Head of Secondary

Head of Secondary - Job Description

Location, Campus and Facilities:

Kampala International School Uganda (KISU), established in 1993, is situated in Kampala, Uganda, on a 14-acre campus that opened in 2008. The school boasts modern educational environments featuring classrooms equipped with interactive technology, three IT labs, four science laboratories, art and music studios, a drama room, a food technology lab, a LEGO studio, and a sensory room. Key facilities include an eight-lane outdoor heated swimming pool, a sports hall with a gym, an outdoor basketball court, a 4-acre football field, a main auditorium, and two outdoor amphitheatres.

Vision, Mission, and Values

Our mission and vision are articulated as follows:

Vision: ‘Educating today’s children for tomorrow’s world’

Mission: ‘To cultivate a warm, vibrant, inclusive, internationally-minded, and forward-thinking learning community that develops young individuals who are enthusiastic, resilient, reflective lifelong learners, equipped with the skills, values, and personal attributes necessary to thrive and lead with integrity in the future.’

History:

Since its inception in 1993 with 67 students, KISU has expanded to accommodate 425 students from various national and international backgrounds. The campus features six classroom blocks catering to students aged 15 months to 18 years and is home to over 22 species of trees. Throughout the years, the school has enhanced its facilities and fostered a diverse, international community.

Curriculum:

The school delivers an international education for learners aged 15 months to 18 years:

Early Years: 15 months to 4 years

Key Stages 1–4: Adapted English National Curriculum & Cambridge IGCSE

Key Stage 5: International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)

A comprehensive co-curricular and outdoor education program enriches students’ holistic growth, offering a variety of sporting, creative, and experiential learning opportunities.

Role Purpose:

The Head of Secondary is tasked with providing strategic, academic, and cultural leadership for the Secondary School, ensuring exemplary standards of teaching, learning, and student achievement. This role involves shaping the vision, ethos, and long-term strategic direction of the Secondary School while aligning with whole-school priorities, adherence to compliance requirements, and upholding the values and traditions of KISU.

The Head of Secondary leads by empowering and supporting senior and middle leaders to achieve excellence across all areas.

Key Priorities

Maintain and enhance high standards of teaching, learning, and student outcomes

Ensure excellence in the delivery of IGCSE and IB Diploma Programme

Foster a broad, balanced, inclusive, and internationally relevant curriculum

Cultivate a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement

Uphold the school’s values, traditions, ethos, and community spirit

Ensure compliance with Ugandan law, Ministry of Education expectations, and international accreditation standards

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements:
Essential:

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Bachelor’s degree

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Recognized teaching qualification (e.g. PGCE or equivalent)

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Considerable secondary teaching experience (7+ years)

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Demonstrated leadership experience in a secondary school environment

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Familiarity with international curricula (Cambridge IGCSE/ A Level/ IB Diploma)

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Proven experience in leading teaching and learning, staff development, and school improvement

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Strong understanding of safeguarding, pastoral care, and student wellbeing

Preferred:

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Master’s degree in Education or Leadership

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National or international school leadership qualification (e.g. NPQH, NPQSL, or equivalent leadership certification)

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Previous experience as Head of Secondary/Deputy Head of Secondary

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Evidence of continuous professional development in leadership, curriculum, or assessment

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Training in safeguarding at a senior/leadership level (e.g. Designated Safeguarding Lead certification)

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Qualification or training in school inspection frameworks (e.g. CIS/COBIS/Ofsted/IB experience or familiarity, depending on context)

Line Management and Professional Structure

Reports to: School Director
Member of: Senior Leadership Team (SLT)
Direct line management of: Deputy Head of Secondary, IB Coordinator, Secondary Heads of Department

For the complete job description, please refer to the attachment section.