Founding Headteacher at Gede Forest School - Founding Headteacher

We are seeking an inspirational Founding Headteacher to help shape and lead this unique school from its very beginning.

The Opportunity

This is a rare opportunity for an energetic, visionary and experienced school leader to:


Establish and lead a new international school from the ground up
Shape the school's ethos, culture and long-term strategy
Embed outdoor learning and environmental stewardship at the heart of education
Build a strong team of educators committed to excellence and innovation
Create a school community that families trust and value


The Founding Headteacher will work closely with the School Director, Management Board and Parents Association to refine the school's vision and ensure its successful launch and sustainable growth.

The Role

The Founding Headteacher will provide strategic, operational and educational leadership during the school's establishment and early years of development.


Strategic Leadership


Articulate and embed a clear vision centred on outdoor learning, environmental responsibility and community
Establish a positive, aspirational and inclusive school culture
Lead strategic planning and school improvement


School Establishment & Operations

Oversee opening, including systems, staffing, policies and procedures
Ensure compliance with regulatory, safeguarding and health and safety requirements
Manage the school's initial budget effectively and sustainably
Identify and mitigate operational risks


Curriculum & Teaching

Design and implement a high-quality curriculum aligned with the English National Curriculum and forest-based approaches
Establish structured, coherent and age-appropriate timetables
Lead the school's approach to reading and early literacy
Implement valid and age-appropriate assessment systems
Model outstanding teaching practice through a timetabled teaching commitment


Staff Development & Recruitment

Line manage an initial team of four staff, recruit and develop the team as it grows over time
Establish a culture of professionalism, collaboration and high expectations, aligned to international standards
Implement performance management systems
Conduct regular formal observations of teaching staff and provide feedback


Safeguarding & Pupil Welfare

Lead safeguarding across the school, ensuring robust systems and consistent implementation
Promote a culture of care, wellbeing and positive behaviour
Ensure fair and consistent behaviour systems aligned with school values


Community & Growth

Build strong, positive relationships with families
Represent and promote the school within the local and international community
Support growth of pupil numbers and long term sustainability of the school




What We Offer


The opportunity to shape a new learning institution
A leadership role with genuine influence and autonomy
Professional growth through founding leadership experience
A collaborative and supportive school community
A unique 25-acre natural environment that enables innovative educational practice


Person Specification

We are seeking a leader who:


Is deeply committed to outdoor and play-based learning
Inspires children, staff and families
Upholds the highest standards of ethics, integrity and professionalism
Builds respectful, trusting relationships
Demonstrates creativity, innovation and strategic thinking
Maintains a relentless focus on achieving the best outcomes for all learners


Qualifications & Experience

Essential:


Qualified Teacher Status
Degree (postgraduate qualification desirable)
Minimum 5 years' teaching experience
Minimum 2 years' leadership experience (Headteacher, Head of Year, or similar)
Demonstrable success in school improvement
Proven experience of staff line management and professional development
Strong understanding of high-quality teaching and curriculum design
Good understanding of school finance and budget management
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Experience in English Curriculum delivery and/or international education


Desirable:


Knowledge of outdoor learning, forest school approaches and/or Montessori
Eligibility to work in Kenya (if not currently eligible a work permit may be applied for to facilitate this)
Full DBS check within the last 5 years


Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment

Gede Forest School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We expect all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undergo enhanced safeguarding and background checks.