Co-Principal

Primary Location: Down-Downpatrick-Downpatrick Nursery School

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Secondment opportunity (May be subject to extension or may be reduced for any valid reason)

Duration of Contract/Contract End Date: 31 August 2027

Status: Part-Time

Hours per Week: 1 day per week

Working Pattern: Tuesday

Grade/Scale: Principal | L6-L12 | £58,491 - £67,635 per annum pro rata

School Group: Group 1

Anticipated Interview Date(s): Monday 22 June 2026

Additional Information: This role is for a teaching Principal. This post is offered on a fixed-term or secondment basis for a minimum of 1 year with the possibility of extension or may be reduced for any other substantial reason. Those wishing to apply for the post on a secondment basis must have sought and obtained approval from their BOGs before making an application. School visit for shortlisted candidates: Tuesday 16 June.

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.
• The Principal shall be responsible for the internal organisation, management and control of the school.
• Consult with the employing authority, the staff of the school, and the Board of Governors where appropriate.
• Formulate the overall aims and objectives of the school and policies for their implementation.
• Participate in the selection and appointment of the teaching and non-teaching staff of the school.
• Deploy and manage all teaching and non-teaching staff of the school.
• Ensure that the duty of providing cover for absent teachers is shared equitably among all teachers in the school.
• Maintain relationships with organisations representing teachers and other persons on the staff of the school.
• Determine, organise and implement an appropriate curriculum for the school.
• Evaluate the standards of teaching and learning in the school.
• Provide information about the work and performance of the staff employed at the school.
• Participate in any scheme of staff development and performance review of teachers.
• Ensure that the progress of the pupils of the school is monitored and recorded.
• Determine and ensure the implementation of a policy for the pastoral care of the pupils.
• Promote effective relationships with persons and bodies outside the school.
• Advise and assist the Board of Governors in the exercise of their functions.
• Maintain liaison with other schools and institutions of further education.
• Allocate, control and account for financial and material resources of the school.
• Ensure the security and effective supervision of the school buildings and grounds.
• Participate in any scheme of staff development and performance review of Principals.
• Arrange for a Vice-Principal or another suitable person to assume responsibility in the absence of the Principal.
• Participate in the teaching of the pupils at 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.

Person Specification:

Essential Qualifications:

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

Desirable Qualifications:

• Have successfully completed an additional postgraduate qualification.

Essential Knowledge:

• Extensive knowledge of The Curricular Guidance for Pre-school Education and relevant policies.
• Current educational developments and the ability to evaluate and respond to new educational challenges.
• Effective early years pedagogy and how to ensure high standards of teaching, learning and achievement.
• Effective organisational management including the appropriate deployment of resources.
• Effective financial management.

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.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Manage time effectively.

Personal Qualities:

• Vision; A sound value system; Enthusiasm and motivation; Assertiveness and confidence; A caring child-centred approach; Integrity; Advocacy and empathy; Discretion; An ability to cope under pressure; Tact and diplomacy; Decisiveness; Adaptability.

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.

In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.