Head Mistress

JOB DESCRIPTION Head Mistress/ Head of Primary School – KG to Grade 5Cambridge International Education (CIE) School Position: Head Mistress / Head of Primary School Section: Kindergarten to Grade 5 Curriculum: Cambridge International / CIE Reports To: Principal / School Director Location: Kolhapur Employment Type: Full-Time

1. Position Overview The Head Mistress / Head of Primary School will provide academic, administrative, and instructional leadership for the KG to Grade 5 section. The role is responsible for ensuring high standards of teaching and learning, effective implementation of the Cambridge Primary curriculum, student wellbeing, teacher development, parent engagement, and smooth day-to-day functioning of the primary school. The ideal candidate should have strong experience in primary school leadership, a sound understanding of the Cambridge curriculum, excellent communication skills, and the ability to lead and develop teachers.
2. Key Responsibilities A. Academic Leadership Lead the academic planning and implementation for KG to Grade 5. Ensure effective implementation of the Cambridge Primary curriculum and learning objectives. Monitor lesson planning, classroom practices, assessments, and student progress. Establish and maintain high academic standards across all primary grades. Conduct regular classroom observations and provide constructive feedback to teachers. Monitor student achievement through assessments, data analysis, and academic reviews. Support teachers in developing differentiated and student-centred learning strategies. Promote inquiry-based, experiential, and activity-based learning. Ensure appropriate integration of technology into teaching and learning. Coordinate academic calendars, examinations, assessments, projects, and school events. B. Teacher Leadership & Development Lead, motivate, and mentor primary teachers. Conduct regular departmental/section meetings. Identify professional development needs and coordinate teacher training. Support new teachers through induction and mentoring. Establish performance expectations and monitor teacher effectiveness. Encourage collaboration, sharing of best practices, and professional learning communities. Participate in teacher recruitment, interviews, demonstrations, and selection processes. C. Student Welfare & Discipline Ensure a safe, inclusive, positive, and child-friendly learning environment. Monitor student behaviour, attendance, punctuality, and overall wellbeing. Establish and implement appropriate discipline procedures. Work closely with counsellors, class teachers, and parents to address student concerns. Ensure safeguarding and child-protection practices are followed consistently. Promote students' academic, social, emotional, and physical development. D. Parent & Community Engagement Maintain effective communication with parents and guardians. Conduct parent meetings and address academic or behavioural concerns professionally. Handle parent grievances and ensure timely resolution. Build positive relationships between the school, parents, and wider community. Represent the primary section at school functions and official meetings. E. School Administration Oversee the day-to-day functioning of the KG to Grade 5 section. Prepare and monitor timetables, duty rosters, substitutions, and academic schedules. Ensure proper maintenance of academic records and student documentation. Coordinate with administration, transport, facilities, security, and support staff. Ensure compliance with school policies and statutory requirements. Monitor classroom resources, teaching materials, laboratories, libraries, activity areas, and other primary-school facilities. Support the Principal/Management in policy development and school improvement initiatives. F. Cambridge / CIE Responsibilities Ensure effective alignment of teaching and learning with Cambridge Primary standards. Familiarity with Cambridge Primary curriculum frameworks, assessment practices, and learner attributes. Support teachers in understanding Cambridge learning objectives and assessment requirements. Coordinate Cambridge-related academic documentation and processes. Promote the development of Cambridge learner attributes such as confidence, responsibility, reflection, innovation, and engagement. Maintain appropriate academic records and evidence of curriculum implementation. G. School Improvement & Quality Assurance Develop and implement annual academic and improvement plans for the primary section. Use student performance data to identify areas for improvement. Establish measurable academic and operational KPIs. Conduct regular reviews of teaching quality and student outcomes. Introduce innovative teaching practices and continuous improvement initiatives. Prepare reports and presentations for the Principal and School Management.
3. Required Qualifications Master's Degree in Education / English / relevant subject preferred. B.Ed. / M.Ed. or equivalent teaching qualification is preferred. Cambridge/CIE professional development or certification will be an advantage. Strong knowledge of primary education and child development. Knowledge of the Cambridge Primary curriculum is highly desirable.
4. Experience 8–12+ years of experience in education, with significant experience in primary education. Minimum 3–5 years of leadership/coordination experience as: Head of Primary Primary Coordinator Academic Coordinator Vice Principal Headmistress/Headmaster Senior School Leader Experience in a Cambridge/CIE, IB, or international school is strongly preferred. Proven experience managing teachers and leading academic teams.
5. Essential Skills & Competencies Strong academic and instructional leadership. Excellent written and verbal communication. Strong people-management and team-building skills. Excellent classroom observation and feedback skills. Strong understanding of assessment and student performance data. Effective parent and stakeholder management. Decision-making and problem-solving ability. Strong organisational and time-management skills. Ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively. Child-centred leadership approach. Proficiency in MS Office / Google Workspace and school ERP systems. Ability to work collaboratively with the Principal and School Management.
6. Preferred Candidate Profile The preferred candidate will be: An experienced and confident educational leader. Passionate about primary education and child development. Familiar with international-school environments. Knowledgeable about Cambridge curriculum and assessment practices. Comfortable leading a diverse team of teachers. Strong in parent communication and conflict resolution. Data-driven while maintaining a child-centred approach. Able to create a positive, disciplined, and academically focused school culture. Professional, approachable, ethical, and solution-oriented.
7. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) The Head of Primary will be evaluated on: Student academic achievement and progress. Quality of teaching and learning. Cambridge curriculum implementation. Teacher performance and professional development. Student attendance, wellbeing, and discipline. Parent satisfaction and engagement. Staff retention and team effectiveness. Timely completion of academic planning and assessments. Implementation of school policies and safeguarding procedures. Contribution to overall school improvement.
8. Selection Process The selection process may include: Application/CV Screening Initial HR Interview Leadership & Academic Interview Cambridge Curriculum Discussion Presentation / School Improvement Plan Interaction with Principal / School Management Reference & Background Verification Final Selection
9. Compensation Salary: Competitive and commensurate with qualifications, experience, and current compensation. Additional Benefits: As per school policy.
10. Reporting Structure School Management / Director ↓ Principal ↓ Head Mistress / Head of Primary (KG–Grade 5) ↓ Primary Coordinators / Teachers / Support Staff Application Interested candidates with relevant experience in Cambridge/CIE or international primary education may submit their updated CV along with details of current compensation, expected compensation, notice period, and relevant leadership experience.