Active

Primary

Thu Sep 18 2025

Sun Oct 5 2025

Mon Nov 3 2025

Permanent

Mainstream with Special Classes

Vertical

Co-Educational

Church of Ireland

DEIS 2

25

200

Yes

Administrative Deputy Principal Post

The Board of Management of South National School invites applications for the role of Deputy Principal. This leadership position offers the opportunity to guide teaching and learning, foster an inclusive and creative school culture, and contribute to a thriving, diverse school community. It is an excellent opportunity for an experienced educational leader to make a lasting impact.

South Abbey National School is a DEIS Band 2, co-educational mainstream school with five ASD Special Classes, operating under the patronage of the Dioceses of Cork, Cloyne, and Ross.

South Abbey National School is an innovative, inclusive, and diverse school. We take pride in being a richly multicultural and multi-denominational community, where every child is supported to grow, thrive, and reach their unique potential.

The appointment will be made under the terms of Circular 0044/2019.
To be eligible for consideration candidates must be fully registered with the Teaching Council under Route 1 - Primary - and must have a minimum of 5 years teaching experience, two of which must be in a recognised primary school within the Republic of Ireland. Proceeding with the competition is contingent upon both the number and suitability of applications received, in line with the provisions of Circular 0044/2019.

The roles and responsibilities for this post relate to the four domains of leadership and management as specified in Circular 0044/2019:
1. Leading Teaching and Learning
2. Managing the Organisation
3. Leading School Development
4. Developing Leadership capacity

In line with the above domains, and working closely with the Principal, the duties attached to the role involve whole-school curricular development, policy development, day-to-day management of resources and personnel, SEN coordination and long-term strategic planning for the development of the school. The ability to build positive relationships throughout the school community is essential.

The Deputy Principal, as a member of the senior management and middle management teams, will work collaboratively with the Principal and those teams to address all priority management areas and to ensure consistent leadership in the school. The Deputy Principal co-operates with the Principal in the fulfilment of the Principal’s role and acts or deputises as the Principal in the Principal’s absence.
The roles and responsibilities of this post are subject to review and change according to procedures set out in Circular 0044/2019. The responsibilities of the role will require the Deputy Principal to participate in the role outside of the standard school day and also outside the standard school year.

The following skills, knowledge, experience, and competencies are desirable:
• Strong knowledge and understanding of leadership, management, and administration in a primary school setting.
• Sound knowledge of Special Educational Needs, inclusion, and diversity, with a commitment to supporting all pupils to reach their potential.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and intrapersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with staff, pupils, and the wider school community.
• Evidence of, and commitment to, ongoing professional development.
• Collaborative approach to leadership, including the ability to delegate, develop leadership capacity, and empower others.
• Clear understanding of, and commitment to, the ethos of the school.
• Proven leadership skills, including policy development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Ability to promote a culture of active learning, creativity, and innovation across the school.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Ability to provide pastoral care and promote pupil and staff wellbeing.
• Skills in conflict resolution and problem-solving, responding to challenges constructively and calmly.
• Curriculum leadership skills, supporting and developing teaching and learning across all class levels.
• Ability to use digital technologies to enhance learning, administration, and communication.
• Resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive school climate.


Appointment will be subject, but not limited to:
• Satisfactory references
• Current & continuing Teaching Council registration
• Current Garda Vetting requirements
• Occupational Health screening


Candidates shortlisted for interview will be contacted by email.
The successful candidate will be required to provide proof of qualifications.
Please submit only the requested documents.

Applications should be marked for the attention of Mr Baker, Chairperson of the BOM.

Applications should be submitted by email only to:
permanent_deputy_principal_recruitment@southabbeyns.ie