MITCHELL HOUSE
Striving for excellence through balanced, inclusive education
Mitchell House is a growing co-educational, independent English-medium school in Polokwane, founded in 1994. Situated on a high-lying, sixteen-hectare campus, the school follows a holistic educational philosophy that values academic, sporting and cultural excellence. We pride ourselves on our inclusive education programme, academic support initiatives and the meaningful integration of technology across the school.
We are seeking an experienced, dynamic and innovative educational leader to join our Prep School management team as:
Head of Department: Senior Prep
This is a full-time management position, reporting to the Prep School Head, with responsibility for the leadership, development and day-to-day management of the Senior Prep phase (Grades 4–7).
The successful candidate will also teach English or Mathematics and will play an important role in maintaining high academic and professional standards across the phase.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing strong, visible leadership of the Senior Prep phase.
- Leading and supporting the teaching team and fostering a positive, collaborative and accountable staff culture.
- Overseeing curriculum planning, implementation and assessment across Grades 4–7.
- Supporting teachers in delivering engaging, effective and appropriately challenging learning experiences.
- Monitoring academic standards and learner progress and identifying areas requiring intervention or development.
- Providing guidance and support to teachers in their professional growth and classroom practice.
- Managing the day-to-day organisation and administration of the phase.
- Supporting effective learner discipline, pastoral care and behaviour management.
- Building constructive relationships with learners, parents and staff.
- Working collaboratively with other Heads of Department and members of the Prep School management team to strengthen continuity across the Prep School.
- Contributing to whole-school planning, development and strategic initiatives.
- Teaching either English or Mathematics as part of the teaching allocation.
- Participating fully in the wider life of the school, including co-curricular activities, sport, cultural activities and school events.
- Promoting and upholding the ethos, values and expectations of Mitchell House.
The successful candidate will:
- Be an experienced and passionate educator with a strong understanding of the Senior Prep years and the developmental needs of learners in Grades 4–7.
- Have a strong academic and pedagogical background in English or Mathematics.
- Be an inspiring and capable leader who can motivate, support and develop staff.
- Have excellent organisational, administrative and time-management skills.
- Be able to manage competing priorities effectively and ensure that deadlines, systems and procedures are consistently followed.
- Demonstrate sound judgement, initiative and the ability to make confident, well-considered decisions.
- Have strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to engage positively with learners, parents and colleagues.
- Be committed to high academic standards while recognising the importance of developing the whole child.
- Have a strong understanding of learner support and inclusive educational practices.
- Be collaborative and willing to work across phases in the interests of the wider Prep School.
- Be energetic, innovative and committed to ongoing professional growth.
- Be willing to participate fully in the broader life of Mitchell House.
- Support and actively promote the ethos and values of Mitchell House.
Requirements:
- SACE registration.
- An appropriate university degree and recognised professional teaching qualification.
- A minimum of five years’ teaching experience would be advantageous.
- Previous leadership or management experience would be advantageous.
- Applicants must submit a police clearance certificate and proof that they are not registered on the Child Protection Register (CPR) or National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO).
If you are an experienced educator and aspiring or established leader, passionate about teaching English or Mathematics and committed to developing both people and learners, we would love to hear from you.
Please submit your CV via the following link: https://forms.gle/1zaPVd3dAegNykoM8
Application Deadline: Friday, 2 October 2027.
The successful applicant will be required to take up the position on 1 January 2027.
Only suitably qualified and experienced candidates will be considered. An application will not in itself entitle the applicant to an interview. The school reserves the right not to make this appointment. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.Mitchell House, in line with POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act), will endeavour to ensure the confidentiality of all applicants for this role. All reasonable measures will be taken to protect personal information, which will be used only for the recruitment, selection and reporting process. By submitting an application for this position, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.
Mitchell House is an equal opportunity employer.
ISASA