Principal - Breda Academy in Belfast

A Principal shall be required to carry out his/her professional duties in accordance with the school’s policy and objectives as determined by the employing authority and, in the case of a controlled school, the Board of Governors. Subject to paragraph 1 the principal shall be responsible for the internal organisation, management and control of the school. In carrying out his/her duties the principal shall consult, where this is appropriate, with the employing authority, the staff of the school and, in the case of a controlled school, the Board of Governors.

Professional Duties

• Formulating the overall aims and objectives of the school and policies for their implementation.
• Participating in the selection and appointment of the teaching and non‑teaching staff of the school.
• Deploying and managing all teaching and non‑teaching staff of the school and allocating particular duties to them.
• Ensuring that the duty of providing cover for absent teachers is shared equitably among all teachers in the school.
• Maintaining relationships, as appropriate, with organisations representing teachers and other persons on the staff of the school.
• Determining, organising and implementing an appropriate curriculum for the school.
• Keeping under review the work and organisation of the school.
• Evaluating the standards of teaching and learning in the school.
• Providing information about the work and performance of the staff employed at the school.
• Participating in any scheme of staff development and performance review of teachers.
• Ensuring that all staff in the school have access to advice and training appropriate to their needs.
• Ensuring that the progress of the pupils of the school is monitored and recorded.
• Determining and ensuring the implementation of a policy for the pastoral care of the pupils.
• Promoting good behaviour on the part of the pupils and regulating their conduct.
• Making arrangements for parents to be given regular information about the school curriculum and the progress of their children.
• Promoting effective relationships with persons and bodies outside the school.
• Advising and assisting the Board of Governors in the exercise of their functions.
• Providing for liaison and co‑operation with the employing authority.
• Maintaining liaison with other schools and institutions of further education.
• Allocating, controlling and accounting for those financial and material resources of the school.
• Making arrangements for the security and effective supervision of the school buildings and grounds.
• Arranging for a Vice‑Principal or another suitable person to assume responsibility during absences.
• Participating in the teaching of the pupils at the school.
• To participate in the Performance Review and Staff Development (PRSD) for Principals.

Management of Staff

• Considering how far the duties of the principal may be delegated to any vice‑principal.
• Ensuring that teachers at the school receive information they need to carry out their professional duties effectively.

Training and Development of Staff

• Ensuring that newly‑qualified teachers and those returning to teaching after a break in service have access to adequate support.

Key Areas

• Shaping the Future: Keep abreast of and anticipate educational trends; think strategically to build and communicate a shared coherent vision.
• Leading and Managing Staff: Provide high quality leadership to secure improvement; collaborate and network with others within and beyond the school.
• Leading Learning and Teaching: Cultivate enthusiasm for and commitment to the learning process; lead and manage the development of an effective learning and teaching culture.
• Developing the School in the Community: Lead and manage the development and promotion of a positive image of the school within the local community.
• Managing the Organisation: Prioritise, plan and organise themselves and others; think creatively to anticipate and solve problems.
• Ensuring Accountability: Create and develop a culture in which all Governors and staff recognise that they are accountable for the success of the school.

Conditions of Service

The Conditions of Service for this post will be in accordance with the Regulations of the Department of Education for Northern Ireland. This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances.

Essential Qualifications

• Hold a teaching qualification which meets the requirements for recognition to teach in grant‑aided schools in Northern Ireland.

Experience

• Have a minimum of 7 years post‑qualification teaching experience in post‑primary education.
• Currently hold or have held for a minimum of 3 years a post with experience of strategic leadership or co‑ordination of a whole school area.
• Evidence of how your leadership has led to school improvement.
• Evidence of having held a leadership role in strategic planning and/or organisational management.
• Evidence of experience of contributing to building an inclusive school community.

Essential Knowledge

• The Northern Ireland Post‑Primary Curriculum and current policies and procedures.
• Current educational developments and the ability to evaluate and respond to new educational challenges.
• Effective classroom pedagogy and how to ensure high standards of teaching, learning and achievement throughout the school.

Skills

• Lead, motivate, manage, challenge and enthuse others.
• Create an ethos and articulate vision for the future of the school.
• Develop good relationships at all levels and promote a collaborative and team approach.

Personal Qualities

• Vision, enthusiasm and motivation.
• A caring child centred approach.
• Integrity and discretion.

The Board of Governors reserves the right to enhance the essential criteria if necessary in order to facilitate a manageable shortlist. Applicants must be registered with the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI) upon taking up employment.