Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

Our client, Crocs Academy, is a new day school for children who are serious about both their education and their football. Too often, families are forced to choose between academic success and sporting excellence, and that choice usually comes at a cost. We are building a school where talented young players can train at a high level while achieving academic results that open future opportunities, and where every pupil receives an education that justifies their parents' investment.

The school opens in January 2027, initially delivering the Zambian curriculum, with Cambridge programmes planned from the 2028-2029 academic year. Our vision is to create a unified culture where teachers and coaches work together as one professional team. Turning that vision into reality will be one of the Founding Head Teacher's most important responsibilities.

We are seeking an exceptional founding leader who will establish the school's culture, set its standards, shape its identity, and earn the trust of families from day one.

The Role at a Glance

Reports to: Crocs Academy Board

Start Date: 1 November 2026, or earlier if available

Contract: Three-year renewable contract, subject to performance

Salary and Benefits: A competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with qualifications and experience. In addition to statutory employment entitlements, the successful candidate will be eligible for benefits associated with a senior leadership position, in accordance with the school's policies. Further details will be shared with shortlisted candidates.

The Opportunity

The successful candidate will join two months before the arrival of the first pupils. This lead-in period is critical and provides the opportunity to establish the foundations on which the school will grow.

Before the School Opens

You will:

• Bring the appointed teaching staff together and lead their induction programme.
• Finalise the timetable, assessment framework, reporting systems, and key operational procedures.
• Work closely with the Director of Football to integrate academic and sporting commitments effectively, including managing the workload of staff who also coach.
• Ensure admissions, safeguarding, communication processes, and parent engagement systems are fully operational before opening.

Once the School Opens

You will:

• Lead and continuously improve the quality of teaching and learning through lesson observations, constructive feedback, assessment moderation, and meaningful professional development.
• Monitor the academic and pastoral progress of every pupil and intervene early where support is required.
• Oversee the daily life of the school, including attendance, behaviour, safeguarding, wellbeing, and parent relations.
• Work with the administration team to manage budgets, procurement, and fee collection while ensuring responsible stewardship of academic resources.
• Report to the Board each term on enrolment, academic outcomes, staffing, and progress against agreed objectives.
• Lead recruitment as the school grows and prepare staff, systems, and resources for the introduction of Cambridge programmes.

The position carries no regular teaching load. However, we expect a Head Teacher who remains visible, spends time in classrooms every day, and teaches strategically when this adds value to the school's learning culture.

Who We Are Looking For

We are less interested in how long you have held leadership positions than in the difference you have made. We want to hear what you inherited, what you changed, and the measurable impact of your leadership.

Essential Requirements

• A relevant bachelor's degree and a recognised teaching qualification.
• A proven track record of successfully leading teachers and improving outcomes as a Head Teacher, Deputy Head Teacher, Head of School, or equivalent senior leader eg HOD.
• Strong working knowledge of the Zambian curriculum and ECZ examinations.
• The ability to design practical, sustainable systems that teachers can use consistently and effectively.
• A strong safeguarding record and sound professional judgement regarding child protection.
• A demonstrated understanding of holistic education and the ability to create an environment where academic achievement and talent development reinforce one another rather than compete for a pupil's time and attention.
• Genuine enthusiasm for the integration of education and sport. Coaching experience is not essential, but an appreciation for the role of sport in young people's development is.

Desirable Experience

You will have an advantage if you can demonstrate any of the following:

• Leadership characterised by a growth mindset.
• Experience teaching or leading within a Cambridge programme.
• Experience working across both primary and secondary phases.
• Experience 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 school leaders who are ready for their first headship are encouraged to apply.

Compensation & Benefits

The first year will be demanding, fast-paced, and occasionally unpredictable. We are looking for a resilient and committed leader who is prepared to build something significant and see it through.

• Bring the appointed teaching staff together and lead their induction programme.
• Finalise the timetable, assessment framework, reporting systems, and key operational procedures.
• Work closely with the Director of Football to integrate academic and sporting commitments effectively, including managing the workload of staff who also coach.
• Ensure admissions, safeguarding, communication processes, and parent engagement systems are fully operational before opening.
• Lead and continuously improve the quality of teaching and learning through lesson observations, constructive feedback, assessment moderation, and meaningful professional development.
• Monitor the academic and pastoral progress of every pupil and intervene early where support is required.
• Oversee the daily life of the school, including attendance, behaviour, safeguarding, wellbeing, and parent relations.
• Work with the administration team to manage budgets, procurement, and fee collection while ensuring responsible stewardship of academic resources.
• Report to the Board each term on enrolment, academic outcomes, staffing, and progress against agreed objectives.
• Lead recruitment as the school grows and prepare staff, systems, and resources for the introduction of Cambridge programmes.

• Ability to design practical, sustainable systems that teachers can use consistently and effectively.
• Strong safeguarding record and sound professional judgement regarding child protection.
• Demonstrated understanding of holistic education and the ability to create an environment where academic achievement and talent development reinforce one another rather than compete for a pupil's time and attention.
• Genuine enthusiasm for the integration of education and sport.
• Leadership characterised by a growth mindset.

• A relevant bachelor's degree and a recognised teaching qualification.
• A proven track record of successfully leading teachers and improving outcomes as a Head Teacher, Deputy Head Teacher, Head of School, or equivalent senior leader eg HOD.
• Strong working knowledge of the Zambian curriculum and ECZ examinations.
• A master's degree in education, educational leadership, or a related field (desirable).