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Thu Jan 8 2026

Thu Jan 22 2026

Mon Feb 23 2026

Permanent

Applications are invited for the post of Deputy Principal in Mother of Fair Love Special School, James St, Kilkenny R95TC53

Mother of Fair Love Special School is under the patronage of the Catholic Bishop of Ossory and is designated by the Department of Education and Skills as a coeducational special school for children aged 5-18 years assessed as having a Mild General Learning Disability, 76 Students, 10 Teachers plus admin deputy principal , Principal and 17 SNA's.

The appointee will become part of the leadership and management team in the school.
The eligibility criteria, essential roles and responsibilities of the post of Deputy Principal Teacher are determined by the four Domains of Leadership and Management as set out in Chapter 4 of Circular 0044/2019 and Looking at our School 2022: A Quality Framework for Primary Schools.

1. Leading Teaching and Learning
2. Managing the Organisation
3. Leading School Development
4. Developing Leadership Capacity

The Deputy Principal will work with the Principal to support and develop effective leadership within the school. The Deputy Principal cooperates with the Principal in the fulfilment of the Principal's role and acts or deputises as the Principal in the Principal's absence.

In addition the following skills, knowledge, competencies and experience are desirable:

-A clear understanding and knowledge of special education, inclusive education and diversity in education.
- Ability to exercise flexibility and full involvement in the school, in partnership with and under the direction of the Principal, to meet the daily needs of the school.
- Understanding of and commitment to the ethos of a Catholic school.
- Excellent communication skills expressed both in leadership and management.
- Ability to work collaboratively with all staff members and the wider school community.
- Proven leadership skills, including policy development and implementation.
- In-depth knowledge of the Primary Curriculum Framework, Junior Cycle Level 1 /2 and new Senior Cycle Level 1/2 (SCL2LP) the principles of teaching, learning and assessment.
- Ability to promote a culture of restorative practice throughout the school.
- Commitment to the implementation of recommended teaching and assessment practices at whole-school level.
- An ability to work with staff and outside agencies to promote pupil wellbeing and provide children with the knowledge, skills and competencies to help them deal with challenges.
- An understanding of School Self-Evaluation (SSE) policy development and implementation.
- Experience in the development, implementation, operation and evaluation of innovative and evidence-based initiatives.
- Proven ability to work as part of a team and to foster leadership in others.
- Evidence of and a high level of commitment to continuing and relevant professional development.

The roles and responsibilities of this post are subject to review and change according to procedures set out in Circular 44/19. The responsibilities of the role will require participation in the leadership role outside the standard school day and outside of the standard school year.

Applicants should apply by post to Rev. Dr. Dermot Ryan c/o Mother of Fair Love Special School, James St, and Kilkenny R95TC53 on or before 22nd January 2026 @3pm. Please enclose three copies of documents and mark the application 'Deputy Principal Application'.