Head of Secondary

Job Description

HEAD OF SECONDARY SCHOOL

LOCATION
Dublin, Ireland

JOB PURPOSE
Everything we do is connected to our vision of creating a generation of resilient and creative global citizens who will change our world for the better. As the Head of Secondary at Nord Anglia Education, you will lead the Secondary School team, overseeing the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP), to foster an environment where excellence in teaching and learning flourishes, and students are empowered to thrive academically, socially, and personally.

You will collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team and engage with students, parents, and staff to ensure that every member of our school community feels supported, valued, and inspired. As a genuine team player, you’ll work across the school to drive strategic goals, enhance the MYP and DP curricula, and cultivate a high-performance culture rooted in well-being, inclusivity, and academic rigor.

Your role will impact both the school and the wider Nord Anglia community, advancing our shared mission to deliver transformational educational experiences that prepare students to lead and succeed on a local and global scale.

REPORTING TO
Principal

DIRECT REPORTS
Assistant Heads of Primary, Educational Coordinators

OTHER KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Internal:
Learning/Teaching Assistants, SEN Team, Heads of Department, Primary Teachers, EMT

External:
Parents, Government Bodies, Suppliers, Service Providers, Charities

KEY RESULTS AREA 1

FRONT OF HOUSE: SALES AND MARKETING

• Strategic Marketing Partnership: Collaborate with the Principal and Director of Admissions and Marketing to design strategies that enhance the school’s profile, attracting high-quality applicants aligned with the school’s values.
• Secondary Admissions Oversight: Lead the admissions process, meeting prospective families, reviewing applications, and ensuring placements foster a dynamic, supportive learning environment.
• Parental and Community Engagement: Develop strategies to boost parental involvement and community trust, acting as the school’s representative at key events to promote the school’s values and achievements.
• Data-Informed Enrolment and Retention: Utilise enrolment data to inform proactive recruitment and retention efforts, ensuring sustainable growth and alignment with school objectives.
• Stakeholder Relationship Building: Foster connections with local organisations, alumni, and external partners to enhance the school’s reputation and build a supportive network.
• Public Relations and Media Representation: Represent the Secondary School in public and media engagements, maintaining a strong, positive school image locally and internationally.

Performance Measurement:

• Employee performance review rating(s)
• Training feedback
• Team’s feedback
• Campaign performance
• Programme success

KEY RESULTS AREA 2

LEADERSHIP IN EDUCATION

Strategic Leadership

• Ensure that the Secondary School aligns with Nord Anglia’s vision, focusing on innovative curriculum delivery, continuous improvement, and the development of global citizens.
• Set and lead the strategic direction of the Secondary School alongside the Secondary Leadership Team, advancing school-wide and programme-specific objectives.
• Write and implement the strategic development plan for the Secondary School, focusing on the unique needs of MYP and DP learners.
• Uphold high standards in learning, teaching, and behaviour, embedding a culture of academic excellence and student responsibility.
• Monitor academic standards across MYP and DP, ensuring an inclusive, respectful environment that celebrates diversity.
• Oversee staff performance evaluations, recruitment, mentoring, and professional development to build a high-performing, cohesive team.
• Ensure compliance with national, IB, and local education standards, maintaining rigorous documentation and reporting to regulatory bodies.
• Collaborate with the Head of HR to develop succession planning for key Secondary leadership roles, ensuring sustained excellence and vision continuity.

Safeguarding & Child Protection

• Serve as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer, prioritising student and staff welfare and upholding the highest standards of safety and protection.
• Complete all required safeguarding and child protection training, ensuring strict compliance with TUSLA and other relevant safeguarding standards.

Assessment

• Implement robust assessment practices across the MYP and DP to monitor student progress and promote academic growth.
• Leverage assessment data to inform and enhance teaching, ensuring consistent and high standards across Secondary programmes.
• Manage all logistics and communication related to assessments, data analysis, and reporting, fostering a culture of accountability and transparency in academic performance.

Performance Measurement:

• Student performance and progress indicators.
• Parental satisfaction scores.
• Budget management and financial performance.
• Regulatory compliance outcomes.

KEY RESULTS AREA 3

OPERATIONAL EXPERTISE AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

• Budget and Resource Management: Manage the Secondary School budget to ensure efficient use of resources and strategic allocation that supports MYP and DP program success.
• Technology and Infrastructure Oversight: Oversee the integration of educational technology to support teaching excellence and administrative efficiency.
• Crisis Management and Safety Protocols: Regularly update and lead the crisis response plan to ensure school safety, regulatory compliance, and staff readiness for emergencies.
• Timetabling and Collaboration: Construct, review, and maintain the Secondary School timetable, aligning resources and schedules with the needs of MYP and DP programs.

Performance Measurement:

• Budget management and financial performance.
• Regulatory compliance outcomes.

KEY RESULTS AREA 4

DEVELOPING TALENT

• Staffing and Succession Planning: Develop comprehensive staffing plans and succession strategies, ensuring robust support for Secondary leadership roles.
• Staff Development and Training: Recruit, develop, and retain high-caliber staff, providing mentorship and professional growth through coaching, evaluations, and targeted training.
• Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: Champion inclusive hiring practices and create a staff environment reflective of the school’s global values.

Performance Measurement:

• Staff retention and engagement rates.

Required Skills/Abilities

PERSONAL SPECIFICATIONS

Qualifications/Training:

• Qualified Teacher Status with extensive experience in an international secondary education environment.
• Honors Degree (Essential); Master’s in Education or Educational Leadership (Desirable).
• Certification or extensive experience with IB MYP and DP program administration.
• Current Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure for all countries lived in, and compliance with Dublin’s visa requirements.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all pupils, with a readiness to undertake child protection training.

Experience/Knowledge:

• Essential: Significant experience with IB MYP and DP, including previous leadership roles in an international setting.
• Desirable: Experience as an IB Coordinator or in a similar curriculum leadership position.
• Strong familiarity with technology-enhanced learning and virtual/hybrid education.

Skills:

• Strategic leadership, advanced organizational capabilities, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with a strong cross-cultural understanding.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting, particularly within academic contexts.
• Results-oriented with consistent alignment of efforts to KPIs.
• Excellent adaptability, time management, and ability to work under pressure.