Head of Secondary

Head of Secondary - Job Description

Location, Campus, and Facilities:

Kampala International School Uganda (KISU), founded in 1993, is located in Kampala, Uganda, on a 14-acre campus that was inaugurated in 2008. The institution offers contemporary educational settings featuring classrooms outfitted with interactive technology, three IT laboratories, four science labs, art and music studios, a drama room, a food technology lab, a LEGO studio, and a sensory room. Notable facilities include an eight-lane outdoor heated swimming pool, a sports hall with a gymnasium, 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 defined as follows:

Vision: ‘Preparing today’s children for the world of tomorrow’

Mission: ‘To foster a warm, vibrant, inclusive, internationally-minded, and progressive learning community that nurtures young individuals who are enthusiastic, resilient, reflective lifelong learners, equipped with the skills, values, and personal attributes essential for thriving and leading with integrity in the future.’

History:

Since its establishment in 1993 with only 67 students, KISU has grown to welcome 425 students from diverse national and international backgrounds. The campus features six classroom blocks catering to learners aged 15 months to 18 years and hosts over 22 species of trees. Over the years, the school has enhanced its facilities and nurtured a diverse, international community.

Curriculum:

The school provides an international education for students 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 complements students’ holistic development, offering a range of sporting, creative, and experiential learning opportunities.

Role Purpose:

The Head of Secondary is responsible for delivering strategic, academic, and cultural leadership for the Secondary School, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning, and student success. This role involves shaping the vision, ethos, and long-term strategic direction of the Secondary School while aligning with the overall priorities of the school, ensuring compliance, and upholding KISU's values and traditions.

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:

• Bachelor’s degree

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

• Significant secondary teaching experience (7+ years)

• Proven leadership experience in a secondary school setting

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

• Demonstrated experience in leading teaching and learning, staff development, and school improvement

• Strong understanding of safeguarding, pastoral care, and student wellbeing

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Education or Leadership

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

• Prior experience as Head of Secondary/Deputy Head of Secondary

• Evidence of ongoing professional development in leadership, curriculum, or assessment

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

• 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.