This senior leadership role, the Head of Preparatory School, is pivotal in providing strategic leadership and operational management for the Preparatory section (Key Stages 1–2). St. Christopher’s International School (SCIS) is committed to a broad, balanced curriculum grounded in a Christian ethos, focusing on pupil-centered, value-based learning, driven by pupils making sense of the world they live in and their place within it, fostering a passion for learning.
Key Responsibilities (The Role)
- Strategic Partnership: Partner with the Executive Headmaster to drive the SCIS strategic plan, translating whole-school priorities into Prep execution and measurable impact. This role is line-managed by the Executive Headmaster.
- School Model Champion: Champion the ‘three sections, one school’ model, strengthening continuity and collaboration across Kindergarten, Preparatory, and Secondary phases (curricular, pastoral, and co-curricular).
- Vision & Culture Leadership: Model and embed SCIS values, the Christian ethos, and foster a culture of kindness, ambition, and service.
- Academic Excellence: Lead curriculum, assessment, and pedagogy across Key Stages 1–2, utilizing evidence-informed practice to ensure progression for all learners.
- Wellbeing & Safeguarding: Ensure outstanding pastoral care; own Prep safeguarding practice, training, and compliance; work closely with Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) and the counselling/wellbeing teams.
- Staff Development: Recruit, develop, and appraise staff; build a collaborative, high-performing team through purposeful Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
- Operational Management: Oversee timetabling, budgets, resourcing, compliance, and risk management. Contribute to whole-school strategy as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT).
- Community Engagement: Maintain a visible, approachable presence; engage parents and external partners; and act as an ambassador for SCIS locally and internationally.
Candidate Profile and Qualifications (About You)
- Leadership Experience: Must be a proven leader, having served as a Headteacher or Deputy in a preparatory/primary context (independent or international), possessing the credibility to set direction and the humility to build consensus.
- Ethos Commitment: Must fully buy into and actively champion the ‘three sections, one school’ model across all phases.
- Holistic Education: Committed to holistic education and ensuring the flourishing of every child—academically, socially, spiritually, and physically.
- Safety and Inclusion: Demonstrate strong safeguarding knowledge and a steadfast commitment to wellbeing and inclusion.
- Improvement Track Record: Provide evidence of successfully raising standards through expertise in curriculum, assessment, and pedagogy, with confidence in using data for informed improvement.
- Communication: Must be an outstanding communicator, capable of inspiring staff, working closely with parents, and representing the school with warmth and clarity.
- Education: A Bachelor's degree (BA/BSc/HND) is required. A Master’s degree in Education or Educational Leadership and/or other professional qualifications such as NPQH/NPQSL are desirable.
- Contextual Experience: Experience with COBIS and CIS standards, as well as familiarity with the East Africa or similar international contexts, will be highly advantageous.
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