HEAD OF GENERATION SCHOOLS SOMERSET WEST PRIMARY SCHOOL

HEAD OF GENERATION SCHOOLS SOMERSET WEST PRIMARY SCHOOL

Generation Schools Somerset West

Commencement: 1 January 2027

Generation Schools Somerset West is seeking to appoint an exceptional, dynamic and experienced Head of Primary School to lead our Primary School from our youngest students through to Grade 7.

This is a significant leadership opportunity for an educational leader who is passionate about children, committed to educational excellence and able to provide strong strategic, academic, pastoral and operational leadership within a progressive independent school environment.

The successful candidate will lead a diverse and growing Primary School community, working closely with the Head of Campus, senior leadership team, educators, students and parents to ensure that every child is supported to achieve their potential.

THE ROLE

The Head of Primary School will have overall responsibility for the effective leadership, management and development of the Primary School, ensuring a high-quality educational experience from the early years through to the end of Grade 7.

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Provide inspiring, values-driven leadership across the Primary School.
• Lead, develop and manage a high-performing team of educators and support staff.
• Drive academic excellence through effective curriculum delivery, assessment and continuous improvement.
• Ensure strong progression and articulation across all Primary phases and into High School.
• Oversee student wellbeing, pastoral care, discipline and safeguarding.
• Build positive, professional relationships with students, parents, staff and the wider school community.
• Oversee the effective day-to-day operation of the Primary School, including staffing, timetabling, resources and compliance.
• Contribute to the strategic development of the campus through data-informed decision-making, educational research and innovative practice.
• Support a vibrant programme of sport, culture, co-curricular activities and student development.Maintaining high standards of professionalism, communication, organisation and accountability.
• Representing Generation Schools Somerset West positively and professionally within the broader educational community.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• A passionate, student-centred educational leader with a strong understanding of child development from early years through to Grade 7.
• Proven school management and leadership experience.
• An inspirational, visible and values-driven leader who can build a positive, high-performing school culture.
• Strong academic and curriculum leadership skills, with a commitment to high-quality teaching, learning and continuous improvement.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with students, staff, parents and stakeholders.
• Highly organised, solution-focused and adaptable, with strong administrative, operational and strategic leadership capabilities.
• Demonstrates emotional intelligence, sound judgement, integrity and the confidence to make fair, student-centred decisions.
• Technologically competent, committed to professional development, safeguarding and actively contributing to the wider life and culture of the school.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Essential:

• An appropriate recognised teaching qualification, such as a BEd, PGCE or equivalent.
• Current SACE registration.
• Significant teaching experience within a Primary School environment.
• Proven experience in school leadership and management, preferably at HOD, Deputy Head, Head of Primary or equivalent level.
• Demonstrable experience leading and managing staff.
• Experience in curriculum planning, assessment and academic monitoring.
• Experience working with parents and managing complex stakeholder relationships.
• A sound understanding of child safeguarding and pastoral care.
• A proven track record of contributing to school improvement and educational development.

Advantageous:

• A postgraduate qualification in Educational Leadership, Management or a related field.
• Experience as a Head of Primary, Deputy Head or equivalent senior leadership position.
• Experience working across Foundation, Intermediate and Senior Primary phases.
• Experience managing a school from early childhood through to Grade 7.
• Experience with educational technology, digital learning platforms and school management systems.
• Experience in strategic planning, budgeting and resource management.

KEY COMPETENCIES

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Educational Leadership
  • A clear vision for high-quality education and the ability to translate that vision into effective practice.
• People Leadership
  • The ability to inspire, develop, motivate and hold staff accountable while creating a positive professional culture.
• Academic Leadership
  • Strong understanding of curriculum, assessment, progression, intervention and academic improvement.
• Pastoral Leadership
  • A genuine commitment to student wellbeing, inclusion, safeguarding and the holistic development of every child.
• Strategic Thinking
  • The ability to see the bigger picture while maintaining strong oversight of the day-to-day running of the school.
• Communication & Relationship Building
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, staff and leadership.
• Decision-Making
  • Sound professional judgement, integrity and the confidence to make difficult decisions in the best interests of students and the school.
• Organisation & Administration
  • Excellent planning, time management and administrative capability.
• Adaptability & Innovation
  • The ability to embrace change, think creatively and contribute to the continued development of a progressive school.
• Emotional Intelligence
  • The maturity, empathy and self-awareness required to lead a diverse school community.

WHY GENERATION SCHOOLS?

Generation Schools is an innovative, progressive educational organisation committed to rethinking what schooling can look like for today's young people.

Generation Schools Somerset West is a growing campus with a strong sense of community and a commitment to developing confident, capable and well-rounded young people.

This is an exciting opportunity for an educational leader who wants to play a meaningful role in shaping the continued growth and development of the Primary School and contributing to the broader vision of the campus.

We are looking for someone who will not simply manage the Primary School, but who will lead it, develop it and inspire it.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates are invited to submit:

• A comprehensive CV, including relevant leadership and management experience.
• A covering letter outlining their suitability for the position and their educational leadership philosophy.
• Contact details for at least three recent, contactable professional referees.
• Copies of relevant academic and professional qualifications.
• Proof of current SACE registration.

Applications should be submitted to:

nick.persse@generationschools.co.za

Subject: Head of Primary School – Generation Schools Somerset West

Closing date: 30 September 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Generation Schools Somerset West reserves the right not to make an appointment. An application does not in itself entitle an applicant to an interview.

All appointments will be subject to the necessary background, reference and safeguarding checks.