Crawford International seeks Principal for La Lucia Preparatory, applications close 29 September 2025

Crawford International, part of the ADvTECH group, is currently seeking an experienced and dedicated Principal for its La Lucia Preparatory campus in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal. This is a permanent, mid-senior level position requiring a strong leader to oversee the operational and academic management of the school. The successful candidate will report to the Executive Head and be responsible for ensuring compliance with all policies and legislative requirements, driving academic excellence, and delivering an optimal student experience. Applications are open until 29 September 2025, with an anticipated start date of 01 January 2026. You can find the original vacancy here: Principal Vacancy.

Vacancy key details

• Position: Principal
• Company: ADvTECH
• Division: Crawford International
• Business Unit: La Lucia Preparatory
• Location: Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal
• Employment Type: Permanent
• Minimum Experience: Mid-Senior level, requiring 8 years of teaching and learning experience, with at least 3 years in management for a pre-primary setting or 5 years for a high school/college.
• Company Primary Industry: Education Management
• Job Functional Area: Education
• Closing Date for Applications: 29 September 2025
• Anticipated Start Date: 01 January 2026

Simple summary of the vacancy

This exciting opportunity calls for a Principal to lead Crawford International’s La Lucia Preparatory school. As the Principal, you will be the cornerstone of the school’s day-to-day operations and academic success. Your primary objective will be to ensure the school adheres to all relevant policies, procedures, and legislative standards, while also upholding the esteemed values of the Crawford International Brand. You will play a crucial role in providing leadership to both staff and students, fostering a positive and high-achieving environment, and engaging effectively with parents.

Key responsibilities span a wide range of areas, including meticulous management of school operations, such as financial oversight and budget input, as well as monitoring crucial performance indicators like student retention. A significant part of the role involves the implementation of the academic strategy, overseeing curriculum development to align with bodies like IEB, IB, IIE, and DOE, and ensuring high standards of teaching and learning are consistently met. Furthermore, you will be instrumental in customer relationship management, participating in marketing events, building strong relationships with parents, and ensuring an excellent student experience. Human resource management for all school staff, including performance reviews, professional development, and adherence to Employment Equity targets, falls under your purview. Finally, you will be responsible for health and safety management, ensuring a secure and well-maintained school environment for everyone.

Candidates for this Principal role must hold an undergraduate degree (NQF level 7) along with a PGDE or a B. Education degree, with a postgraduate qualification (NQF 8) in Management Policy Development or Curriculum Development being highly desirable. SACE certification is essential. Beyond the academic qualifications, the role demands strong planning and organisation skills, exceptional interpersonal abilities, high emotional intelligence, and a proven ability to think critically and solve problems effectively.

How to apply for this post

• Review the full advertisement in detail.
• Visit the ADvTECH Career Portal by clicking on this link: Click here to apply.
• Please note that this link will take you away from the ISASA website.
• If you do not already have an account on the ADvTECH portal, you will need to register on their website to submit your application.
• Ensure all required documents and information are prepared before starting the application process.

Potential candidate questions and advice

Q: What are the essential qualifications for this Principal position?

A: You must possess an undergraduate degree (NQF level 7) plus either a PGDE or a B. Education degree. SACE certification is also a mandatory requirement.

Q: Is there any preferred additional qualification?

A: Yes, ideally, a postgraduate qualification (NQF 8) in Management Policy Development or Curriculum Development would be highly advantageous.

Q: What is the minimum experience required for a pre-primary setting versus a high school?

A: For a pre-primary role, a minimum of 8 years teaching and learning experience with 3 years in management is needed. For a high school/college position, it’s 8 years teaching and learning experience with 5 years in management.

Q: How important is computer literacy?

A: Computer literacy is a fundamental requirement, and you will be expected to quickly become proficient in the ADvTECH academic system.

Q: What kind of leadership qualities are they looking for?

A: The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong planning and organisation, exceptional interpersonal skills, high emotional intelligence, professional presentation, excellent time management, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.

Q: How can I demonstrate “Commercial Aptitude” for this role?

A: Highlight your understanding of the broader educational landscape, including financial aspects, resource management, and how a school operates as a sustainable entity beyond just academics.

Q: What does “Customer Orientation” mean in the context of a Principal?

A: This refers to your ability to understand and effectively facilitate the needs and expectations of both parents and students, demonstrating patience and responsiveness to their concerns.

Q: How can I show “Capability Building” during the application process?

A: Provide examples of how you have coached, mentored, provided feedback, developed staff, and handled challenging conversations constructively in previous roles.

Q: What is the significance of “Collaborative Relationships” for this Principal post?

A: The school values respect for peers and the ability to build effective partnerships with other senior leaders, external vendors, suppliers, and most importantly, parents and the wider community.

Q: Will I need to register on the ISASA website to apply?

A: No, you do not need to register on the ISASA site. All applications are managed through the ADvTECH Career Portal, where you may need to register if you don’t already have an account.

Q: What should I emphasise regarding “Health & Safety Management” in my application?

A: Detail your experience in ensuring a safe school environment, maintaining facilities, identifying risks, and implementing solutions to safeguard students, staff, and visitors.

Q: How can I best showcase my “Strategic Thinking” abilities?

A: Describe instances where you have developed long-term plans that contributed to the sustainable future and growth of an educational institution, moving beyond day-to-day management.

Q: What is the company’s expectation regarding “Employment Equity targets”?

A: As Principal, you will be expected to actively drive the achievement of Employment Equity targets within the school, demonstrating a commitment to diverse and inclusive hiring practices.

Q: What is the reporting structure for this role?

A: The Principal reports directly to the Executive Head, who oversees all schools in a specific location across all phases, ensuring brand alignment and strategic direction.

Institution details

• Institution Name: Crawford International, La Lucia Preparatory (part of ADvTECH)
• Location: Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal
• Crawford International Website: crawfordinternational.co.za
• ADvTECH Corporate Website: advtech.co.za

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