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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a vibrant school community while shaping the future of education.
- Company: Windsor Hill Primary School, dedicated to excellence in primary education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to fostering a positive learning environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and lead innovative educational initiatives.
- Qualifications: Teaching qualification and significant leadership experience in primary education.
The predicted salary is between 54893 - 60483 £ per year.
Primary Location: Down-Newry-Windsor Hill 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: Vice Principal | L5-L9 | £54,893 - £60,483 per annum
School Group: Group 2
Anticipated Interview Date(s): Stage 1: Wednesday 27 May 2026; Stage 2 (If Required) 28 May 2026
Additional Information: School visit for shortlisted candidates will take place, Friday 22 May 2026 at 3.00pm.
PROFESSIONAL DUTIES OF A VICE-PRINCIPAL
A person appointed Vice Principal in a school, in addition to carrying out the professional duties of a teacher, shall play a major role under the overall direction of the principal in:
- formulating the aims and objectives of the school;
- establishing the policies through which they will be achieved;
- managing staff and resources to that end;
- monitoring progress towards their achievement;
- undertaking any professional duties of the principal delegated to him/her by the principal;
- undertaking to the extent required by the principal or the relevant body or employing authority the professional duties of the principal in the event of his/her absence from the school;
- entitlement to a break of at least 30 minutes between the hours of 12 noon and 2pm.
JOB DESCRIPTION – TEACHING POSTS
Main duties and Responsibilities:
- Planning and preparing courses and lessons;
- Teaching, according to their educational needs, the pupils assigned to him/her, including the setting and marking of work to be carried out by the pupils in school and elsewhere;
- Assessing, recording and reporting on the development, progress and attainment of pupils.
General:
- Promoting the general progress and well-being of individual pupils and of any class or group of pupils assigned to him/her;
- Providing advice and guidance to pupils on educational and social matters and on their further education and future careers;
- Making records of and reports on the personal and social needs of pupils;
- Communicating and consulting with the parents of pupils;
- Communicating and co-operating with such persons or bodies outside the school as may be approved by the employing authority and the Board of Governors;
- Participating in meetings arranged for any of the purposes described above.
Assessment/Reporting:
- Providing or contributing to oral and written assessments, reports and references relating to individual pupils and groups of pupils.
Staff Development/Professional Development:
- Participating, if required, in any scheme of staff development and performance review;
- Reviewing from time to time his/her methods of teaching and programmes of work;
- Advising and co-operating with the Principal and other teachers on the preparation and development of courses of study, teaching materials, teaching programmes, methods of teaching and assessment and pastoral arrangements.
Discipline/Health and Safety:
- Maintaining good order and discipline among pupils in accordance with the policies of the employing authority and safeguarding their health and safety;
- Participating in meetings at the school which relate to the curriculum for the school or the administration or organisation of the school.
Public Examinations:
- Participating in arrangements for preparing pupils for public examinations and in assessing pupils for the purposes of such examinations.
Review and Development of Management Activities/Administration:
- Contributing to the selection for appointment and professional development of other teachers;
- Co-ordinating or managing the work of other teachers;
- Participating in administrative and organisational tasks related to such duties.
Staff cover:
- Supervising and teaching any pupils whose teacher is not available.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The successful candidate will work within the agreed Terms and Conditions of Service for Vice-Principals. The Vice-Principal will be required to deputise for the Principal when necessary and take an active part in all aspects of school life.
In addition to a full-time teaching commitment and membership of the School Leadership Team, the Vice-Principal’s duties will include:
- Leading learning through example by high standards of teaching and learning.
- Assisting the Principal in all areas of leading learning and teaching, school administration, management and organisation.
- Assisting the Principal in leading School Development Planning, School Evaluation Self-Evaluations and Staff Development (INSET).
- Curriculum Co-ordination including overseeing the development and delivery of the curriculum across the Key Stages.
- Assessment coordinator for the school.
- Assisting the Principal in the promotion of positive behaviour and assertive discipline.
- Chair of the Safeguarding Team.
- Act as line manager for classroom assistants.
- Assisting the Principal with financial administration including budget planning and projections.
- Responsibility for timetables and rotas.
- Maintaining, developing and promoting formal and informal links with parents.
- Assist the Principal in organising major school events.
- Responsibility for extra-curricular activities.
- Assisting with lunch time cover.
- Undertaking such other duties as the Principal may require.
This job description may be amended at any time after discussion with the Principal.
A successful candidate will be able to demonstrate relevant experience, knowledge and skills associated with the following key areas:
- Shaping the Future
- Leading and Managing Staff
- Leading Learning and Teaching
- Developing the School in the Community
- Managing the Organisation
- Ensuring Accountability
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.
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.
Primary Vice-Principal – 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 5 years post qualification teaching experience in 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.
Knowledge:
- Extensive knowledge of The Northern Ireland Primary Curriculum and current policies and procedures;
Skills:
- Highly developed skills to lead, motivate, manage, challenge and enthuse others;
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.
Disclosure of Criminal Background:
The Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background.
Vice Principal employer: National Instruments
Contact Detail:
National Instruments Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Vice Principal
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take some time to research Windsor Hill Primary School. Familiarise yourself with their ethos, values, and recent achievements. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Set up mock interviews with friends or colleagues. Focus on articulating your vision for the school and how you can contribute to its success. The more comfortable you are discussing your ideas, the more confident you'll appear during the actual interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams or initiatives in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and motivate others, as well as how you've managed challenges. This is your chance to shine a light on your unique approach to leadership.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to ask questions! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's future plans, challenges, and community involvement. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you. And remember, apply through our website for a smoother process!
We think you need these skills to ace Vice Principal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for education and leadership shine through. We want to see how much you care about shaping young minds and creating a positive school environment.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in primary education and leadership roles. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've contributed to school improvement and staff development, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can process your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Instruments
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
As a Vice Principal, you'll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of the Northern Ireland Primary Curriculum. Brush up on current policies and educational developments so you can discuss how you would implement them effectively in your school.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Be ready to share specific examples of your leadership roles and how they led to measurable improvements in your previous schools. Highlight your experience in strategic planning and staff development to show you can inspire and manage a team.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle various situations, such as managing staff conflicts or implementing new curriculum changes. Think through potential scenarios and prepare your responses to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Engage with the Community
Discuss your ideas for building strong relationships with parents and the local community. Be prepared to explain how you would promote a positive image of the school and ensure effective communication channels are in place.