How to become a School Principal

Duties & Tasks of a School Principal

School principals may perform the following tasks:

• Manage and coordinate the educational, administrative and financial affairs of a school
• Develop approaches to management and policy within broad guidelines in conjunction with the school council
• Liaise with other schools, parents and the wider community to build positive relationships
• Identify the current and future needs of students and staff, and develop ways of addressing those needs
• Implement systems and procedures to check school performance and student enrolments, the receipt of fees and the collection and storage of information required for reporting purposes
• Collect, analyse and use data to lead decision-making in the solving of complex problems
• Supervise the maintenance of school facilities to provide a safe working environment for staff and students
• Promote the school through publicity, the development of promotional material and contact with other organisations, including school councils
• Manage arrangements for internal examinations
• Enforce discipline within the school
• Represent the school at community and administrative meetings
• Organise and implement methods of raising additional funds, often in conjunction with parent groups
• Manage human resources, including staff recruitment and training
• Perform teaching tasks.

Working conditions for a School Principal

School principals generally work in an office or classroom in a primary or secondary school. They work long hours that may include evenings and weekends. They are expected to attend school events and functions.

Specializations

School Principal

School principals provide educational leadership for primary and/or secondary schools and their communities.