Founding Principal (Education)

About the role

The client is a newly established, fully endowed secondary school in Western Kenya that offers free education to academically gifted students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The Founding Principal will shape the school’s culture, academic standards, systems and traditions from the ground up.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the establishment and launch of the school, developing academic culture, policies, standards and traditions in partnership with the Board.
• Deliver a rigorous, STEM‑focused curriculum and prepare students for admission to leading universities locally and internationally.
• Oversee student outreach, recruitment and identification of gifted learners in partnership with local junior secondary schools and communities.
• Recruit, mentor and manage high‑performing teachers and school leaders, ensuring excellence in teaching and student development.
• Manage student welfare, safeguarding, pastoral care and residential life.
• Provide strategic oversight of operations, finances, compliance and campus development, including agriculture, food production and conservation initiatives.
• Build partnerships with universities, research organisations and other stakeholders to create pathways for students.

Required profile

• First‑Class Honours Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline; Master’s or PhD in STEM Education is an advantage.
• 5+ years of leadership experience in a high‑performing secondary school or comparable academic institution.
• Proven record of outstanding academic outcomes in STEM and preparation of students for competitive university admission.
• Experience in student recruitment, outreach and talent identification in disadvantaged communities.
• Strong background in curriculum leadership, teacher development, school operations and safeguarding.

Required skills

• Strategic planning and leadership.
• Curriculum design and STEM education expertise.
• Stakeholder engagement and partnership development.
• Operational and financial management of an educational institution.