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Deputy Principal – Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál, Creagh National School, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway (Roll No. 17198S)
The Board of Management of Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál, Creagh National School, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, under the patronage of the Bishop of Clonfert, Dr Michael Duignan, invites applications from suitably qualified persons for the position of Deputy Principal. This is a permanent teaching position. The appointment is being made via open competition in accordance with Circular 0044/2019, Chapter 4. The post will commence on 7/12/2026
Creagh NS is a Catholic, co-educational primary school serving a growing and diverse community. It has 444 pupils and approximately 50 staff, including two Autism classes. It is a hard-working, happy and inclusive school guided by its motto, Non Mihi, Non Tibi, Sed Nobis (“Not for me, not for you, but for us”).
The Deputy Principal will work closely with the Principal as a member of the school’s leadership and management team. They will co-operate with the Principal in fulfilling the Principal’s role and will act as Principal in the Principal’s absence. Specific roles and responsibilities relate to the four domains of Leadership and Management outlined in Circular 0044/2019 and in Looking at Our School 2022: A Quality Framework for Primary Schools and Special Schools:
Leading Teaching and Learning
Managing the Organisation
Leading School Development
Developing Leadership Capacity
In line with Circular 0044/2019, duties will be reviewed as the needs of the school evolve. This may result in reassignment of roles and responsibilities within the leadership and management team.
The Board of Management seeks a Deputy Principal who will:
Show an understanding of, and commitment to, the vision, values and Catholic ethos of Creagh NS, and support home, school and parish links
Place children’s welfare, wellbeing, learning and holistic development at the centre of every decision
Have an in-depth knowledge of the Primary Curriculum and lead its enactment through the redeveloped Primary Curriculum Framework (2023)
Have a clear understanding of special and inclusive education, including the support of pupils in our Autism classes and the co-ordination of SET and SNA teams
Demonstrate a clear understanding of School Self-Evaluation, strategic planning, and policy development and implementation
Promote a positive school climate rooted in Restorative Practice, Bí Cineálta and pupil wellbeing
Value pupil voice and support distributed leadership across the staff
Be an effective administrator and communicator who manages resources and systems efficiently
Show excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work collaboratively with staff, parents, the Board of Management and the wider community
Show a commitment to supporting a range of extra-curricular activities
Eligibility criteria:
Applicants must be fully registered under Route 1 (Primary) with the Teaching Council. They must have a minimum of 5 years’ recognised teaching service, two of which must be in a recognised primary school within the Republic of Ireland. Applicants must hold a recognised Certificate to Teach Religious Education in a Catholic school.

Desirable:

A qualification in Leadership and Management
Experience working in Special/Inclusive Education
Experience of school leadership, curriculum development and School Self-Evaluation
Appointment will be subject to, but not limited to:
Satisfactory references
Current and continuing Teaching Council registration
Garda Vetting requirements
Occupational Health screening
A valid Statutory Declaration and Form of Undertaking
Teachers on approved leave (e.g. sick leave, maternity leave, parental leave, secondment or career break) are eligible to apply.
Application requirements:
Standard Application Form for Principals and Deputy Principals (open competition)
Letter of application
Evidence of qualifications, including a recognised Certificate to Teach Religious Education in a Catholic school
Teaching Council Certificate of Registration
Applications by email only should be sent to the Chairperson of the Board of Management, Mr Frank Gallagher, at deputyapplicationcreaghns2026@gmail.com no later than 5pm on 17th November Please put “Application – Deputy Principal” in the subject line.
Interviews will be held in late November/Early December. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.