At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a primary school, shaping its vision and ensuring high standards of education.
- Company: Join a vibrant community focused on nurturing young minds and fostering growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career advancement and to impact the local community positively.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while leading a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Must have teaching qualifications and significant leadership experience in education.
The predicted salary is between 90427 - 90427 £ per year.
Primary Location: Down-Newtownards-Londonderry Primary School
Contract Type: Permanent
Duration of Contract/Contract End Date: n/a
Status: Full-Time
Hours per Week: Full-time
Working Pattern: Monday - Friday
Grade/Scale: Principal | L18-L24 | £78,223 - £90,427 per annum
School Group: Group 3
Anticipated Interview Date(s): Stage 1: Monday 14 September 2026; Stage 2 (If required) Tuesday 15 September 2026
Additional Information: School visit for shortlisted candidates: Friday 11 September 2026, 4.00 pm
PROFESSIONAL DUTIES OF A PRINCIPAL
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 and shall obey the reasonable directions of the employing authority and, in the case of a controlled school, the Board of Governors.
Professional Duties include:
- 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;
- Ensuring that the duty of providing cover for absent teachers is shared equitably among all teachers in the school;
- Maintaining relationships 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 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 effective relationships with persons and bodies outside the school;
- Advising and assisting the Board of Governors in the exercise of their functions;
- 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 absence;
- Participating in the teaching of the pupils at the school;
- To participate in the Performance Review and Staff Development (PRSD) for Principals.
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.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications:
- Hold a teaching qualification which meets the requirements for recognition to teach in grant-aided schools in Northern Ireland.
Experience:
- Minimum of 9 years post qualification teaching experience in a primary school within the last 14 years;
- Currently hold or have held for a minimum of 5 years a post with experience of strategic leadership or co-ordination of a whole school area.
Knowledge:
- Extensive knowledge of The Northern Ireland Primary Curriculum and current policies;
- Current educational developments and the ability to evaluate and respond to new educational challenges.
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 approach.
Personal Qualities:
- Vision;
- A sound value system;
- Enthusiasm and motivation;
- Integrity;
- Discretion;
- Adaptability.
The Board of Governors reserves the right to enhance the essential criteria if necessary.
Applicants must be registered with the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI) upon taking up employment.
DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND
The Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background for posts involving ‘regulated activity’.
Principal in Newtownards employer: National Instruments
As a Catering Assistant at Priory Integrated College in Down-Holywood, you will be part of a supportive and collaborative team dedicated to providing excellent service to our students. The role offers flexible part-time hours, a retainer fee during school holidays, and opportunities for professional development within the Education Authority, making it an ideal environment for those seeking meaningful employment in a nurturing educational setting.
