Position: High School Principal

Reports to: Pedagogical Team Chair

Supervises: IB Coordinator and High School Faculty Members

Membership: Pedagogical Team and Management Team

About Nairobi Waldorf School Trust

Since 1999, The Nairobi Waldorf School Trust (NWST) has delivered wholistic and inclusive learning to students in Nairobi, Kenya. We currently serve over 550 students across two campuses in Lavington and Karen, offering Kindergarten through High School, including BTEC and IB Diploma options. As the only Waldorf high school in East Africa, we are proud to integrate a unique blend of Waldorf education with rigorous international standards.

Our approach nourishes the intellectual, physical, and artistic development of the child; cultivating each child’s unique contribution for the future through the unfolding of courage, compassion, and truth. NWST is dedicated to providing education inspired by the Waldorf philosophy.

This foundation maximizes the potential for learning, loving, and creating to unfold naturally in children while helping to remove obstacles in their paths. Academics, art, music, and movement are interwoven to meet the developmental needs of the whole child. Through a Waldorf education, we are preparing children to be conceptual thinkers whose self-understanding, compassion, expressiveness, and creative problem-solving skills equip them to take on life to its fullest potential. The health and wellbeing of the school is created through a strong and engaged community that connects students, parents, teachers, and support staff.

The Role

This is a pivotal leadership position within NWST. As High School Principal, you will guide a newly launched and growing high school program through a crucial phase of development. The High School Principal is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the academic, administrative, and operational functions of the IB Diploma and BTEC Programmes. You will be required to uphold and integrate the values of Waldorf education with the rigorous academic standards of the IB and BTEC curricula, ensuring a holistic, student-centered learning environment and a seamless transition between Waldorf approaches and those of IB and BTEC.

This role requires dynamic educational leadership, strategic planning, and strong interpersonal skills to guide faculty, engage students, collaborate with parents, and ensure the effective implementation of BETC, pre-IB, and IB Programmes in alignment with the school’s vision,mission, and pedagogical approach to teaching.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Educational Leadership & Teaching:

a) Provide visionary leadership to develop and implement educational goals and objectives in the high school.

b) Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and academic excellence.

c) Ensure alignment with curriculum standards (Waldorf, BTEC and IB) and educational best practices.

d) Will teach equivalent of 4 lessons a day or will dedicate 50% of time teaching 2-3 class subjects.

2. Operations & Administration:

a) Oversee day-to-day school operations, including student discipline, attendance, and safety.

b) Manage the high school budget, allocate resources effectively, and collaborate with the Management Team.

c) Supervise and evaluate teaching in the high school.

3. Community Engagement:

a) Cultivate positive relationships with parents, Staff members, Board and students.

b) Organize and participate in community events to enhance school-community partnerships.

c) Promote the school's strategic goals and values.

4. Student Development & Wellbeing:

a) Implement and oversee student support programs to address academic, social, and emotional needs.

b) Ensure a safe and inclusive learning environment that promotes student well-being.

c) Collaborate with Faculty members to address individual student needs.

5. Faculty Support & Professional Development:

a) Foster a culture of continuous professional development for teachers and staff.

b) Provide opportunities for ongoing training, mentoring, and collaboration.

c) Stay current with educational trends, research, and best practices.

5. Policy Compliance & School Governance:

a) Ensure compliance with school policies, state regulations, and educational laws.

b) Interpret and communicate policies to staff, students, and parents as needed.

c) Work collaboratively with the Management Team in the implementation of school policies.

d) Interact with the Board on a regular basis to share updates not only of the performance of the high school, but also your strategies for improvement and growth of the High School

e) Identify and mentor potential leaders to ensure continuity in high school leadership.

f) Regularly assess policy outcomes and adjust based on data and feedback.

The Person

You are a great fit for Nairobi Waldorf School Trust if:

● You believe in wholistic education and are passionate about nurturing students' intellectual, emotional, and creative capacities. You see education as more than just academic success but rather the shaping of well-balanced individuals who can think critically, act with empathy, and engage meaningfully with the world.

● You thrive in a collaborative community and enjoy working closely with teachers, students, parents, and school leadership to foster a supportive and inclusive school culture. You understand the importance of relationships in education and lead with warmth, respect, and active listening.

● You appreciate the balance of structure and flexibility. You recognize the need for well-run operations to support a thriving school while also embracing the organic, evolving nature of Waldorf education. You’re adaptable and comfortable navigating both administrative and pedagogical landscapes.

● You’re committed to lifelong learning. Whether it’s engaging with new educational philosophies, refining school policies, or developing faculty leadership, you have a growth mindset and a deep respect for the art of teaching and school governance.

● You lead with integrity and transparency. People trust you because you communicate clearly, make thoughtful decisions, and foster an environment where open dialogue is encouraged.

● You value sustainability and connection to nature. Whether in school design, curriculum development, or operational decisions, you recognize the importance of environmental stewardship and creating a learning environment that respects and engages with the natural world.

This position is perfect for you if:

● You are a fully qualified teacher with a valid TSC number and a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field. A master’s degree in educational administration will be an added advantage.

● You are able to teach either of the following subjects: Physics or biology are preferred, but Kiswahili, history, geography, chemistry, or mathematics can also be considered.

● You have at least 3 years with a proven track record of leadership or management.

● You have at least 3–5 years of teaching experience within an IB programme, ideally at the Diploma Programme level, and have also held leadership roles in an IB school setting—such as DP Coordinator, Head of Department, or a similar position—demonstrating your ability to guide both curriculum and community in line with IB values. Prior leadership roles in a high school setting with BTEC and/or Waldorf exposure will be an added advantage.

● You are an exceptional communicator with strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills, capable of fostering trust, clarity, and cohesion across teams and situations.

● You bring visionary and strategic thinking grounded in a deep commitment to student success, with a proven ability to translate long-term goals into meaningful, measurable outcomes.

● You collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders—including board members, faculty, parents, students, and donors—building consensus and inspiring shared ownership of the school’s mission and direction.

● You stay current with educational trends and innovations, and actively integrate research-based best practices into teaching, leadership, and school development.

● You are comfortable with technology, data-driven decision-making, and are computer literate.

● You have worked in Waldorf or similar progressive education models, or you have a strong appreciation for and willingness to immerse yourself in its philosophy. Having completed Waldorf training modules would be an added advantage.

What You Can Expect

● Educational Impact: You will play a critical role in shaping the growth and sustainability of Waldorf education in East Africa, ensuring the school continues to provide a nurturing and inspiring learning environment.

● Excellence: We strive for a high standard in both education and operations, embracing best practices while honoring Waldorf traditions.

● Culture: We are a warm, engaged, and dynamic community that values collaboration, creativity, and continuous learning.

● Ownership: We believe in autonomy with accountability—giving you the space to lead while ensuring shared responsibility for the school’s success.

● Diversity: Our community is a beautiful blend of cultures, experiences, and perspectives, and we celebrate the richness that comes from that.

Location

This role is based in Nairobi, Kenya, with work across both our Lavington and Karen campuses. While much of the work will be on-site, occasional travel within Kenya may be required for school-related engagements, training, or partnerships.

Terms of the Engagement

Compensation for this role will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. The position includes a competitive benefits package, including health insurance and pension contribution.

How to Apply If you are passionate about wholistic education and believe you can contribute meaningfully to the growth of our school, we invite you to submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your motivation and the value you would bring to NWST via the following form: [here]. Should you experience any challenge with the form, please contact the Human Resource office through hr@nairobiwaldorfschool.ac.ke (Do not send your cv to the email)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until we find the right individual who aligns with our school’s values and vision. The Nairobi Waldorf School Trust is committed to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of the children. Applicants must be willing to undergo checks with past employers and meet the relevant safeguarding requirements, including DBS/ Police Clearance Certificate checks.