Principal

Primary Location: Antrim-Belfast-Donegall Road 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 | L13-L19 | £69,300 - £80,136 per annum

School Group: Group 2

Anticipated Interview Date(s): 30 September 2026. A second interview may be held on 01 October if required.

Additional Information: A school visit will be arranged for shortlisted candidates.

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;
• 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;
• 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;
• 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 in the absence of the principal;
• Participating 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:

• Have a minimum of 8 years post qualification teaching experience in primary education;
• 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;

Personal Qualities:

• Vision;
• A sound value system;
• Enthusiasm and motivation;

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 Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people as ‘regulated activity’. In the event that you are recommended for appointment to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background.