Academic Head Teacher

Job description

Job Title: Academic Head Teacher

Reports to: Board of Governors

Location: Acacia School, Livingstone, Zambia

Employment Type: Full-Time, On site

Start Date: January 2026 or sooner

Position Overview

The Academic Head Teacher will provide strategic and instructional leadership to ensure the highest standards of teaching and learning across the school. This position is focused on academic quality, curriculum delivery, and student development, working collaboratively with the Business Development Manager who’s priority is the administrative needs of the school as well as finance, and non-academic matters. The Head Teacher will ensure effective implementation of the school’s hybrid Zambian and Cambridge curriculum, teacher performance management, and the enrichment of student learning through co-curricular activities.

Key Responsibilities

1.    Academic Leadership

Ensure the effective delivery of the Zambian and Cambridge hybrid curriculum, fostering engaging, student-centred, and high-quality teaching across all subjects.
Ensure high-quality teaching and learning by:
Conducting weekly checks of lesson plans.
Undertaking termly lesson observations with constructive feedback and follow-up support.
Monitor student progress, assessment, and reporting in line with both Zambian and Cambridge standards.
Lead academic planning, ensuring alignment between curriculum, teaching, and student outcomes.

2.    Staff Development and Performance

Provide clear professional expectations and accountability through a robust teacher performance review system.
Mentor, coach, and support teachers to strengthen instructional practice and classroom management.
Identify, design and deliver Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes tailored to staff needs.

3.    Student Achievement and Enrichment

Promote academic excellence, personal development, and well-being for all students
Manage extra-curricular activities and school trips, ensuring they are safe, enriching, and aligned with the school’s vision.
Encourage holistic education through clubs, cultural programmes, and student leadership initiatives.

4.    Academic Administration

Oversee the preparation, administration, and compliance of all internal and external examinations.
Maintain accurate academic records and provide performance reports to the Board, parents, and other stakeholders.
Ensure compliance with Ministry of Education regulations, Cambridge International standards, and any inspection frameworks.

5.    Collaboration and School Development

Work closely with the Business Development Manager to align academic priorities with school growth, sustainability, and community engagement.
Foster strong relationships with parents, guardians, and the wider community to support student learning.
Raising the profile of the school and assisting in fundraising for the school
Contribute to the school’s strategic planning and help position it as a leader in hybrid curriculum delivery.

6.    Safeguarding and Child Protection

Serve as the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), ensuring that safeguarding and child protection remain central to all school operations.
Ensure all staff understand and comply with safeguarding policies, and provide regular training and updates.
Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, working with the Board and relevant authorities as required.
Create a culture of safety, respect, and wellbeing, ensuring that the school is a secure environment for all students.
Ensure strong safeguarding, behaviour management, and pastoral systems are in place.

7.    Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Education or equivalent (Master’s degree or leadership qualification preferred).
At least 7 years of teaching experience, with 3+ years in academic leadership at primary school level.
Strong knowledge of both Zambian and Cambridge curricula.
Demonstrated success in staff performance management, curriculum leadership, and raising student achievement.
Experience overseeing extra-curricular programmes and educational trips.

8.    Skills and Attributes

Visionary, dynamic and inspirational leader with a passion for education.
Acts as a positive role model, setting expectations through personal behaviour and practice rather than just direction.
Motivates and influences others by demonstrating commitment, consistency, and accountability in all tasks.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage staff, students, and parents.
Organised, detail-oriented, and committed to maintaining high standards.
Strong ability to mentor, develop, and evaluate teachers.
Dedication to inclusive, student-centred education and whole-child development.

9.    Remuneration

Competitive salary and statutory benefits with scope for growth

10.  Application Process

To apply, please send your CV, a cover letter, and two references in an email with the subject ‘Application for position of Academic Head Teacher: [Your Name]’ to board@acaciaschool.com by October 15th 2025.
Use of AI will lead to immediate disqualification.
Those with incomplete applications will not be considered.