9 Academic Principal jobs in South Africa

Pre-school Principal opportunity in Milnerton, Cape Town from October 2025

An exciting opportunity has opened for a Principal at Peak Child in Milnerton (Cape Town) from October 2025. The Principal will be responsible for leading and managing the pre-school and will also teach one of the classes.

This is a full time role with Peak Child being open every working day of the year other than 3 weeks in December / January. The school hours are 7.00am until 5.30pm.

Key responsibilities for the role include:

· Implementing Peak Child's education approach.

· Managing and developing the staff at the pre-school.

· Working with our Central Services team to implement Peak Child's processes - for example, procurement, fees, marketing, maintenance, ICT systems, health and safety, governance.

· Participating in and implementing school events (sports day, concerts, staff functions, parent meetings)

• Managing relationships with our stakeholders (parents, primary schools, the surrounding community)

Key attributes to succeed in the role:

· You create a safe and caring environment for all children and staff.

· You love teaching and care deeply about the success of every child.

· You have a deep understanding of children and you know how to connect with the specific age group that you teach.

· You are able to work well in a team and collaborate with other teachers and assistants.

· You communicate openly and effectively with your colleagues.

· You can solve problems and make tough decisions.

· You enjoy and embrace a constantly changing environment.

This is a permanent, full-time position requiring the following:

• Grade 12 Matric certificate.

• A minimum of NQF Level 6 ECD qualification or a Bachelor of Education degree.

• At least 10 years' teaching experience in a pre-school or foundation phase of a primary school.

• At least 3 years' leadership experience in a school environment.

• A good understanding of the theory of pre-school education.

• Basic computer skills.

• South African citizen with a valid South African ID.

• Contactable references.

To be considered for this role, please ensure you have loaded a recent CV onto your Indeed profile.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person

About SPARK Schools:

Watch our Vision Video:

Take a tour of our Website:

SPARK Schools is a social impact disruptor and is leading change in the education space through its network of affordable private schools. The SPARK Schools network provides transformational education innovation through Africa's first blended learning model, which elevates student achievement and provides the tools teachers need to serve their students effectively.

The blended learning model, which combines classroom teaching and online instruction, allows teachers to anticipate student needs and equips schools to provide personalized education at an affordable cost. SPARK Schools is pioneering this transformative education model to ensure the accessibility of university and careers for all.

SPARK Schools has a culture of collaboration, because getting South Africa to lead global education takes a team effort. We are innovators who strive for excellence through persistence and a sense of urgency to achieve SPARK Schools' vision, mission and social transformational objectives. Our work environment is vibrant/cheerful, fast-paced/dynamic, engaging/stimulating, tech-enabled and data driven.

SPARK Schools is a high growth, mission and values-driven, entrepreneurial organisation, operating 21 primary schools and 5 high schools and serving over 16,000 families in 2025. We are looking for dynamic people to join our team.

Reports To: Principal

Purpose of Role:

The Assistant Principal drives student achievement as an instructional leader by providing excellent instructional coaching and professional development to benefit classroom instruction and the Learning Lab. The Assistant Principal supports the Principal in providing teachers, blended learning facilitators, and PE coaches the training and support necessary to be highly effective, professional educators.

The Assistant Principal is integral to the SPARK Schools "culture" and our commitment to rigorous, engaging learning experiences for our scholars

Responsibilities:

• Ensure the continual professional development of our educators by coaching members of the instructional staff to the successful completion of the goals set in their individualised professional growth plans. This includes designing and facilitating weekly professional development sessions for the whole faculty, as well as arranging for individual professional growth opportunities.
• Support student achievement by setting clear and high expectations for excellent teaching in all content areas. Maintain a regular schedule of observations in all learning spaces and observation review meetings with educators to ensure that they can successfully plan instruction, execute instruction, and implement SPARK Schools' culture and behaviour management techniques.
• Implement the network's rigorous curriculum, which aligns to and extends the South African national curriculum.
• Implement online curriculum and small ­group tutoring in the Learning Lab that aligns to and extends what is taught by classroom teachers.
• Facilitate an assessment and data analysis cycle that allows instructional staff to analyse student performance and identify areas for targeted instruction.
• Collaborate with school leadership team to manage instructional staff, including facilitating termly and final evaluations.
• Participate in the selection of new school-based personnel.
• Responsible for the onboarding of instructional staff members.
• Define and share information about network-wide policies and procedures to parents, students, staff and community.
• Implement disciplinary policies and procedures.
• Participate actively in staff development opportunities as a member of the SPARK Schools team.
• Conduct self in a professional manner at all SPARK Schools events and to all stakeholders.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• English language fluency.
• Clear criminal record.
• Grade 12 Certificate.
• Completed B.Ed or PGCE degree.
• SACE registration.

Experience:

• Previous experience managing or working with primary school-aged children.
• At least 2 years of excellent classroom instruction.
• Previous experience leading a team.
• Experience and practice with labour laws.

Skills and Mindset:

• Strong desire to be part of a vibrant and dynamic technology-driven work environment fostering creativity, collaboration and an atmosphere that encourages and allows top performers to thrive.
• Strong desire to be part of a collaborative, team spirited and fast growing Social Impact Disruptor and Society Shaper who is leading change in the education space in South Africa through transformational education innovation, ensuring the accessibility of university and careers for all.
• Strong desire to be part of a learning culture with excellent career development and advancement opportunities supported by individualised professional development, support and mentorship.
• Ability, Desire and Passion to deliver high quality transformational education at affordable fees

to ensure the accessibility of university and careers for all.

SPARK values: Service, Persistence, Achievement, Responsibility and Kindness

SPARK offers:

• fair market linked remuneration

• performance-based annual bonuses and increases

• above average/good annual leave

• life, disability and funeral cover

• employee wellness support

• educational support & study leave

• individualised professional development, support and mentorship

• employee discount on school fees

• opportunities for career growth

Compensation: R26,724.00 ctc p/m

Locations: Johannesburg Region

• SPARK Midrand

Position Type: Permanent

SPARK schools is an equal opportunities employer and preference will be given to candidates from designated groups with due consideration of the company's Employment Equity goals and targets.

SPARK schools encourages persons with disabilities to apply.

SPARK Schools may expire the posting of this advertisement at their own discretion.

Kindly note that should you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date please consider your application unsuccessful.

About SPARK Schools:
Watch our Vision Video:

Take a tour of our Website:

SPARK Schools is a social impact disruptor and is leading change in the education space through its network of affordable private schools. The SPARK Schools network provides transformational education innovation through Africa's first blended learning model, which elevates student achievement and provides the tools teachers need to serve their students effectively.

The blended learning model, which combines classroom teaching and online instruction, allows teachers to anticipate student needs and equips schools to provide personalized education at an affordable cost. SPARK Schools is pioneering this transformative education model to ensure the accessibility of university and careers for all.

SPARK Schools has a culture of collaboration, because getting South Africa to lead global education takes a team effort. We are innovators who strive for excellence through persistence and a sense of urgency to achieve SPARK Schools' vision, mission and social transformational objectives. Our work environment is vibrant/cheerful, fast-paced/dynamic, engaging/stimulating, tech-enabled and data driven.

SPARK Schools is a high growth, mission and values-driven, entrepreneurial organisation, operating 21 primary schools and 5 high schools and serving over 16,000 families in 2025. We are looking for dynamic people to join our team.

Reports To: Principal

Purpose of Role:
The Assistant Principal drives student achievement as an instructional leader by providing excellent instructional coaching and professional development to benefit classroom instruction and the Learning Lab. The Assistant Principal supports the Principal in providing teachers, blended learning facilitators, and PE coaches the training and support necessary to be highly effective, professional educators.

The Assistant Principal is integral to the SPARK Schools "culture" and our commitment to rigorous, engaging learning experiences for our scholars

Responsibilities:

• Ensure the continual professional development of our educators by coaching members of the instructional staff to the successful completion of the goals set in their individualised professional growth plans. This includes designing and facilitating weekly professional development sessions for the whole faculty, as well as arranging for individual professional growth opportunities.
• Support student achievement by setting clear and high expectations for excellent teaching in all content areas. Maintain a regular schedule of observations in all learning spaces and observation review meetings with educators to ensure that they can successfully plan instruction, execute instruction, and implement SPARK Schools' culture and behaviour management techniques.
• Implement the network's rigorous curriculum, which aligns to and extends the South African national curriculum.
• Implement online curriculum and small ­group tutoring in the Learning Lab that aligns to and extends what is taught by classroom teachers.
• Facilitate an assessment and data analysis cycle that allows instructional staff to analyse student performance and identify areas for targeted instruction.
• Collaborate with school leadership team to manage instructional staff, including facilitating termly and final evaluations.
• Participate in the selection of new school-based personnel
• Responsible for the onboarding of instructional staff members
• Define and share information about network-wide policies and procedures to parents, students, staff and community
• Implement disciplinary policies and procedures
• Participate actively in staff development opportunities as a member of the SPARK Schools team.
• Conduct self in a professional manner at all SPARK Schools events and to all stakeholders

Requirements
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• English language fluency.
• Clear criminal record
• Grade 12 Certificate
• Completed B.Ed or PGCE degree.
• SACE registration.

Experience:

• Previous experience managing or working with primary school-aged children.
• At least 2 years of excellent classroom instruction
• Previous experience leading a team
• Experience and practice with labour laws

Skills and Mindset:

• Strong desire to be part of a vibrant and dynamic technology-driven work environment fostering creativity, collaboration and an atmosphere that encourages and allows top performers to thrive
• Strong desire to be part of a collaborative, team spirited and fast growing Social Impact Disruptor and Society Shaper who is leading change in the education space in South Africa through transformational education innovation, ensuring the accessibility of university and careers for all
• Strong desire to be part of a learning culture with excellent career development and advancement opportunities supported by individualised professional development, support and mentorship
• Ability, Desire and Passion to deliver high quality transformational education at affordable fees

to ensure the accessibility of university and careers for all.

SPARK values:
Service, Persistence, Achievement, Responsibility and Kindness

Benefits
SPARK offers:

• fair market linked remuneration
• performance-based annual bonuses and increases
• above average/good annual leave
• life, disability and funeral cover
• employee wellness support
• educational support & study leave
• individualised professional development, support and mentorship
• employee discount on school fees
• opportunities for career growth

Compensation:
R26,724.00 ctc p/m

Locations:
Johannesburg Region

• SPARK Randpark Ridge

Position Type:
Permanent

SPARK schools is an equal opportunities employer and preference will be given to candidates from designated groups with due consideration of the company's Employment Equity goals and targets.
SPARK Schools Encourages Persons With Disabilities To Apply.
SPARK Schools may expire the posting of this advertisement at their own discretion.
Kindly note that should you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date please consider your application unsuccessful.

Overview

Our client, a leading private school in Centurion, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Deputy Principal (Discipline and Pastoral Care) to join their high school leadership team. This role requires a strong, compassionate leader who can balance firm discipline with a deep commitment to the holistic development and well-being of learners and school values.

• Oversee and implement the school’s discipline and pastoral care policies.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to staff in maintaining a positive, structured learning environment.
• Support learners’ personal growth, emotional well-being, and character development.
• Build strong relationships with parents, learners, and staff to foster a supportive school community.
• Assist the Principal and leadership team in strategic planning, policy implementation, and school management.
• Contribute actively to the life of the school through academic, cultural, and extracurricular involvement.

• 5–10 years’ experience in a high school environment.
• Currently serving as a Deputy Principal, Head of Department, or Grade Head .
• SACE registration (mandatory).
• Experience with the IEB curriculum .
• Prior experience in the private school sector will be advantageous.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• A passion for student development and upholding high standards of discipline.

Visit our website to see other opportunities.

Please consider your application unsuccessful if you have not heard from us within two weeks. We will keep your details on file for future positions.

• Bachelors degree preferably in Education
• 510 years experience in a high school environment
• Currently serving as a Deputy Principal, Head of Department, or Grade Head
• SACE registered
• Strong track record in discipline management and learner support
• Experience within the private school sector (advantageous), otherwise a well established school
• Familiarity with the IEB curriculum

• Oversee and implement the schools discipline and pastoral care policies
• Provide leadership, guidance and mentorship to staff and learners
• Ensure a supportive, values-driven and structured learning environment
• Collaborate closely with the Principal and Executive team to maintain high standards of discipline and student well-being

We are seeking a visionary and dynamic Principal to lead Step Ahead Pre and Primary, an independent primary school renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and holistic development founded on Christian values. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing school operations, the growth and development of the organisation, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality education in a safe, inclusive, and disciplined environment. A key focus will be implementing change management initiatives, rebranding the school's identity, and fostering a disciplined yet nurturing environment conducive to learning and development. This is an exceptional opportunity for a forward-thinking educational leader to transform and elevate the school's identity and reputation in South Africa and beyond 1. JOB INFORMATION 2. JOB OVERVIEW

1. Qualifications Required: Essential

• A recognized three year (REQV 13) qualification which includes professional educator education
• A postgraduate qualification in education management and leadership
• Registration as a professional educator with the South African Council for Educators/or proof of application for registration; or Registration with a SAQA certified qualification

Recommended Qualifications:

• A four year (REQV 14) qualification which includes professional educator education 3. FORMAL QUALIFICATIONS AND INHERENT REQUIREMENTS

2. JOB-RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE

Qualifications Required - Essential

• A minimum of 8 years of teaching experience
• A minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership role, including a principal post, preferably at an independent school
• Proven experience in strategic planning and implementation, change management, and strategic initiatives

3. BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

Essential

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Exceptional leadership and supervising abilities to build a school culture
• Firm adherence to Christian principles and morals that translates to good and transparent leadership
• Expert in curriculum development and implementation
• Achieving goals and delivering results on planned strategies
• Working well under pressure, adapting and responding to changes well

Desirable Behaviourial Compentencies

• Visionary and innovative
• Be intrinsically motivated and positive
• Achieving personal work goals and objectives
• Committed to the holistic growth of people(learners and staff)

4. Key Result Area (KRA) 1 - Leadership, Management and Strategic Planning 1.

• Develop and implement a visionary strategic plan aligned with the school's mission and goals;
• Drive change management initiatives to modernise and rebrand the school's identity and image;
• Provide professional leadership within the school that develops professionalism amongst all staff members;
• Foster a culture of excellence, inclusivity, professionalism, and accountability among staff and learners;
• Drive staff accountability and transparency with all relevant stakeholders as they carry out their duties (learners, parents, community);
• Be responsible for the development of staff training programmes, both school-based, school-focused and externally directed, and assisting educators, in developing and achieving educational objectives in accordance with the needs of the school;
• Develop (where needed) and participate in agreed school/educator appraisal processes (Integrated Quality Management System) in order to regularly review their professional practices to improve teaching, learning and management.

5. Key Result Area (KRA) 2 - Governance and Compliance

• Responsible for the professional management of an Independent, Private School as contemplated in section 16(3) of the SASA
• Maintain accurate records and reporting as required by the Department of Education and SGB
• Assisting the HODs in handling disciplinary matters pertaining to educators and support staff employed

6. Key Result Area (KRA) 3 - General and Administrative Management

• Manage the school's resources, including human, financial, and physical assets, efficiently and ethically
• Implementing all educational programmes and curriculum activities
• Manage the use of all school and learning support materials with a focus on sustainability
• Keeping up to date school accounts and records
• Carry out regular inspections of the school and its assets to ensure their proper and sustainable use and discipline

7. Key Result Area (KRA) 4 - Academic Performance and Leadership

• Ensure the implementation of the CAPS curriculum and other academic standards prescribed by the Department of Basic Education
• Prepare and implement an annual plan setting out how the academic performance of the school will be improved with reachable goals and steps to achieve goals
• Lead the integration of innovative teaching methodologies and technology in classrooms
• Monitor and enhance student performance through robust assessment and evaluation processes
• Enhanced academic outcomes measured through student performance and benchmarking
• Engage in class teaching as per the workload and needs of the school

8. Key Result Area (KRA) 5 - Cultural and Learner Management

• Develop and enforce effective discipline policies in line with SASA and other regulations
• Act as a role model in fostering respect, responsibility, and resilience among learners
• Establish and maintain a positive school culture that promotes respect, inclusion, and discipline in line with the Christian morals
• Implement policies that balance structure and discipline, with a nurturing, learner-centered approach
• Expand and diversify co-curricular programs to enhance student engagement and holistic development

9. Key Result Area (KRA) 6 - Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Cooperate with members of the school's staff and relevant stakeholders in maintaining an efficient and smooth-running school
• Liaise with the circuit/regional office, supplies section, personnel section, finance section, etc. concerning administration, staffing, accounting, purchase of equipment, research and updating of statistics in respect of educators and learners
• Build and sustain strong relationships with parents, staff, and the broader community

Job Type: Full-time

Education:

• Bachelors (Preferred)

Experience:

• teaching: 8 years (Preferred)
• senior leadership role in schools: 5 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person