Head of Secondary

Head of Secondary - Job Description

Location, Campus and Facilities

Kampala International School Uganda (KISU), founded in 1993, is located in Kampala, Uganda and sits on a 14-acre campus opened in 2008. The school offers modern learning spaces including classrooms with interactive technology, three IT labs, four science labs, art and music studios, a drama room, a food technology lab, a LEGO studio and a sensory room. Major facilities include an eight-lane outdoor heated swimming pool, a sports hall with a gym, an outdoor basketball court, a 4-acre football field, a main auditorium, and two outdoor amphitheatres.

Vision, mission, and values

Our mission and vision statements are as follows:

Vision: ‘Educating today’s children for tomorrow’s world’

Mission: ‘To be a warm, vibrant, inclusive, internationally-minded and forward-looking learning community developing young people who are enthusiastic, resilient and reflective lifelong learners and who have the skills, values and personal qualities to allow them to flourish in, and become leaders of conscience for tomorrow’s world.’

History

KISU began in 1993 with 67 students and has grown to 425 students from both national and international families. The campus features six classroom blocks serving students aged 15 months to 18 years and is home to over 22 species of trees. Over time, the school has expanded its facilities and strengthened its diverse, international community.

Curriculum:
The school provides an international education for students aged 15 months to 18 years:

Early Years: 15 months to 4 years

Key Stages 1–4: Adapted English National Curriculum & Cambridge IGCSE

Key Stage 5: International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)

A rich co-curricular and outdoor education programme supports students’ holistic development, with a wide range of sporting, creative and experiential learning opportunities.

 

Role Purpose:
The Head of Secondary provides strategic, academic and cultural leadership for the Secondary School, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning and student achievement. The role is responsible for shaping the vision, ethos and long-term strategic direction of the Secondary School, while ensuring alignment with whole-school priorities, compliance requirements, and the values and traditions of KISU.

The Head of Secondary leads through others - empowering, developing and supporting senior and middle leaders to deliver excellence across all areas.

 

Key Priorities

Sustain and enhance high standards of teaching, learning and student outcomes

Ensure excellence in IGCSE and IB Diploma Programme delivery

Promote a broad, balanced, inclusive and internationally relevant curriculum

Create a culture of accountability, professionalism and continuous improvement

Uphold the school’s ethos, values, traditions and community spirit

Ensure compliance with Ugandan law, Ministry of Education expectations, and international accreditation standards

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements:
Essential:

• Bachelor’s degree

• Recognised teaching qualification (e.g. PGCE or equivalent)

• Significant secondary teaching experience (7+ years)

• Proven leadership experience in a secondary school setting

• Experience with international curricula (Cambridge IGCSE/ A Level/ IB Diploma)

• Demonstrated experience in leading teaching and learning, staff development and school improvement

• Strong understanding of safeguarding, pastoral care and student wellbeing
  

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Education or Leadership

• National or international school leadership qualification (e.g. NPQH, NPQSL, or equivalent leadership certification)

• Prior experience as a Head of Secondary/Deputy Head of Secondary

• Evidence of ongoing professional development in leadership, curriculum, or assessment

• Training in safeguarding at a senior/leadership level (e.g. Designated Safeguarding Lead certification)

• Qualification or training in school inspection frameworks (e.g. CIS/COBIS/Ofsted/IB experience or familiarity, depending on context)

Line Management and Professional Structure

Reports to: School Director
Member of: Senior Leadership Team (SLT)
Direct line management of: Deputy Head of Secondary, IB Coordinator, Secondary Heads of Department

 

For the full job description, please see the attachment section.