Vice Principal

Primary Vice-Principal – Person Specification Qualifications

• Hold a teaching qualification that meets the requirements for recognition to teach in grant‑aided schools in Northern Ireland.
• Preference may be given to those who have completed an additional post‑graduate (or equivalent or higher) qualification in Education.

• Minimum of 5 years post‑qualification teaching experience in primary education, and/or equivalent experience in an affiliated educational body working in an area that relates to the primary sector, within the last 10 years.
• Currently hold or have held for a minimum of 3 years (and within the last 8 years) a post with strategic leadership or coordination at a minimum level of Subject Co‑ordinator / Head of Key Stage / SMT / SLT, or a post of Principal or Vice‑Principal, or leadership and management experience within an affiliated body.
• Evidence of leadership leading to school improvement and involvement in strategic planning.
• Preference may be given to those with:
  • Minimum of 6 months experience as SENCO within the last 5 years.
  • Minimum of 6 months experience as Designated / Deputy Designated Teacher within the last 5 years.
  • Evidence of involvement in staff development.
  • Experience of financial and/or budgetary management.

• Northern Ireland Primary Curriculum and current policies and procedures.
• Current educational developments and ability to evaluate and respond to new educational challenges and manage change effectively.
• Effective classroom pedagogy and ensuring high standards of teaching, learning and achievement throughout the school.
• Effective data management.
• Effective organisational management including appropriate deployment of resources.

• 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 and promote collaborative and team approach among staff, pupils, parents and governors.
• Lead strategically and develop self and others to achieve outcomes.
• Promote, achieve, monitor and evaluate high standards of teaching, learning and achievement throughout the school.
• Develop effective partnerships between the school and the local community.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Organise and prioritise workload effectively.
• Deal with staffing matters in accordance with EA policies and procedures.
• Manage time effectively.

• 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.

Applicants must be registered with the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI) upon taking up employment.

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.