Ridgeway College announces head of Department vacancy for January 2026

Ridgeway College, nestled in the picturesque Limpopo Province with stunning views of the Soutpansberg Mountains, is currently seeking an experienced, inspired, and dynamic subject specialist for the exciting role of Head of Department for the Intermediate and Senior Phase. This is one of many enriching teaching jobs available. They are looking for a candidate with a strong background in Mathematics and a minimum of five years’ leadership experience to commence on 1st January 2026. If you meet the criteria and are passionate about education within an IEB syllabus environment, make sure to submit your application, including all relevant qualifications and SACE registration, by the closing date of 17th October 2025. You can find more details about this specific teaching job and the application process below.

Detailed list of the vacancy

• Institution Name: Ridgeway College
• Location: Limpopo Province, offering breathtaking views of the Soutpansberg Mountains.
• Position: Head of Department: Intermediate and Senior Phase
• Subject Specialisation: Mathematics is a primary focus.
• Commencement Date: 1st January 2026
• Application Closing Date: 17th October 2025
• Unsuccessful Application Notification Date: If you do not hear from the college by 3rd November 2025, please assume your application was unsuccessful.
• Curriculum: The college offers the IEB syllabus.
• Minimum Academic Requirements and Experience:
  • A professional qualification in Education or a relevant academic degree with a completed PGCE, with a specialisation in Mathematics.
  • Must be registered with SACE.
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar leadership position.
  • Proven leadership and team management experience.
  • Familiarity with both CAPS and IEB curricula.
  • Computer-literate with the ability to integrate IT into the teaching programme.
• Preferred Requirements:
  • A relevant Honours degree.
  • A management or leadership qualification.
  • Experience working within the IEB assessment framework.
  • The ability to teach Computers and Robotics would be a significant advantage.
• Responsibilities (including but not limited to):
  • Taking a leadership role in managing and coordinating the department.
  • Providing curriculum leadership for the department.
  • Liaising with the IEB Subject Assessment Specialist and allocated cluster group.
  • Ensuring the implementation of DBE and IEB policies relevant to the department.
  • Managing all aspects of human resources within the department.
  • Approving departmental work plans and professional development programmes.
  • Monitoring the quality of teaching and learning.
  • Implementing performance management in the department.
  • Executing all tutor and extra- or co-curricular duties as required.
• Required Knowledge, Skill, and Attitude:
  • Ability to create a positive learning environment.
  • Preparedness to be an active part of the academic leadership and team.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrated capacity to work effectively in teams.
  • Ability to work independently under pressure and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to plan, organise, and direct programmes.
  • Excellent classroom and curriculum administration.
  • Demonstrating high levels of professionalism and integrity.

Simple summary of the vacancy

Ridgeway College is looking to appoint a highly experienced and inspiring Head of Department for their Intermediate and Senior Phase, with a specific need for a specialist in Mathematics. This pivotal role requires someone who is not only an exceptional educator but also a proven leader with at least five years of experience in a similar management capacity. The ideal candidate will have a professional qualification in Education, a PGCE, and be SACE registered, demonstrating a deep understanding of both CAPS and IEB curricula. A relevant Honours degree or a specific management qualification would be a plus, as would experience with the IEB assessment framework and the ability to teach Computers and Robotics.

The successful applicant will be responsible for leading and coordinating the department, providing curriculum leadership, managing human resources within their team, and ensuring adherence to both DBE and IEB policies. Monitoring the quality of teaching and learning, implementing performance management, and actively participating in tutor and extra-curricular duties are also key aspects of this dynamic position. The college values a candidate who can foster a positive learning environment, possesses excellent communication and teamwork skills, and demonstrates a high level of professionalism. The role offers the chance to contribute significantly to an established educational institution in a beautiful setting. The start date is set for 1st January 2026, and interested candidates should ensure their comprehensive applications are submitted by 17th October 2025.

How to apply for this post

• Prepare a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Include copies of all your necessary academic qualifications.
• Ensure you attach a copy of your SACE registration certificate.
• Email your complete application to [email protected].
• The closing date for applications is strictly 17th October 2025, so ensure timely submission.
• Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee an interview or appointment.
• If you have not heard back from the college by 3rd November 2025, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful.
• By applying, you acknowledge and accept Ridgeway College’s POPIA disclaimer regarding the confidentiality and use of your personal information during the recruitment process.

Questions and answers for a potential candidate

Here are some potential questions and answers a candidate might have:

• Q: What is the primary subject specialisation Ridgeway College is looking for in this role?
  A: The college is specifically looking for a subject specialist in Mathematics for this Head of Department position.
• Q: Is prior leadership experience absolutely necessary for this role?
  A: Yes, a minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar leadership or management position is a core requirement.
• Q: What are the key academic qualifications required?
  A: You must possess a professional qualification in Education or a relevant academic degree combined with a completed PGCE, specifically in Mathematics, and be SACE registered.
• Q: What kind of curriculum experience is preferred?
  A: While knowledge of CAPS is important, strong experience with the IEB curriculum, particularly within its assessment framework, is highly valued.
• Q: What if I don’t have a management or leadership qualification?
  A: While a management/leadership qualification is preferred, demonstrating extensive leadership and team management experience, alongside a proven ability to plan, organise, and direct programmes, will be crucial. An Honours degree is also a preference.
• Q: Are there any specific additional teaching skills that would be an advantage?
  A: Yes, the ability to teach Computers and Robotics would be a definite advantage for your application.
• Q: What documentation must I include with my CV?
  A: You must include copies of all your necessary qualifications and your SACE registration certificate.
• Q: What is the latest date I can submit my application?
  A: The absolute deadline for applications is 17th October 2025.
• Q: What happens if I don’t hear back after the closing date?
  A: If you have not received any communication from Ridgeway College by 3rd November 2025, you should consider your application unsuccessful.
• Q: What kind of work environment can I expect at Ridgeway College?
  A: The college is situated in a beautiful setting in the Limpopo Province and offers the IEB syllabus, suggesting a commitment to academic excellence. They are looking for someone who can create a positive learning environment and be part of an academic leadership team.
• Q: How can I demonstrate my suitability for the leadership aspects of the role?
  A: Highlight specific examples in your CV and cover letter where you have successfully managed teams, provided curriculum leadership, implemented policies, and managed human resources within a department.
• Q: Where can I find more information about this particular Head of Department vacancy?
  A: All the details provided in this summary are directly from the vacancy listing, which you can access via the provided link above. For more general information about Ridgeway College, please visit their website.

Institution details

Name of School: Ridgeway College

Website: http://www.ridgewaycollege.co.za

Address: Situated in the beautiful Limpopo Province, with a breathtaking view of the Soutpansberg Mountains.

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