Oprah Winfrey Academy Hiring Senior Educational Psychologist starting 1 January 2026

The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (The Academy) is currently seeking applications for a full-time, permanent Senior Educational Psychologist to join their team. This pivotal role, based in Meyerton, Gauteng Province, is designed to start on 1 January 2026 and plays a crucial part in nurturing the holistic well-being of over 300 students. If you are an experienced Educational Psychologist with a strong background in leadership and a passion for supporting young women, this could be an exceptional opportunity for you to contribute to a world-class educational platform. Applications close on 10 November 2025, so ensure your profile is registered and submitted via PNET.

Detailed list of vacancy key details

• Job Title: Senior Educational Psychologist
• Start Date: 01 January 2026
• Department: Psychology
• Reports To: Head of Student Affairs
• Closing Date for Applications: 10 November 2025
• School Name: The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (The Academy)
• School Description: A world-class residential boarding school for girls in Grades 8-12, focusing on nurturing dynamic women leaders. Students sit the Independent Examination Board (I.E.B.) NSC Examination.
• Location: Meyerton, Gauteng Province
• Student Body: Just over 300 girls enrolled in Grades 8-12.
• Application Platform: Pnet.co.za
• Institution Website: www.owlag.co.za
• ISASA Membership: The Academy is a member of the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA).
• Employment Policy: Equal opportunity employer.
• Minimum Academic Requirements:
  • A Master’s degree in Educational Psychology.
  • Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
  • Up-to-date CPD portfolio.
• Minimum Experience:
  • A minimum of 5 years’ experience as an Educational Psychologist, ideally in a school or learning environment.
  • A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a management or leadership position.
  • Proven experience working with vulnerable children and adolescents with a history of trauma experiences.
  • Experience in promoting the holistic well-being and development of all students (academically, psychologically, and socially).
  • Proven experience in working within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Application Documents Required: Cover letter, CV (with names of three contactable references), a copy of highest qualification/s, and a copy of identity.
• Application Handling: Hand-delivered applications will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear back by 10 December 2025, please consider your application unsuccessful. The Academy reserves the right not to fill the position.

Simple summary of the vacancy

The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls is looking for a dedicated and experienced Senior Educational Psychologist to manage and oversee the Psychology Unit. This full-time permanent position is essential for providing high-quality educational and psychological services to the Academy’s students, aligning with the school’s vision of nurturing future women leaders.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the unit, including developing strategic plans, policies, and standard operating procedures. They will ensure compliance with best practices and HPCSA regulations, manage budgets, and prepare reports for the board. A key aspect of the role involves leading the implementation and evaluation of psychological services to continuously improve impact and learner outcomes. This involves extensive stakeholder engagement, fostering collaboration with both internal and external partners to enhance the overall well-being of the student body. The Academy is particularly keen on candidates with experience in trauma-informed care and a commitment to promoting the holistic development of students.

Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology, be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, and have an up-to-date CPD portfolio. A minimum of five years’ experience as an Educational Psychologist, preferably within a school setting, and at least three years in a management or leadership role are essential. Experience supporting vulnerable children and adolescents, promoting holistic well-being, and working in multi-disciplinary teams is also crucial. This role is not just another one of the many teaching jobs available; it’s a specialist position that profoundly impacts the learning environment and student development, supporting the broader educational mission of the Academy.

How to apply for this post

• Prepare a comprehensive cover letter.
• Compile your Curriculum Vitae (CV), ensuring it includes the names and contact details of three professional references.
• Gather copies of your highest qualification/s.
• Obtain a copy of your identity document.
• Register your professional profile on the Pnet.co.za website.
• Submit your complete application through the Pnet platform.
• Please note that hand-delivered applications will not be accepted.
• The closing date for applications is 10 November 2025.
• If you have not received communication by 10 December 2025, please consider your application unsuccessful.
• For further information about the Academy, visit their website: www.owlag.co.za.
• You can view the original vacancy source here: Senior Educational Psychologist Position.

Questions a potential candidate might have and how to be a preferred candidate

• Q: What are the absolute minimum qualifications required?
  A: You must possess a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology, be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), and maintain an up-to-date CPD portfolio.
• Q: What kind of experience is most valued?
  A: The Academy highly values candidates with at least 5 years of experience as an Educational Psychologist, particularly in a school or learning environment, and a minimum of 3 years in a management or leadership role. Experience supporting vulnerable children and adolescents with trauma is critical.
• Q: How important is a trauma-informed approach?
  A: It is very important. The role requires in-depth knowledge of trauma-informed care and a willingness to learn and implement the Academy’s specific trauma-informed model of therapeutics. Emphasise any related experience in your application.
• Q: What leadership skills should I highlight?
  A: Showcase your experience in strategic and operational planning, developing policies and procedures, managing teams, and fostering collaborative relationships. Proven financial management and budget monitoring skills are also highly beneficial.
• Q: How can I demonstrate my commitment to holistic student well-being?
  A: Provide examples of how you have promoted students’ academic, psychological, and social development in previous roles. Discuss your approach to multi-disciplinary teamwork and stakeholder engagement.
• Q: Are administrative skills important for this Senior Educational Psychologist position?
  A: Yes, exceptional organisational and administrative skills are explicitly listed as essential. Highlight your ability to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and compliance in all tasks, especially when dealing with reports and procedures.
• Q: What if I haven’t worked specifically in a boarding school environment?
  A: While not explicitly stated as mandatory, experience in a residential educational setting could be an advantage due to the nature of the Academy. If you have any boarding school or similar experience, be sure to mention it.
• Q: How can I stand out regarding the Academy’s values?
  A: The Academy upholds values like Respect, Honour, Compassion, Service, Responsibility, and Accountability. Integrate examples in your cover letter or CV that reflect how you embody these values in your professional practice.
• Q: What communication skills are expected?
  A: You need strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex issues clearly to diverse audiences. Highlight your experience with presentations, proposals, and fostering collaborative partnerships.
• Q: What is the significance of the POPIA disclaimer mentioned?
  A: The Academy is committed to confidentiality. By applying, you acknowledge that your personal information will be used solely for recruitment, selection, and reporting purposes, in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act.
• Q: What should I do if I don’t hear back after the closing date?
  A: The vacancy states that if you do not hear from them by 10 December 2025, your application should be considered unsuccessful. No further action from your side is required.