Deputy Head - To commence May 2027

Edustaff; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Edustaff seeks an experienced Senior Deputy Head to join a forward-thinking school in South Africa from May 2027. The role leads the Junior School (Grades 4–7), ensuring continuity with the Senior School and alignment with the school’s wider educational objectives.

The role requires strategic, academic and pastoral leadership, collaboration with academic, welfare and support teams, external engagement with prospective families, and occasional travel; deputising for the Head when required.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior educational leadership (5–8 years).
• Experience overseeing Junior School programs and boarding environment.
• Postgraduate qualification and SACE registration.
• Strong understanding of child development and early years.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and pastoral leadership for the Junior School and oversee the transition to the Senior School.
• Collaborate with academic, pastoral and support teams to promote high standards across teaching, sport, culture, and wellbeing.
• Engage externally with prospective families and feeder communities; travel as required; deputise for the Head when needed.

Skills

Senior leadership

Strategic planning

Effective communication

Pastoral leadership

Curriculum alignment

Pupil wellbeing

Stakeholder engagement

Boarding experience

Education

Postgraduate qualification

SACE registration

Job description

ommencement: 1 May 2027

An established and forward-thinking school is seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Deputy Head to join its leadership team from May 2027.

This is a key whole-school leadership position, with particular oversight of the Junior School (Grades 4–7). The successful candidate will play an important role in creating a strong connection between the Junior and Senior Schools, ensuring that pupils experience consistency, continuity and appropriate support throughout their educational journey from Grades 4–12.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Head, the Senior Deputy Head will provide strategic, academic and pastoral leadership within the Junior School while contributing meaningfully to the broader direction of the school.

The position requires a highly visible and approachable leader who can build a positive culture among pupils and staff, understand the particular developmental needs of younger learners and ensure that the Junior School remains aligned with the school's wider educational objectives.

A significant responsibility will be ensuring effective transition between the different phases of the school. This includes maintaining a clear understanding of each pupil's academic progress, personal development and wellbeing, and ensuring that relevant information is effectively communicated as pupils progress into the Senior School.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with academic, pastoral and support teams to promote:

• Consistent standards of teaching and learning

• Appropriate academic progression and challenge

• Effective pastoral and pupil support

• Strong communication and relationships with parents

• A well-integrated Grades 4–12 educational experience

• Meaningful co-curricular opportunities

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Senior Deputy Head will participate in strategic planning and school-wide decision-making, contribute to operational priorities and deputise for the Head when required.

The role will also have an external-facing element, including developing relationships with prospective families and feeder communities, supporting pupil recruitment and representing the school at relevant events. Some travel will therefore be required.

Key Requirements

The ideal candidate will offer:

• A strong educational philosophy and the ability to translate this into effective leadership.

• A sound understanding of child development and the educational needs of pupils in the preparatory years.

• The ability to drive high standards across academics, sport, culture, character and personal development.

• Experience overseeing or contributing to a Junior School boarding environment.

• An understanding of pupil wellbeing and the ability to work effectively with wellness and support teams.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build productive relationships with pupils, parents, colleagues and the wider school community.

• Experience developing and supporting co-curricular programmes and initiatives.

• Strong organisational, strategic and financial management skills.

• A relevant postgraduate qualification and current SACE registration.

• A minimum of 5–8 years' experience in senior educational leadership, such as a Phase Head, Deputy Head or equivalent position.

• A collaborative leadership style and the ability to establish partnerships that contribute to the school's strategic goals.

• A willingness to embrace and actively support the school's Anglican Christian ethos, including participation in chapel and assemblies.

• An appreciation of the school's history and values, together with a genuine commitment to transformation, diversity, inclusion and belonging.

The Opportunity

This position will suit an experienced educational leader who is passionate about developing young people and who can combine strategic thinking with a visible, hands‑on leadership approach.

The successful candidate will be instrumental in strengthening the connection between the Junior and Senior Schools and ensuring that every pupil is supported academically, pastorally and personally as they progress towards Grade 12.

Starting date: 1 May 2027