Head Teacher-Junior School

Role Purpose

The Headteacher – Junior School provides visionary instructional leadership and expert management for all staff within Grades 7–9. This role is central to ensuring high-quality teaching, effective implementation of the Kenyan Competency-Based Education (CBE), and outstanding academic and behavioural outcomes. The Headteacher will mentor, coach, and professionally develop teachers, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Communication

Administrative Management

• Daily Operations Oversight: Ensure smooth running of all Junior School activities, including timetabling, classroom allocation, and resource management.
• Efficiency & Compliance: Monitor administrative processes to guarantee efficiency, adherence to policies, and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Resource Coordination: Manage logistical needs such as teaching materials, facilities, and support services to optimize the learning environment.
• Problem-Solving: Anticipate and resolve operational challenges quickly, ensuring minimal disruption to teaching and learning.

Internal Communication

• Information Flow: Act as the central link between the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and Junior School staff, ensuring clear, timely, and transparent communication.
• Feedback Channels: Establish systems for gathering staff input and relaying it constructively to management.
• Policy Dissemination: Communicate policies, updates, and strategic priorities to staff for consistent implementation.
• Collaboration & Alignment: Facilitate regular staff meetings and briefings to align the team with school goals.
• Culture Building: Promote openness, trust, and collaboration.

External Communication

• Parent Engagement: Serve as a key liaison with parents, ensuring they are well-informed on academic progress and school initiatives.
• Stakeholder Relations: Maintain professional communication with education authorities and community partners.
• Information Sharing: Provide timely updates through newsletters, meetings, and digital platforms.
• Crisis & Issue Management: Communicate effectively during sensitive or urgent situations.
• Representation: Act as an ambassador for the Junior School in external engagements.

Instructional Leadership & Professional Development

• Academic Quality Assurance: Take full responsibility for teaching and learning quality, maintaining high pedagogical standards.
• Coaching & Mentoring: Lead structured coaching through classroom observations and feedback.
• Curriculum Expertise (CBE): Work closely with curriculum leadership to ensure strong subject knowledge and learner-centred delivery, including Project-Based Learning (PBL).
• Promoting Values: Embed core competencies and values into daily teaching.
• CPD Strategy: Design and deliver impactful professional development sessions.
• Performance Management: Oversee appraisal cycles, set goals, and ensure accountability.

Staff Management

• Line Management: Provide direct leadership to all teaching and support staff.
• Team Culture: Foster a collaborative and professional teaching environment.
• Staff Deployment: Allocate staff effectively to optimize learning outcomes.
• Recruitment & Induction: Lead hiring and onboarding aligned with institutional values.

Academic & Behavioural Oversight

• Academic Attainment: Ensure effective use of assessment data to drive student achievement.
• Pastoral Support: Oversee student well-being and support systems.
• Discipline & Behaviour Management: Ensure consistent application of behaviour policies and proactive interventions.
• Case Management: Handle disciplinary matters fairly and consistently, involving parents where necessary.

Welfare

• Learner Welfare & Safeguarding: Champion safeguarding and ensure compliance with child protection protocols.
• Shared Responsibility: Encourage parent and stakeholder involvement in welfare.
• Inclusive Culture: Promote diversity, belonging, and inclusion.
• Supportive Environment: Build a culture of trust and respect among staff and students.

Requirements

Required Qualifications & Experience

Education:

• Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) from a recognized institution.
• A Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or Curriculum Studies is an added advantage.

Certification:

• Valid registration with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and in good standing.

Experience:

• Minimum 10 years of teaching experience in secondary school.
• At least 5 years in an instructional leadership role.
• Experience teaching and managing at high school level.
• Evidence of impact on student outcomes and staff development.

Expertise:

• Instructional coaching and teacher mentoring.
• Performance management and appraisal systems.
• Strong understanding of CBE implementation.
• Ability to align teaching practices with Ministry of Education standards.

Preferred Attributes

• Visionary leadership
• Approachability and empathy
• Strong communication skills
• Collaborative team-building
• Integrity and professionalism
• Results-oriented mindset
• Resilience and adaptability
• Commitment to student welfare