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Vice Principal Job Description

What does a Vice Principal do?

A Vice Principal is a senior school administrator who works closely alongside the Principal to manage and oversee all aspects of the school’s daily operations. They are responsible for maintaining order and discipline, ensuring students are happy and safe, and overseeing teaching and learning to ensure high standards are maintained. Vice Principals are often involved in the strategic planning of the school, liaising with parents and other stakeholders, recruiting and managing staff, and assisting with staff professional development. They are key decision-makers who must act with integrity and fairness at all times.

Our Vice Principal job description includes the Vice Principal responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.

Vice Principal Example


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If you need an example job description for a Vice Principal download the one below, alternatively we have many other Education job description samples and a job description library with over 3000 job descriptions templates that you can download for free.

What does a Vice Principal do?

A Vice Principal is responsible for providing leadership and management of a school, working alongside the Principal and other senior staff members. They are responsible for developing and implementing strategies, policies and procedures that promote the achievement of the school's educational goals, while ensuring the highest standards of teaching and learning. In addition, they will oversee the day-to-day running of the school, manage staff performance and ensure that the school meets all statutory requirements. Vice Principals are also responsible for liaising with parents and carers, and representing the school in the local community.

Vice Principal Role Purpose

The purpose of a vice principal (or vice-principal) in the UK is to assist the principal (headteacher) in the management, leadership and administration of the school. This includes providing support to the principal in the areas of budgeting, personnel, curriculum and instruction, and student services. The vice principal also works with the principal to ensure the school is meeting the expectations and goals set forth by the local authority and other stakeholders.

Vice Principal Role

The Vice Principal is responsible for assisting the Principal in providing leadership and managing the day-to-day operations of the school. This includes taking part in strategic planning and implementing school policies, overseeing disciplinary procedures, and monitoring the performance and development of staff. The Vice Principal also provides guidance and support to staff, students and parents.

Vice Principal Duties

  • Lead and manage the school's day-to-day operations
  • Organise and manage staff, including assigning tasks and monitoring performance
  • Oversee the implementation of school policies, procedures and initiatives
  • Coordinate and monitor the school's disciplinary procedures
  • Ensure the safety and security of pupils, staff and visitors
  • Liaise with parents, pupils, staff and outside agencies
  • Organise staff training, development and appraisals
  • Assist the Principal in developing the school's vision and values
  • Budget planning and financial management
  • Ensure compliance with legal obligations and statutory requirements

Vice Principal Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in education or a related field
  • Experience in school administration
  • Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, and teachers
  • Excellent organizational, problem solving and decision making skills
  • Knowledge of school policies and procedures
  • Ability to work collaboratively with school staff and faculty

Vice Principal Skills

  • Excellent leadership
  • Strong organisational skills
  • Ability to motivate staff
  • Ability to problem solve
  • Good communication
  • Ability to take initiative
  • Ability to work collaboratively

Vice Principal Personal Traits

  • Leadership
  • Organisation
  • Communication
  • Patience
  • Ability to work under pressure

How to write a Vice Principal Job Advert

Use our job advert template to write a job advert for posting on job sites and job boards. Our job advertising templates are carefully created to help you reach your audience and beat the competition to the best talent.

A job description informs the reader about a job, whereas a job advert’s main objective is to sell the job opportunity to attract as many suitable applicants possible. A job advert maybe the first touch-point a candidate has with your company so it is important to create a great impression.

Job Advertisements should enticing, so considering using short, exciting language which get the reader’s attention.

How to write a Vice Principal Job Description

To write a job description, we recommend starting with a job description template from our job description library, which contains examples for 800+ positions and professions. Our job description examples include a job summary with duties and responsibilities and skills and requirements, which can be personalised for your job vacancy.

Job Description Advice - Guidance on How to Personalise a Vice Principal Job Specification

The hiring process and recruiting new employees to fill your key roles requires a degree of personalisation if you are to attract the best employees in a competitive employment market. The right person for a crucial role or more senior roles will likely have other employers targeting them. As your job description will be the first point of contact, you need to nail your pitch and provide the best possible service.

Job Description Tips - Help on formatting a Vice Principal Job Specification

When creating your bespoke description and advert, you should cover and promote these points:

Job title: This should accurately reflect the role and include keywords that top talent might be using to search for jobs.

Job duties: The day to day duties, such as administrative tasks, which vary depending on the company and inform the candidate if they can complete the role.

Technical skills: These are the hard skills required through training, such as proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Soft skills: These include the interpersonal skills and general abilities the right candidates will possess. For example, the competency to prioritise multiple tasks, handle customer queries and customer complaints, work alone, or build a good relationship with coworkers.

The company's culture: Highlighting your company culture and values ensures employees thrive and find outstanding job satisfaction. Candidates that are not the right fit won’t waste their time completing the application process, meaning you can focus on qualified individuals and hire in a more timely manner.

Career progression: Including the career path will entice candidates looking for career growth. 

Training and development programs: Smaller companies may need employees with previous experience or provide educational assistance over internal training offered by larger organisations with more significant resources. 

Employee benefits: Compensation and benefits often fail to appear in job ads and while you may want to hold your cards close to your chest, failing to include them is a mistake. Consider answering common questions, such as working hours and paid leave. Researching the average salary for the role in these early stages will ensure you don’t waste your interviewer’s and the candidate’s time.

Skill gaps: Your company may need to bring in new skills beyond those required to complete the key role and duties. Thinking on an organisational level can be beneficial when contemplating skills diversity.

Legal requirements: Ensure your job advert and description does not ask for inappropriate or discriminatory personal details, such as age, marital status, or religion.

How to Hire a Vice Principal

Once you have selected your Job Description download it or convert it to a Job Advert. From here you can post/advertise your job across our network of job boards. If you wish to use the job description for a CV Template click through for advice and Convert to a CV

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