Head of School

Head of School Jobs in Lusaka – Founding Head Teacher at Crocs Academy

Mfundisi Education Consulting is pleased to present an exciting opportunity for an exceptional leader to join Crocs Academy as the Founding Head Teacher. Located in Lusaka, Zambia, this new day school opens in January 2027, offering Grades 1-7 and Forms 1-6. Crocs Academy is dedicated to providing a unique environment where young learners can excel academically while pursuing football at a high level, eliminating the common trade-off between education and sport.

About Crocs Academy and the Role

Crocs Academy will initially follow the Zambian curriculum, with plans to introduce Cambridge programmes from the 2028-2029 academic year. The Founding Head Teacher will play a pivotal role in shaping the school’s culture, setting high standards, and building a cohesive team of teachers and coaches who collaborate professionally to support every pupil’s development.

Position Details:

• Location: Lusaka, Zambia
• Start Date: 1 November 2026 (or earlier if available)
• Contract: Three-year renewable contract, subject to performance
• Application Closing Date: 20 September 2026
• Job Type: Contract

Key Responsibilities for Head of School Jobs in Lusaka

The successful candidate will lead the school through its critical launch phase and beyond, with responsibilities including:

• Leading the induction of teaching staff and finalising operational systems such as timetabling, assessment, and reporting frameworks before the school opens.
• Collaborating closely with the Director of Football to balance academic and sporting commitments effectively, ensuring staff workloads are manageable.
• Establishing robust admissions, safeguarding, communication, and parent engagement processes ahead of the school’s opening.
• Driving continuous improvement in teaching quality through observations, feedback, assessment moderation, and professional development.
• Monitoring academic and pastoral progress of all pupils, intervening promptly where additional support is needed.
• Overseeing daily school operations including attendance, behaviour, safeguarding, wellbeing, and maintaining strong parent relationships.
• Managing budgets, procurement, and fee collection in partnership with the administration team, ensuring prudent use of resources.
• Reporting termly to the Board on enrolment, academic outcomes, staffing, and progress against objectives.
• Leading recruitment efforts as the school expands and preparing for the introduction of Cambridge programmes.

The role does not require a regular teaching load; however, the Head Teacher is expected to remain visible in classrooms daily and engage in teaching strategically to foster a positive learning culture.

Candidate Profile and Essential Qualifications

We seek a leader who prioritizes meaningful impact over tenure, with a proven record of transforming educational environments. Essential qualifications include:

• A relevant bachelor’s degree and a recognised teaching qualification.
• Demonstrated success in senior leadership roles such as Head Teacher, Deputy Head Teacher, Head of School, or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of the Zambian curriculum and ECZ examinations.
• Ability to develop practical, sustainable systems that support consistent teaching practices.
• A solid safeguarding record and sound judgement in child protection matters.
• An understanding of holistic education that integrates academic achievement with talent development.
• Genuine enthusiasm for combining education and sport, with an appreciation of sport’s role in youth development (coaching experience is not mandatory).

Desirable Experience

• Leadership characterized by a growth mindset.
• Experience with Cambridge programmes.
• Experience across both primary and secondary education phases.
• Experience in opening a new school or establishing a new section within an existing school.
• A master’s degree in education, educational leadership, or a related field.
• Outstanding Deputy Heads and senior leaders ready for their first headship are encouraged to apply.

The first year will be dynamic and challenging, requiring resilience and commitment to build a lasting educational institution.

How to Apply for Head of School Jobs in Lusaka

Mfundisi Education Consulting is managing this recruitment on behalf of the Crocs Academy Board. Interested candidates should submit the following by 20 September 2026 to recruitment@mfundisiconsulting.com:

• A current CV.
• A covering letter no longer than two pages.

Please use the subject line: Founding Head Teacher – Crocs Academy.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. Please provide three professional referees, including your two most recent employers.

Crocs Academy is committed to equal opportunity employment and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people. Employment offers will be subject to satisfactory references, qualification verification, and a valid police clearance certificate. Applications are welcomed from Zambian nationals and candidates with the legal right to work in Zambia.