Achieve your leadership goals as deputy head junior school at St Mary’s School starting 1 January 2026 apply by Friday 26 September for this pivotal role in teaching jobs

St Mary’s School in Waverley is on the lookout for a dedicated Deputy Head for its Junior School, with the position set to begin on 1 January 2026. This exciting opportunity, one of many rewarding teaching jobs, invites experienced educational leaders to contribute to a thriving Anglican school for girls. If you have a passion for girls’ education, strong leadership skills, and are keen to shape the future of young learners, then this role could be for you. Applications, which should include your curriculum vitae and details for at least three referees, need to be submitted by Friday 26 September. You can find more details about this vacancy here.

Detailed vacancy information

• School: St Mary’s School, an independent Anglican school for girls in Waverley.
• Position: Deputy Head, Junior School.
• Start Date: 1 January 2026.
• Application Deadline: Friday 26 September.
• Key Responsibilities: Leadership, management and relationship building in education; a commitment to the ongoing development of pastoral care in the Junior School; the ability to win the support and respect of staff, girls and parents; the ability to work with the Junior School management team to realise strategic goals; and teaching responsibilities.
• Essential Qualities: A deep knowledge of girls’ education; exceptional organisational abilities; and excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Prerequisites: A sound tertiary qualification in education and a SACE number; experience relevant for the role; and personal convictions aligned to the ethos of the school.
• Benefits: A competitive remuneration package and excellent working conditions.
• Application Method: Email your curriculum vitae and names of at least three referees to [email protected].
• Note on data protection: St Mary’s School is committed to protecting personal information in line with POPIA during the recruitment process.
• Disclaimer: The school reserves the right not to fill this post, and an application does not automatically guarantee an interview.

Simple summary of the vacancy

St Mary’s School, an independent Anglican school for girls located in Waverley, is seeking a highly capable and committed individual to take on the role of Deputy Head in its Junior School. The successful candidate will commence their duties on 1 January 2026. This pivotal role involves significant leadership, management, and relationship-building responsibilities within the educational environment, with a strong focus on enhancing pastoral care for junior school girls. The school is looking for someone who can effortlessly gain the respect and support of staff, pupils, and parents, and work effectively with the existing management team to achieve strategic objectives. Teaching duties are also part of this position. Prospective applicants must possess a profound understanding of girls’ education, demonstrate outstanding organisational capabilities, and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Required qualifications include a sound tertiary education qualification, a valid SACE number, and experience directly relevant to the Deputy Head role. Furthermore, candidates’ personal convictions should align with the caring and dynamic ethos of St Mary’s. The school offers an attractive remuneration package and a supportive working environment. Applications, including a detailed curriculum vitae and contact information for at least three referees, must be submitted via email to [email protected] by Friday 26 September. The school also notes its commitment to protecting personal information in line with POPIA, and reserves the right not to fill the post or guarantee interviews based solely on an application.

Questions and advice for applicants regarding this and other teaching jobs

• What makes a preferred candidate for this Deputy Head position?
  A preferred candidate will not only meet all the stated qualifications but will also demonstrate a deep, practical understanding of girls’ education, exceptional leadership potential, and a clear alignment with St Mary’s Anglican ethos. Highlighting past achievements in pastoral care and strategic goal realisation will be beneficial.
• How important are the ‘personal convictions aligned to the ethos of the school’?
  These are crucial for an Anglican school. Candidates should research St Mary’s values and, if invited for an interview, be prepared to articulate how their personal beliefs resonate with the school’s caring and dynamic environment. This is vital for all teaching jobs in faith-based schools.
• What specific experience should I highlight in my CV?
  Focus on leadership, management, and pastoral care roles, especially within a junior school setting or girls’ education. Provide concrete examples of how you’ve built relationships, supported staff, and contributed to strategic goals.
• Is the SACE number an absolute requirement?
  Yes, a sound tertiary qualification in education and a SACE number are prerequisites for this position, as they are for most professional teaching roles in South Africa.
• What is the significance of the “Friday 26 September” deadline without a year?
  Given the start date of 1 January 2026, it is highly probable that the deadline is Friday 26 September 2025. It is always wise to apply well in advance of the deadline.
• What should my referees be prepared to speak about?
  Your referees should be able to speak to your leadership, management, interpersonal, and communication skills, as well as your experience in education, particularly in a junior school or girls’ environment, and your commitment to pastoral care.
• How can I make my application stand out?
  Tailor your CV and cover letter specifically to the job description, using keywords from the vacancy. Emphasise your understanding of girls’ education and your ability to foster a supportive learning environment.
• Will there be an opportunity to visit the school?
  The vacancy does not specify, but if you are shortlisted for an interview, it is common practice for schools to offer a tour or provide more information about the campus and culture. You could politely inquire if you are invited for an interview.
• What kind of teaching responsibilities are involved?
  While the specific grade or subject is not detailed, as a Deputy Head in the Junior School, you would likely have a reduced teaching load compared to a full-time teacher, possibly focusing on a particular grade or subject area, or covering classes as needed.
• What does “competitive remuneration package” mean?
  This typically implies that the salary and benefits offered will be attractive and in line with, or better than, similar leadership roles in independent schools within the region. It’s always worth researching typical salary bands for similar teaching jobs to gauge expectations.

Institution details

St Mary’s School is an independent Anglican school for girls, located in Waverley, Johannesburg.

Website: https://www.stmaryswaverley.co.za/

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