School Principal

Purpose

The position of the Principal serves as the lead Educator and Administrator of the school responsible for implementing and managing the policies regulations and procedures of the School to ensure that all students are supervised in a safe child-centered learning environment following the approved curricula and directives of the School. To achieve academic excellence the School Principal shall work collaboratively to lead and nurture all members of the School staff and to communicate effectively with parents and members of the community. Inherent in the position are the responsibilities for the Principal which shall include but are not limited to: planning curriculum development program evaluation extracurricular activities personnel management financial management emergency procedures resource scheduling and facilities operations. As a Secretary of the Senior Management Team (SMT) she will be a key player in providing strategic direction and leadership to the school.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Leadership

• Provide professional guidance and leadership throughout the school.
  

• Act as the official spokesperson and representative of the school in all official functions.
  

• Ensure the schools performance in terms of academic and co-curricular activities is held to high standards as per the Schools Policy.
  

  
  

• Ensure maintenance of high standards of discipline by both staff and students.
  

  
  

• Achieve the highest possible standards of learning and student attainment.
  

  
  

• Participate in regular meetings to discuss potential improvements with school board members.
  

  
  

• Take minutes of the Senior Management Team meetings.
  

• Remain responsible for maintaining and increasing student enrollment and growth to provide for the sustainability of the school.
  

• Ensure the holistic growth of the students is maintained through pastoral growth a core value of the school.
  

• Perform any other duties assigned to you by the Administrator.
  

2. Instructional Management

• Plan and oversee the implementation of an effective curriculum timetable and organization of the school day and review these as appropriate.
  

• Maintain strong up-to-date knowledge of the 8-4-4 CBE and IGCSE Secondary Education frameworks.
  

• Review the 8-4-4 CBE and IGCSE school policies and procedures and ensure they are up to date.
  

• Ensure the 8-4-4 CBE and IGCSE Secondary Curricula are implemented regularly.
  

• Oversee examination timetabling student registration preparation of exams and the conducting of examinations as per the schedules of CIE & KNEC as well as the dispatch of scripts.
  

• Constantly monitor curriculum updates training programmes and other online assistance from CIE.
  

• Interpret and implement decisions pertaining to education.
  

• Regularly consult the Senior Management Committee about the planning operation supervision and evaluation of the school education program.
  

• Teach relevant subjects of area specialization as per the curricula; manage and implement the school curriculum.
  

• Ensure that the syllabus is taught and completed as per the academic school policy.
  

• Administer teaching functions in the school including the evaluation of curriculum delivery.
  

• Oversee after-exam formalities including any specific inquiries.
  

• Keep abreast of current education trends.
  

3. School or Organization Morale

• Provide instructional resources and materials to support teaching staff in accomplishing instructional goals.
  

• Foster collegiality and team building among staff members.
  

• Provide for two-way communication with staff students parents and the community.
  

• Communicate and promote expectations for high-level performance to staff and students.
  

• Recognize excellence and achievement.
  

• Ensure the effective and quick resolution of conflicts.
  

• Ensure continuous quality standards are maintained in the school.
  

• Build a common vision for school improvement with staff. Direct planning activities and put programs in place with staff to ensure the attainment of the schools mission.
  

• Ensure there is an appropriate balance between all areas of school life and verify that activities such as art music drama sport and community involvement have their proper place within the life of the school.
  

  
  

• Identify analyze and apply research findings (e.g. effective school correlates) to promote school improvement.
  

  
  

• Develop and set annual school performance objectives for academic excellence.
  

  
  

• Develop maintain and use information systems and records necessary to show school progress on performance objectives addressing each Academic Excellence Indicator.
  

4. Personnel Management

• Ensure teachers and non-teaching staff with the right qualifications experience and attitude are recruited.
  

  
  

• Support the induction and mentoring of all members of staff.
  

  
  

• Define expectations for staff performance regarding instructional strategies classroom management and communication with the public.
  

  
  

• Ensure all members of staff perform their duties.
  

• Support the assignment and promotion of institutional personnel.
  

• Make recommendations to management on the termination suspension or non-renewal of employees assigned to the institution.
  

• Work with management-level planning and decision-making committees to plan professional development activities.
  

• Lead and manage professional development and training opportunities for teachers.
  

• Attend meetings with the teachers Heads of Departments and non-teaching staff as required.
  

• Assess all members of staff and ensure they are delivering to the best of their abilities.
  

• In liaison with the Human Resource Manager carry out performance appraisals at least twice a year for all members of staff.
  

• Work closely with the Human Resource Manager to address staff problems and issues.
  

• Ensure that all teachers feel comfortable about approaching you with any queries or issues they may be experiencing.
  

• Supervise all teaching and non-teaching staff to make sure they are making improvements to their respective departments.
  

• Observe teachers teaching abilities and guide improvements where needed.
  

• Oversee the registration of teachers for teacher support within the CIE programme.
  

• Confer with subordinates regarding their professional growth; work with them to develop and accomplish improvement goals.
  

5. Management of Fiscal Administrative and Facilities Functions

• Comply with government and educational policies and regulations affecting the institution.
  

• Support the development of institutional budgets based on documented program needs estimated enrollment personnel and other fiscal needs. Keep programs within budget limits and maintain tight fiscal control.
  

• Accurately report fiscal information.
  

• Compile maintain and file all physical and computerized reports records and other documents requiredincluding accurate and timely reports of maximum attendance to requisition textbooks.
  

• Manage the use of school facilities. Supervise the maintenance of facilities to ensure a clean orderly and safe school environment.
  

• Ensure that the level of equipment is sufficient for the students.
  

• Oversee boarding provisions maintain the highest possible standards of pastoral care and ensure appropriate systems of health care are available to the students.
  

• Remain responsible for the establishment of a safe and conducive environment for learners.
  

6. Student Management

• Remain responsible for the overall welfare of the students. This includes recruitment and ensuring strict adherence to the admissions policy and entrance procedures.
  

• Work with faculty and students to develop a student discipline management system that results in positive student behavior and enhances the school climate.
  

• Ensure that school rules are uniformly observed and that student discipline is appropriate and equitable in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.
  

• Conduct discussions about student and school issues with parents students and teachers.
  

7. Professional Growth and Development

• Develop professional skills appropriate to the job assignment.
  

• Demonstrate professional ethical and responsible behavior. Serve as a role model for all school staff.
  

• Ensure teachers are well trained to teach in both the 8-4-4 and IGCSE school systems observe employee performance record observations and conduct evaluation conferences with staff.
  

8. School or Community Relations

• Articulate the schools mission to the community and solicit its support in realizing this mission.
  

• Communicate and consult effectively with parents staff and others.
  

• Build strong relationships with all students and parents.
  

• Market the school and actively raise the number of students enrolled.
  

• Demonstrate an awareness of school and community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs.
  

• Use appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.
  

• Act as a Liaison Officer between the Education Department the sponsor of the school student admission and curriculum policy and the supporting staff.
  

• Welcome parents into the school and keep them fully informed about the school and any upcoming developments.
  

• Oversee the regular monitoring and recording of students progress and ensure that parents are provided with regular helpful reports.
  

• Promote positive working relationships with teachers administrative staff and parents.
  

9. Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervise and evaluate the performance of staff assigned to the school including Deputy Principal(s) teacher(s) counselor(s) librarian(s) instructional aides clerical support staff and custodians.
  

• Keep a track record of teacher and student attendance to ensure nobody is falling behind.
  

• Act as the overall organizer coordinator and supervisor of all activities in the school remaining responsible for improving and maintaining high teaching and learning standards.
  

• Monitor instructional and managerial processes to ensure that program activities are related to program outcomes using findings to take corrective actions.
  

Key Performance Measures

• School administration and staff team leadership.
  

• Implementation of the strategic plan of the school.
  

• Student academic performance & student discipline.
  

• Enrollment and overall student population growth.
  

Requirements

Academic & Professional Qualifications

• Minimum Education: Masters Degree in Education () Educational Leadership Administration or a closely related field from a recognized university. A Bachelor of Education () degree is a mandatory prerequisite.
  

• TSC Registration: Must be registered with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and possess a valid current TSC certificate.
  

• Professional Certifications: Certification or leadership training from the Kenya Education Management Institute (KEMI) is highly desirable.
  

2. Experience & Track Record

• Leadership Tenure: Minimum of 810 years of progressive teaching experience with at least 35 years serving as a substantive Principal or Deputy Principal in a reputable secondary school.
  

• Curriculum Mastery: Proven hands-on experience managing and executing dual-track education systems:
  

  • Local System: Direct familiarity with the 8-4-4 system and the transition/implementation of the Competency Based Education (CBE / CBC) junior/senior school pathways.
    

  • International System: Direct operational experience managing the Cambridge International Education (CIE) / IGCSE curriculum including handling registrations and examinations with the British Council.
    

• Boarding School Operations: Previous leadership experience within a girls boarding school environment is highly preferred demonstrating a strong grasp of boarding provision management pastoral care and student welfare safety.
  

3. Compliance & Statutory Requirements (Chapter Six)

In line with government regulations and institutional policies for school heads the candidate should hold valid clearances demonstrating high integrity:

• Certificate of Good Conduct (Directorate of Criminal Investigations).
  

• Clearance Certificate from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
  

• Tax Compliance Certificate from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
  

• Clearance from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).
  

• Clearance from an approved Credit Reference Bureau (CRB).
  

4. Technical & Commercial Competencies

• Business Acumen & Enrollment Growth: A proven history of designing and executing marketing strategies that successfully drive student enrollment and institutional sustainability.
  

• Financial Management: Strong budgeting and fiscal control skills; capable of managing school infrastructure allocations supervising payroll/expenditure pipelines and optimizing resources.
  

• HR & Performance Architecture: Experience working closely with HR functions to conduct structured bi-annual performance appraisals resolve internal conflicts and spearhead continuous professional development (CPD) programs for teachers.
  

• ICT Literacy: Proficient in the use of School Management Information Systems (SMIS) digital exam registration portals (KNEC & CIE) and the Microsoft Office suite.
  

5. Behavioral & Personal Attributes

• Commanding Leadership: A high-integrity role model capable of fostering team building maintaining rigorous discipline and inspiring high-level performance among both teaching and non-teaching staff.
  

• Diplomacy & Stakeholder Management: Exceptional communication skills to engage confidently with the Board of Directors Ministry of Education officials sponsors rigorous international inspection bodies and parents.
  

• Crisis Management: Mentally resilient and calm under pressure with a proactive approach to emergency procedures conflict resolution and student safety.