HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL

Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An esteemed educational institution seeks a Head of Senior School to provide visionary leadership for Grades 10-12. This full-time role requires extensive teaching and leadership experience, with a focus on academic excellence and student wellbeing. The successful candidate will play a key role in fostering an innovative and inclusive learning environment while managing overall academic and pastoral development.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years' teaching experience, with 5 years in leadership.
• Experience managing high school-level academic and pastoral systems.
• Familiarity with IEB and IB systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for Grades 10-12.
• Oversee student welfare, discipline, and academic development.
• Manage day-to-day operation of the Senior School.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Curriculum Development

Emotional Intelligence

Organisational Skills

Education

Tertiary Degree in Education (Honours or Master’s preferred)

Job description

Commencement Date: 1 January 2026
Reports to: Executive Head
Location: Redhill School, Johannesburg
Position Type: Full-time, Leadership Role

IMPORTANT NOTE

This position is currently being held at an acting capacity and, in accordance with our school’s policies and procedures, must now be advertised before any permanent appointment is made. This ensures a fair, transparent process and upholds our commitment to excellence and equity in leadership appointments.

PURPOSE STATEMENT

The Head of Senior School provides visionary, strategic, and operational leadership for Grades 10–12, ensuring the holistic development, academic excellence, and wellbeing of students. This role is integral in upholding and advancing the ethos, values, and standards of Redhill School while fostering a dynamic, inclusive, and innovative learning environment. As a key member of the executive team, the Head of Senior School collaborates across all phases of the school to ensure alignment and continuity, while driving excellence in both the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) and International Baccalaureate (IB) pathways.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership and Vision

• Develop and implement a compelling vision for the Senior School aligned with Redhill School’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Lead the academic and pastoral development of the Senior School.
• Championing a culture of high expectations, professional excellence, and student achievement.

Academic Oversight

• Ensure the successful delivery and integration of the IEB and IB Diploma programmes.
• Collaborate with IEB and IB Coordinators and Grade Heads to ensure rigorous academic standards and responsive curriculum development.
• Lead data-informed decision-making and assessment practices to drive improvement and innovation in teaching and learning.

Student Support and Wellbeing

• Oversee all aspects of student welfare, discipline, and personal development in the Senior School.
• Work closely with Grade Heads and the Head of Student Support to ensure proactive pastoral care and appropriate academic accommodations.
• Foster strong, respectful relationships between staff and students, ensuring a safe and nurturing school culture.

Staff Management and Development

• Read, mentor, and evaluate the Senior School staff team, promoting professional growth and collaborative practice.
• Participate in recruitment, induction, and performance appraisal of staff in collaboration with the Executive Head and HR.
• Cultivate a high-performing, innovative, and motivated staff body that upholds the values of Redhill School.

Parent Engagement and Communication

• Serve as the primary point of contact for Senior School parents, maintaining open, constructive, and transparent communication.
• Support families in navigating academic pathways, co-curricular choices, and personal challenges.
• Facilitate parent information evenings, reports, and consultation meetings with professionalism and empathy.

Operational and Administrative Leadership

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Senior School, including timetabling, calendars, and resource allocation.
• Ensure compliance with relevant policies, legal requirements, examination board standards, and safeguarding protocols.
• Prepare and manage the Senior School budget in collaboration with the Finance team.

Co-Curricular and School Life

• Champion student participation in co-curricular, leadership, cultural, and community engagement initiatives.
• Support the organisation and execution of key events such as camps, graduations, award ceremonies, and inter-house activities.
• Promote a rich and meaningful school life that prepares students for success beyond Redhill.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

• Executive Head and Heads of Schools.
• IEB and IB Coordinators and Grade Heads.
• Head of Student Support.
• Parents, external partners, and examination boards.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• A relevant tertiary degree in Education (Honours or Master’s level preferred).
• At least 10 years’ teaching experience, with a minimum of 5 years in school leadership.
• Proven experience in managing high school-level academic and pastoral systems.
• Familiarity with both the IEB and IB systems (experience in both preferred).
• Demonstrate excellence in communication, team leadership, and school management.

KEY COMPETENCIES AND ATTRIBUTES

• Visionary, principled leader with high emotional intelligence.
• Exceptional interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Strong academic insight with the ability to lead curriculum development.
• Deep commitment to student wellbeing and holistic education.
• Capacity to balance strategic oversight with hands-on involvement.

REMUNERATION

A competitive package, commensurate with experience and qualifications, will be offered.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter to:
Mr Joseph Gerassi
Executive Head, Redhill School Email: [e-mail]

Applications close at 16h00 on Tuesday 8 July 2025.

Redhill School reserves the right not to make an appointment. If you have not heard from the School by 31 July 2025, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful. Redhill reserves the right to appoint someone earlier if a suitable candidate presents him/herself. Redhill reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Redhill School, in line with POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) will attempt to ensure the confidentiality of all applicants for this role. All reasonable measures will be in place to protect personal information but will be used in the recruitment, selection, and reporting process. By submitting your application for this position, you are recognising and accepting this disclaimer.