Head, University Basic School at University of Ghana

About the School and Role

The University of Ghana Basic School, established initially as University Primary School in 1955 and later expanded to include Junior Secondary School in 1987, currently serves over 2,000 pupils across Kindergarten, Primary, and Junior High School departments. It aims to be the leading basic education institution in Ghana, fostering inquisitive, confident, motivated, and ethical students.

The Head of the University Basic School reports to the Registrar and the Management Committee, overseeing administration, development, and growth of the school as a centre of academic distinction. Acting as a self-financing unit within the University, the role involves income generation and prudent financial management.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide visionary strategic leadership and promote systems thinking to transition the school beyond routine operations towards long-term development and positive transformation.
• Identify and pursue strategic institutional improvement initiatives with bold and decisive leadership, utilizing sound judgment and risk-taking where necessary.
• Ensure comprehensive implementation of the Ghana Education Service curriculum at all levels, through supervision of lesson planning, delivery, and assessments.
• Lead academic interventions aimed at enhancing student performance and establish robust systems for monitoring and reporting on student and teacher outcomes for informed decisions.
• Integrate appropriate technology to support teaching and administrative processes.
• Offer mentorship, continuous professional development, and training for all staff members, fostering motivation, accountability, and collaboration.
• Advance the use of digital tools in administration and champion innovative resource mobilization to address challenges related to infrastructure and funding.
• Maintain high standards of discipline, safety, and overall school conduct through effective leadership and strategic planning.

Qualifications and Experience

• Possess a first degree with a professional qualification in Education.
• Hold a master’s degree in a relevant educational field such as Educational Administration or Educational Leadership and Management.
• Demonstrate at least 15 years of progressive experience in education, including a minimum of five years in a senior leadership role such as Head of School or Deputy Head, or hold a rank equivalent to Assistant Director II or higher in the Ghana Education Service.

Desired Attributes and Skills

• Results-oriented and highly motivated with a vision for transformative leadership and the capacity to initiate and lead change.
• Experience in alternative resource mobilization to improve school infrastructure and manage financial constraints.
• Proven success in enhancing school administration, discipline, safety, and overall performance.
• Strong digital literacy and technological competence.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships within the university and with external stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• High integrity and professionalism combined with a clear understanding of the school’s context and challenges.

Terms and Conditions

• Salary is attractive and includes benefits like market premium, housing, security, and responsibility allowances.
• The appointment is for an initial four-year term, starting 1 August 2026, with eligibility for renewal up to another four years, subject to University Council approval and prior to reaching 60 years of age.

Application Process

Applicants should submit a comprehensive application package as a single PDF file by email addressed to the Registrar at vacancies@ug.edu.gh. Paper applications will not be accepted. The package must include:

• Completed application form for Senior Level Administrative Positions (available on the university website)
• Updated CV and copies of relevant academic and professional certificates
• A statement (maximum 2,500 words) on plans and strategies for achieving the school’s mission and vision in alignment with the University of Ghana Strategic Plan (2024-2029)
• Contact details for two referees knowledgeable about the applicant’s professional experience

The application deadline is 25 May 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.