Active

Primary

Sun Apr 12 2026

Mon Apr 27 2026

Mon Aug 31 2026

Permanent

Mainstream

Senior School

Co-Educational

Catholic

DEIS 1

26

196

Yes

This is a permanent position appointed through open competition in line with Circular 0044/2019.
A minimum of 3 candidates will be required for the process of selection to proceed.

This is an Administrative Principal position.
St. Bernadette’s Senior N.S. is a co-educational, DEIS Plus, senior National School catering for pupils from 3rd – 6th class.
The school has two Special classes for pupils with autism.
The school is also in the process of building a new extension for two new Special classes for pupils with autism.
The current staff is comprised of 26 teachers, 10 SNAs, 1 Secretary, I shared Lunch lady and one part-time Caretaker.
The school’s current enrolment is 196 pupils.
The school is also the base school for the Dept. of Ed. “Clondalkin / Balgaddy Supply Teacher Scheme” with five teachers allocated.

Roles and responsibilities for this post relate to the four domains of Leadership and Management, as specified in Department of Education (DES) Circular 0044/2019:

1. Leading teaching and learning.
2. Managing the organisation.
3. Leading school development.
4. Developing leadership capacity.

The successful candidate must be fully registered (Route 1) with the Teaching Council of Ireland and have at least 5 years of teaching experience in a recognised primary school.

They must also demonstrate:
• An understanding of, and commitment to, upholding the Catholic Ethos of the school and an ability to support and promote school/parish links.
• Excellent people management and communication skills with an ability to foster positive relationships with pupils, parents/guardians, staff, the parish and the wider community.
• Knowledge and understanding of DEIS and DEIS Plus.
• An in-depth understanding of the Primary curriculum and a broad range of teaching experience and knowledge.
• An excellent working knowledge of special education needs and of inclusion and diversity in education.
• Experience in the development, implementation, operation and evaluation of innovative school-based initiatives.
• A commitment to inclusion and diversity.
• Proven leadership skills.
• Experience in prioritising, planning and organising workload.
• Previous experience in policy development.
• Knowledge, experience of and capacity to successfully lead and administer in a school.
• A willingness and ability to work in partnership with external agencies.
• A commitment to and evidence of continuing professional development.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
• Standard Application Form for Principalship/Deputy Principalship - in English
• Letter of Application
• Referees (name, role, contact no.)
• Teaching Council Registration
• Recognised Certificate to Teach Religious Education
The appointment is subject to the confirmation of qualifications, Teaching Council registration, Garda vetting, occupational health requirements, satisfactory references and Patron's approval.

Three copies of your application documentation should be included in the envelope submitted by post, or delivered by hand to the secretary’s office, for the attention of Ms. Eimear Berry, Chairperson of the Board of Management, by 3.00 pm on Monday, 27th April 2026.

Postal applications only.

Please mark the envelope with 'Principal Application'.