Executive Principal – SPARK Blue Downs – 2026
SPARK Schools is seeking an Executive Principal for the Blue Downs campus in the Western Cape. This role oversees both Blue Downs High School and Blue Downs Primary School, reporting to the Head of Schools.
Quick Info
Location: SPARK Blue Downs, Western Cape (Head Office/Support Office aligned campus)
Position Type: Full Time
Reporting Line: Head of Schools
Closing Date: N/A
About SPARK Schools
SPARK Schools is a social impact disruptor in education, leading change through a network of affordable private schools. Our blended learning model combines classroom teaching with online instruction to deliver personalised education at scale. We are a collaborative, fast-paced and data-driven organisation that aims to make university and career opportunities accessible to all. You will find a vibrant, energetic environment where innovation and excellence are everyday pursuits. Learn more about SPARK Schools on our About page and watch our Vision Video.
Purpose of Role
The Executive Principal is the senior campus leader responsible for the instructional, operational, cultural and stakeholder outcomes of the Blue Downs campus. This role ensures strong learner achievement, safety, and a coherent end-to-end learner journey from primary through high school, while guiding the transition to a permanent facility.
Key Responsibilities
Instructional Leadership & Scholar Achievement
- Lead the High School instructional programme to drive academic achievement and fidelity to the SPARK learning model.
- Direct matric readiness, performance, and post-school preparedness, using data to identify gaps and direct interventions.
- Ensure the Primary School foundations support a smooth transition to high school.
Leadership of Leaders & People Management
- Directly manage the Primary School Principal and High School leadership team.
- Coach and develop a high-performing campus leadership culture with clear accountability and regular feedback.
- Identify leadership capability gaps and build succession depth across the campus.
Campus Culture, Safeguarding & Scholar Experience
- Maintain SPARK values, safeguarding, and a student-centred culture across both schools.
- Ensure a safe, orderly environment and promptly address issues impacting scholar experience.
- Provide a coherent SPARK identity from primary through high school.
Operational Oversight & Campus Effectiveness
- Oversee end-to-end operations for both schools, addressing gaps that affect safety, continuity and compliance.
- Ensure readiness, staffing, calendar execution and day-to-day functioning across both sites.
- Collaborate with support office to maintain alignment with SPARK standards.
Community, Parent & Stakeholder Leadership
- Act as the senior SPARK leader for the Blue Downs campus and engage with parents and the wider community.
- Lead communications and issue management to build confidence and trust.
Campus Transition & Change Leadership
- Guide the move from temporary structures to the permanent facility with stakeholders.
- Plan proactively to minimise disruption and protect wellbeing and culture during transition.
Alignment to SPARK Model, Values & Future Leadership Potential
- Embed SPARK’s learning models, values and leadership expectations across the campus.
- Demonstrate judgement, systems thinking and potential for broader leadership in the future.
Qualifications & Criteria
Qualifications
- B.Ed or PGCE
- SACE accreditation
- Substantial high school leadership experience with direct responsibility for instructional delivery and school management
- Proven track record of matriculation success; experience leading a matric cohort is essential
- Experience leading leaders and managing through other school leaders; coaching and accountability
- Strong operational leadership and risk awareness for scholar safety
- Stakeholder management experience with parents and communities
- Experience guiding change and transition; potential for broader regional leadership
Competencies
- Instructional leadership and leadership of leaders
- Operational excellence, systems thinking
- Scholar safeguarding, risk awareness
- Strategic thinking and data-based decision making
- Clear written and verbal communication; relationship building
- Problem solving, sound judgement; customer and scholar orientation
- Change leadership and resilience
Qualities
- Grit, excellence, mission alignment, self-reflection, service, persistence, achievement, responsibility, kindness
Remuneration & Benefits
- Fair market linked remuneration
- Discretionary performance-based bonuses
- Annual leave as per policy
- Life, disability and funeral cover
- Employee wellness support
- Educational support and study leave
- Individualised professional development, mentorship
- Employee discounts on school fees
- Career growth opportunities
Application Process
How to Apply: Please use SPARK Schools Official Careers Portal to submit your application.
Legal & Equity
SPARK Schools is an equal opportunities employer. Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups in line with Employment Equity goals. SPARK encourages persons with disabilities to apply. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Employment Equity: SPARK Schools is committed to equal opportunity in employment and to providing a workplace free from discrimination. If you require accommodation during the interview process, please let us know.
