Assistant Principal (Secondary)

Key Roles & Responsibilities

The Assistant Principal – Secondary provides academic and operational leadership for the Secondary School (Years 7 to 13). The role supports the school’s vision, ensures high standards of teaching and learning, promotes student well-being, and fosters a positive school culture within an international, multicultural environment.

1.     Academic Leadership

·     Oversee the implementation and monitoring of the secondary curriculum, ensuring alignment with the Cambridge curriculum and school policies.

·     Support Heads of Department (HOD) and teachers in high-quality teaching and learning practices through classroom observations, feedback, and professional coaching.

·     Lead curriculum planning, assessment practices, and data-informed decision-making.

·     Support examination preparation, assessment moderation, and reporting processes.

·     Establish and maintain the efficient day-to-day running of the department, including in tandem with the Deputy Principal, organising cover for teaching staff.

·     Build budgets and monitor spending in the department(s).

·     Ensure that learning is at the center of all decisions related to planning and resourcing.

·     Attend regular meetings with the school leadership team (SLT), Secondary and whole school as required.

2.     Teaching & Learning

·       Develop a school environment which is supportive of learning and high achievement among the students.

·       Develop and provide appropriate learning and curriculum programmes and methods of instruction that meet the needs of all students in the school and timetabling to support them.

·       Promote effective teaching and learning practices across the school.

·       Assist in the development of the school curriculum and assessment policies.

·       Implement systems for recording individual pupils’ progress and ensure that parents are informed regularly of the progress of their children at the school.

·       Assist the Principal and Deputy Principal in supporting the monitoring and evaluation of teaching and learning across the school and the development of improvement plans.

·       Coordinate with the school leadership team to ensure that operational needs are integrated with academic programs and initiatives.

3.     Management – People & Teams

·       Support the Deputy Principal in the supervision, appraisal, and professional development of secondary teaching staff.

·       Promote collaboration through department meetings, professional learning communities, and cross-curricular initiatives.

·       Assist with recruitment, induction, and mentoring of secondary school staff.

4.     Communication

·       Maintain effective communication systems with pupils, staff, parents and colleagues.

·       Implement all school policies with an understanding of their rationale.

5.     Organisational and Administrative Management

·       Assist in the day-to-day management of the secondary section, including scheduling, timetabling, and event coordination.

·       Ensure compliance with school policies, safeguarding procedures, and accreditation requirements.

·       Support school-wide initiatives, strategic goals, and continuous improvement plans.

6.     Student Management & Well-being

·       Oversee student discipline, attendance, and behavior management in line with school policies.

·       Support pastoral systems and student well-being programs in collaboration with counselors, year leaders, and teachers.

·       Address parent and student concerns professionally and constructively.

Job Specification

This section provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the role.

Years of Experience

·     Minimally 3-5 years of proven leadership experience in a similar or related environment

·     Additionally, minimally 8-10 years of relevant teaching experience, preferable within an international school setting.

·     Experience with Cambridge curriculum is highly desirable.

Education

·     At least a Bachelor’s degree in Education/ Teaching or equivalent, with post-grad training in education

·     Evidence of continued relevant professional development

·     PGDE and/or PGCE is preferable

·     Preferably a Teacher’s License (NIE certification)

Profile of Competency

·     Demonstrate an acute and deep understanding of a secondary school curriculum

·     Strong leadership skills and strategic planning – able to plan, implement and drive educational initiatives & school direction

·     Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

·     Strong Analytical skills

·     Administrative and organizational skills

·     Agile and resilient in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.

·     Uphold high level of professionalism within circle of influence

·     Display strong team spirit; achieve synergy with team

Language Abilities

·     Proficient in written and spoken English. Proficiency in the local language is an advantage.

Professional Qualifications / Job License

·     PGDE and/or PGCE is preferable

·     Preferably a Teacher’s License (NIE certification)