Primary School Principle

About the Company

This well-established, independent school in Johannesburg has been delivering the Cambridge International Curriculum since 1998, with a strong emphasis on academic excellence, STEM education, and personal development. The school’s mission is to nurture confident, well-rounded learners equipped with the tools to thrive in both secondary and tertiary studies.

With a focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and global citizenship, learners are supported in a safe, inclusive, and disciplined environment that fosters respect, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. The school’s reputation for quality education, family values, and personal attention has made it a trusted name in South African private education.

Job Overview:

We’re seeking a passionate and experienced School Principal to take the lead in managing our Pre and Primary School campus, serving children from 3 months to 12 years old. This is a dynamic, non-teaching leadership role focused on driving daily operations, upholding academic excellence, and cultivating a warm, values-driven school culture.

Operating within a close-knit, family-oriented environment, you’ll be guiding a team of ±20 educators, overseeing approximately 320 learners, and aligning with the Cambridge curriculum through English-medium instruction. While not required to teach, being willing to step into the classroom during busy periods or staff absences is essential—supporting the team when it matters most.

Creating collaboration, encouraging initiative, and championing a nurturing, adaptable leadership style are key to thriving in this role. You’ll be setting the tone, shaping the culture, and ensuring that both learners and staff feel supported, seen, and inspired daily.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a team of up to 22 educators in the Primary School phase, fostering a high-performing, collaborative teaching environment.
• Ensure the successful implementation of the academic programme, aligned with the Cambridge curriculum approach.
• Uphold the school’s Christian values and ethos by leading daily morning prayer and praise & worship, setting a positive spiritual tone for the day.
• Recruit, onboard, and mentor new staff to align with the school’s values, teaching philosophy, and academic standards.
• Oversee performance management, including setting and reviewing KPIs on a quarterly basis across all academic and operational teams.
• Provide hands-on leadership across all operational aspects of the school, including boarding facilities, drivers, ground staff, and general maintenance.
• Maintain a visible leadership presence—greet parents and staff each morning, engage with the school community during drop-offs, and remain available throughout the day.
• Promote an open-door policy—fostering trust, team cohesion, and a culture where educators are empowered to think independently and creatively.
• Champion a people-first leadership approach, prioritizing staff motivation, learner wellbeing, and proactive parent engagement.
• Oversee daily school operations—from timekeeping and staff attendance, to facility checks and morning readiness walk-throughs.
• Act as the primary liaison with parents, addressing queries, resolving concerns, and ensuring positive parent-school relationships.
• Coordinate internal communications with staff via morning greetings and regular team check-ins to set the tone for the day.
• Manage the school’s email communication, parent meetings, enrolment enquiries, and ad hoc challenges that arise during a dynamic school day.
• Attend and contribute to EXCO meetings, report on school performance, and collaborate closely with directors and other campus heads.
• Represent the school at conferences, inter-school collaboration forums, and broader group events.
• Support and oversee extramural programmes, including cultural and sporting activities, ensuring quality learner engagement beyond academics.
• Maintain high visibility and accountability by being one of the first to arrive and last to leave—ensuring all end-of-day duties are complete and the campus is secure.
• Work closely with the Financial Director to manage and monitor the school’s operational budget, ensuring financial discipline and resource optimization.
• Prioritize student and parent retention, actively addressing concerns, building community loyalty, and upholding the school’s reputation for excellence.

School Culture & Values:

• We are deeply rooted in Christian values, and our school day begins with morning prayer and praise and worship. It is essential that the successful candidate embraces and respects our faith-based ethos.
• Our community is richly multicultural, with learners from diverse backgrounds, including global expat families. We’re looking for someone who is culturally sensitive, inclusive, and able to lead within a diverse environment.
• Our team is extremely family-oriented, with many staff having served the school for many years. We value strong relationships, mutual respect, and a leader who is people-focused and willing to fully immerse themselves in the life of the school.
• This role calls for someone flexible, proactive, and adaptable—not rigid or tied to traditional CAPS models or bureaucratic processes. You must be comfortable thinking on your feet, guiding others through change, and supporting a team with established routines and strong personalities.

Minimum Requirements

• At least 5 years experience as a Teacher and at least 2 years Deputy Principle or Principle experience. 
• Proven experience as a Senior Educator in a leadership role, such as Deputy Principal or Head of Department within a primary school setting.
• A completed qualification in education: Diploma in Education, Bachelor of Education, or Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
• Hands-on leadership experience managing daily school operations in a Principal, Deputy, or Department Head capacity, preferably within the primary school phase.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and oversee school budgets, working closely with finance teams to ensure responsible and strategic financial management.

How to Apply?

Should you meet the minimum requirements share your CV to charne@skillzpage.com  use the job name in the Subject line "Primary School Principle". 

(If you don’t’ hear back from us within 2 weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.)