School Principal

Independent School In Pretoria; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent school in Pretoria is seeking a Principal to oversee strategic and operational leadership. The ideal candidate should possess over 10 years of experience in educational leadership, a strong track record in academic performance improvement, and sound financial management skills. This full-time role requires dynamic leadership and commitment to fostering a multicultural learning environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years' experience in senior educational leadership.
• Proven record of turning around academic performance.
• Strong understanding of the IEB curriculum.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of a whole-school academic strategy.
• Serve as the chief ambassador and communicator for the school.
• Ensure the school's long-term financial sustainability.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Financial Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

Qualification in Education or Educational Leadership

Job description

Purpose of the Role

The PRINCIPAL serves as the strategic and operational leader of The School, overseeing the Pre‑Primary, Primary, and High School phases.

The incumbent will drive the school's vision for academic excellence, enrolment growth, and financial sustainability. The ideal candidate is a transformational educational leader with a minimum of 10 years' senior leadership experience in independent IEB schools, and a proven track record of turnaround growth, strategic innovation, and high‑level financial management. This role requires a dynamic, values‑driven leader who can balance academic integrity with business sustainability, ensuring The School continues to thrive as a centre of learning excellence and cultural inclusivity.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic and Academic Leadership
  
  
  
  • Lead the development and implementation of a whole‑school academic strategy that promotes excellence across all phases, fully aligned with IEB standards.
  
  
  • Drive school improvement and turnaround initiatives, targeting measurable improvements in academic results, teaching quality, and learner outcomes.
  
  
  • Strengthen data‑driven instructional practices through performance analytics, academic tracking, and targeted intervention programmes.
  
  
  • Oversee curriculum design, subject enrichment, and innovation to ensure relevance to 21st‑century skills.
  
  
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and high expectations across all teaching teams.
  
  
  • Introduce and oversee quality assurance systems, benchmarking the school's performance against leading independent institutions.
  
  
  
  


• Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
  
  
  
  • Serve as the chief ambassador and communicator for the school, ensuring a consistent and professional voice in all internal and external interactions.
  
  
  • Build strong, trust‑based relationships with the Board, parents, alumni, learners, and staff.
  
  
  • Enhance brand identity through effective communication strategies, digital engagement, and reputation management.
  
  
  • Develop community and cultural partnerships that align with the school's Chinese heritage and multicultural ethos.
  
  
  • Implement transparent channels for feedback and information flow across all school levels.
  
  
  
  


• Financial and Operational Management
  
  
  
  • Demonstrate strong financial acumen, with oversight of multi‑million‑rand budgets, fee structures, and expenditure control.
  
  
  • Ensure the school's long‑term financial sustainability through prudent management, forecasting, and reporting.
  
  
  • Collaborate with the Board on strategic budgeting, capital allocation, and governance compliance.
  
  
  • Identify and manage operational risks, ensuring sound systems in administration, procurement, and infrastructure.
  
  
  • Use financial data to support strategic growth, investment in teaching resources, and improved learner experiences.
  
  
  
  


• Growth, Marketing, and Enrolment
  
  
  
  • Drive strategic marketing initiatives to strengthen the school's market position and enrolment base.
  
  
  • Develop innovative growth and retention strategies that respond to demographic shifts and competitive pressures.
  
  
  • Oversee branding, communication, and advertising efforts that reflect the school's ethos and academic quality.
  
  
  • Build partnerships with local and international organisations to promote exchange, collaboration, and cultural enrichment.
  
  
  • Monitor enrolment data and trends to inform proactive decision‑making and school positioning.
  
  
  
  


• Facilities and Campus Development
  
  
  
  • Oversee the maintenance, safety, and enhancement of the school's physical and digital infrastructure.
  
  
  • Lead long‑term facilities planning, ensuring that campus development supports projected growth and academic needs.
  
  
  • Manage major capital projects, upgrades, and refurbishments, ensuring alignment with budget and quality standards.
  
  
  • Champion environmental sustainability and the creation of inspiring learning spaces.
  
  
  • Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
  
  
  
  


• Fundraising and Advancement
  
  
  
  • Develop and lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy to expand the school's development capacity.
  
  
  • Build relationships with donors, corporate sponsors, and alumni to secure long‑term financial partnerships.
  
  
  • Initiate capital campaigns for infrastructure, scholarships, and innovation projects.
  
  
  • Establish a robust alumni engagement programme to leverage the school's legacy and community support.
  
  
  • Ensure full transparency and accountability in all fundraising and development activities.
  
  
  
  


• Governance and Compliance
  
  
  
  • Work in close partnership with the Board of Governors, providing professional insights, data‑driven reports, and strategic recommendations.
  
  
  • Ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory, and accreditation requirements (IEB, ISASA, and Department of Education).
  
  
  • Support the Board in long‑term strategic planning, risk management, and policy development.
  
  
  • Maintain meticulous records, minutes, and compliance documentation.
  
  
  • Champion ethical governance and uphold the highest standards of accountability and transparency.
  
  
  
  


• Leadership and Human Capital Development
  
  
  
  • Lead with integrity and vision, building a high‑performance culture across all academic and administrative teams.
  
  
  • Recruit, develop, and retain exceptional educators who embody the school's values.
  
  
  • Implement structured performance management systems with clear development pathways.
  
  
  • Mentor senior leaders to ensure leadership continuity and depth across phases.
  
  
  • Promote professional learning communities, collaboration, and shared ownership of school goals.
  
  
  
  


• Culture, Inclusion, and Community
  
  
  
  • Uphold the unique identity of The School as a multicultural and inclusive learning environment.
  
  
  • Strengthen cultural understanding and mutual respect across diverse backgrounds.
  
  
  • Promote holistic education that integrates academics, values, culture, and personal development.
  
  
  • Build partnerships with community organisations, embassies, and cultural institutions to extend learning beyond the classroom.
  
  
  • Foster a sense of belonging, pride, and shared purpose among all members of the school community.
  
  
  
  


• Innovation, Sustainability, and Future Readiness
  
  
  
  • Position the school as a leader in innovation and digital learning.
  
  
  • Introduce emerging technologies and forward‑thinking pedagogies to enhance learning outcomes.
  
  
  • Integrate sustainability into campus operations and the curriculum.
  
  
  • Encourage entrepreneurial thinking, design thinking, and problem‑solving among students and staff.
  
  
  • Anticipate future educational trends and adapt school strategy accordingly.
  
  
  
  

Minimum Requirements

Qualification in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related discipline.

Minimum of 10 years' experience in senior educational leadership, within independent IEB‑accredited schools.

Proven record of turning around academic performance and driving sustainable enrolment and financial growth.

Strong understanding of the IEB curriculum and independent school governance.

Demonstrated success in financial management, marketing, and school operations.

Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.

Experience in facilities management, fundraising, and stakeholder relations.

Personal Attributes

• Visionary and results‑driven leader with strategic foresight.


• Strong communicator with exceptional interpersonal and public‑speaking skills.


• Collaborative yet decisive, with integrity and emotional intelligence.


• Financially astute, entrepreneurial, and adaptable.


• Deeply committed to diversity, excellence, and lifelong learning.


• Able to inspire, motivate, and empower others towards shared success.

Application Process

• Interested candidates should submit a comprehensive CV, a cover letter outlining suitability for the position.


• IMPORTANT NOTICE: The School is an equal opportunity employer.


• The School reserves the right not to make an appointment.


• The School further reserves the right to make an appointment prior to the closing date should a suitable candidate be identified. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.


• Job Type : Full‑time


• Work Location : In person