School Headmaster / Principal

Salary: Competitive, based on experience.

Job type: Full Time, Renewable Yearly Contract

Apply by: 15 May, 2024

This unique position will offer the successful candidate an extraordinary opportunity to found and establish a new and outstanding school, which will be well positioned to become the preeminent private educational institution in Montenegro.

The British Academy seeks either an experienced Principal/Head or an ambitious and capable deputy with superb leadership skills and a proven track-record of both strategic innovation and excellent day-to-day operational oversight. The successful candidate will take the creative lead in planning and implementing structures and curricula throughout the school, with the full support and backing of The Board of Directors who have been in the sector for over 40 years and who share a passion and clear vision for the school.

Located in the thriving capital city of Podgorica, The British Academy will welcome its first students in September 2024 and the Principal will be critical to the final phases of preparation throughout June and July as the physical and personnel infrastructure of the institution are finalised and as core decisions are made on ethos and the strategic development of the school.

The British Academy has already gained approval for delivery of the Cambridge International Curriculum which will deployed throughout the school (3-18) and plans are already in place to provide appropriate teacher training to staff at every level.  

Aside from the attractions of its world-renowned and beautiful coastline (within easy reach of the capital), diverse landscapes and warm climate, Montenegro presents the aspiring candidate with an opportunity to be part of a rapidly growing economy, a lively and diverse culture and a historical story that is as fascinating as it is unique.

The successful candidate will be provided with accommodation close to the school site and the remuneration package has been designed to be extremely competitive – especially set against the backdrop of the relatively low cost of living in the country.

This exceptional opportunity would suit a serving Head (or an ambitious and driven Deputy Head) who relishes challenge, possesses a genuine entrepreneurial spirit and who has a clear and well-articulated educational philosophy that matches the aims and intentions of the project.

The successful candidate will:

·      articulate a clear passion for education as well as a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated both with the international sector and new school foundation; 

·       have proven experience in school management at the highest levels (either as a Head or as Deputy Head) and be able to speak confidently about strategic projects they have successfully implemented;

·       be fully familiar with the Cambridge Curriculum and the requirements for its successful operation in the international context;

·       have excellent skills of administration and management in both the business and academic contexts as well as possessing the necessary knowledge and experience both to safely recruit staff and establish the new curriculum structure;

·       be versatile, adaptable and a creative thinker open to collaborative processes for sharing ideas;

·       be comfortable leading and inspiring staff and working as part of the core team to implement the mission and vision of the school;

·       speak excellent, fluent English at a level commensurate with the demands of the role;

·       hold a valid passport from the UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand;

·       hold a degree in education (or a closely related field) with a minimum of five years’ experience in the sector.

In addition to the accommodation and competitive salary, the successful candidate will also receive full assistance from the Board of Directors with administrative issues (including visa and work permit acquisition), health insurance and support with integration into the local and national communities.

About the school:

The British Academy has been founded in response to a significant and well-researched market need for high-quality international schooling in the country (particularly in the region surrounding the capital) at an affordable price point. The school will provide education to local, foreign and ex-pat children in Montenegro through a well-defined and internationally renowned curriculum model that seeks to replicate, as fully as is possible, the warmth, excellence and holistic approach of British Independent Schools.

The Board of Directors is committed to the provision of a inspirational and premium learning environment where academic and pastoral standards are rigorously upheld. The vision is to ensure that pupils passing through the school will emerge as successful, well-adapted and productive members of society whose horizons expand across international borders.

Situated in the beating heart of the capital city, with all of its attractions and possibilities, the school’s beautifully modern and spacious premises (complete with ample academic, sporting, dining and common areas) enjoys easy access both to the adventure of the mountains and the recreation of the spectacular Adriatic coast.

The British Academy is fully committed to safeguarding and to promoting the welfare of our young pupils and students and expects all employees to share in this commitment. The school offers fully-supported safeguarding training and undertakes to ensure that all staff and students are treated fairly and without any form of discrimination.

In summary, the Principal of The British Academy will be in a position to bring their experience and passion to bear on an exceptional project: the design and implementation of an entirely unique educational institution that is destined to have a profound impact on the landscape of learning in Montenegro.