deployment of resources.
* Effective financial management and sound financial governance.
Skills
* Lead, motivate, manage, challenge and enthuse others.
* Create an ethos and articulate a vision for the future of the school.
* Develop good relationships at all levels and promote a collaborative and team approach among staff, pupils, parents and governors.
* Lead strategically and develop self and others to achieve outcomes.
* Promote, achieve, monitor and evaluate high standards of teaching, learning and achievement.
* Develop effective partnerships between the school and the local community.
* Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
* Organise and prioritise workload effectively.
* Deal with staffing matters in accordance with EA policies and procedures.
* Manage time effectively.
Personal Qualities
* Vision.
* Sound value system.
* Enthusiasm and motivation.
* Assertiveness and confidence.
* Caring, child‑centred approach.
* Integrity.
* Advocacy and empathy.
* Discretion.
* Ability to cope under pressure.
* Tact and diplomacy.
* Decisiveness.
* Adaptability.
The Board of Governors reserves the right to enhance the essential criteria if necessary to facilitate a manageable shortlist.
Applicants must be registered with the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI) upon taking up employment.
Disclosure of Criminal Background
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’. If you are recommended for a post that involves regulated activity, the Education Authority will require an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Candidates will be expected to cover the cost of the Enhanced Disclosure Certificate.
The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Professional Duties of a Principal
* Carry out professional duties in accordance with the school’s policy and objectives.
* Be responsible for the internal organisation, management and control of the school.
* Consult with the employing authority, staff and the Board of Governors as appropriate.
* Formulate overall aims and objectives of the school, set policies, and ensure implementation.
* Participate in the selection and appointment of teaching and non‑teaching staff.
* Deploy, manage and allocate duties to all staff, ensuring equitable distribution and balance.
* Maintain relationships with teachers and other staff bodies.
* Determine, organise and implement an appropriate curriculum.
* Monitor and review the work and organisation of the school.
* Evaluate standards of teaching and learning and ensure professional performance standards are maintained.
* Provide information about staff performance as relevant.
* Implement staff development schemes and performance reviews.
* Ensure access to advice and training for all staff.
* Monitor and record progress of pupils.
* Implement a pastoral care policy and promote good behaviour and discipline.
* Arrange regular information for parents about curriculum, progress and matters affecting the school.
* Promote effective relationships with external bodies.
* Assist the Board of Governors in decision‑making and reporting.
* Provide liaison with the employing authority and report on functions.
* Maintain liaison with other schools and further education institutions.
* Control financial and material resources of the school.
* Secure safety and supervision of school buildings and grounds.
* Arrange for a Vice‑Principal or suitable person to assume functions as principal when absent.
* Participate in the teaching of pupils, including cover for absent teachers.
* Allow a break of at least 30 minutes between noon and 2:00 pm.
* Participate in the performance review and staff development for principals.
Conditions of Service
The conditions of service for this post will be in accordance with the Regulations of the Department of Education for Northern Ireland and are subject to review. The post holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay, and comply with equality legislation at all times.
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