school principal

Position: School Principal – Early Childhood Development (Ages 3–5)
Location: Tzaneen
Start Date: 5th January 2026
Application Deadline: 5th November 2025

About the School
A well-established and respected pre-school in Tzaneen is seeking an experienced and visionary
School Principal to lead its team of dedicated educators and support staL.
The school provides a warm, caring, and stimulating environment where children aged 3 to 5
years are encouraged to grow in confidence, curiosity, and compassion.
With a proud association with St Peter's Anglican Church, the school operates within a
Christian values-based framework, nurturing young learners not only academically but also
morally and socially. The school's close-knit community places great importance on partnership,
integrity, and holistic child development.

The Opportunity
We are looking for an inspirational and committed Principal with a strong background in Early
Childhood Development and proven leadership experience.
The successful candidate will provide strategic, operational, and educational leadership,
ensuring the highest standards of teaching, learning, and care are maintained.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a values-driven leader who is passionate about early
education and dedicated to building a positive, collaborative school culture that supports both
staL and families.

Key Responsibilities
As the Principal, you will be responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and
development of the pre-school. Key responsibilities include:

• Educational Leadership:
Guide and support teachers in the planning and implementation of a dynamic, ageappropriate
curriculum that promotes holistic learning and aligns with the school's
educational philosophy.

• Team Management:
Lead, motivate, and mentor staL members to create a culture of collaboration,
excellence, and accountability. Foster professional growth through ongoing
development and performance management.

• Operational Oversight:
Ensure smooth day-to-day operations of the school, including timetabling, budgeting,
enrolment, and communication with parents and stakeholders.

• Governance & Reporting:
Work in close partnership with and remain accountable to the Board of Governors,
providing regular updates on school performance, compliance, and progress towards
strategic goals.

• Child Safety & Compliance:
Ensure that all health, safety, and legal requirements are met and maintained in
accordance with regulatory standards. Promote a secure and nurturing environment for
children and staL.

• Community & Church Partnership:
Maintain and strengthen the school's relationship with St Peter's Anglican Church,
upholding the Christian ethos and supporting community engagement initiatives.

• Parent Relations:
Build and maintain positive relationships with parents and caregivers, ensuring open
communication, mutual respect, and shared commitment to each child's development.

• Classroom Environment:
Create a warm, supportive, and stimulating environment that promotes emotional
security, social growth, creativity, and learning through play.

• Child Assessment & Reporting:
Observe, assess, and document each child's progress; prepare reports and
communicate regularly with parents and caregivers to support every child's individual
development journey.

Qualifications & Experience
Applicants should meet the following minimum requirements:

• Qualification: NQF Level 6 in Early Childhood Development or equivalent

• Experience: At least 5 years of leadership experience in a pre-school or similar
educational environment

• Management Skills: Demonstrable ability in staL supervision, budgeting, planning, and
administration

• Knowledge: Deep understanding of child development, early learning methodologies,
and regulatory frameworks

• Compliance: Sound knowledge of health, safety, and educational legislation

• Communication: Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills

• Faith & Values: Appreciation of and commitment to the school's Christian ethos, and a
willingness to work collaboratively with St Peter's Anglican Church

• Personal Attributes: Professional, compassionate, well-organized, adaptable, and
committed to maintaining a positive, inclusive school environment

Why This Role Matters
The role of Principal is pivotal in shaping the school's identity and future. The successful
candidate will have the opportunity to lead a passionate team, influence young lives, and
contribute meaningfully to a community-rooted school that values excellence, compassion,
and faith-guided purpose

How to Apply
Interested applicants are invited to submit:
1. A comprehensive CV with contactable references
2. A motivational cover letter describing your leadership philosophy and alignment with
the school's ethos
3. Copies of relevant qualifications, SACE registration, and Police Clearance
Certificate

Email Applications To:  
Closing Date: 5th November 2025
Location: Tzaneen