ISASA Vacancies in South Africa (2025): Top Teaching & Admin Jobs in Private Schools

What Is ISASA?

The Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) is the largest and oldest association of independent schools in the region, established in 1929. It represents over 870 schools across South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Namibia, Angola, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Zambia, educating more than 210,000 students. ISASA encompasses a diverse range of institutions, including private, boarding, religious, Montessori, and other specialized schools, all committed to delivering high-quality education.

ISASA’s mission is to promote quality, diversity, and inclusivity in independent education. As a non-profit organization, it supports its member schools through advocacy, professional development, and best practice sharing, though it does not directly manage them. For job seekers, particularly those from New Zealand looking to work in South Africa, ISASA schools offer a wealth of opportunities in teaching, administration, and leadership roles, known for their supportive environments and competitive benefits. Explore more career opportunities in our career blog.

Source: ISASA Official Website

Types of Jobs ISASA Offers

ISASA member schools provide a wide variety of roles catering to different skill sets and career goals. Here’s a breakdown of the main categories available in 2025:

Teaching Roles: These include Foundation Phase (Grades R-3), Intermediate Phase (Grades 4-6), and High School teachers for subjects like Mathematics, Science, and English. Specialist roles cover music, drama, arts, IT, STEM, and remedial or Montessori teaching, catering to diverse educational needs.

Admin & Support: Positions such as finance officers, HR managers, librarians, school secretaries, and IT support staff ensure smooth school operations, requiring organizational and technical skills.

Leadership Roles: Principals, deputy principals, heads of department, and boarding house parents oversee academic and pastoral functions, demanding extensive experience and strategic vision.

Support Staff: Sports coaches, hostel managers, maintenance workers, and drivers contribute to the school community, offering opportunities for those with practical skills. For similar practical roles, check our guide on driving jobs in South Africa for 2025.

Interested in teaching from home? Explore our guide on online teaching jobs in South Africa for 2025.

Source: ISASA Vacancies Page

Requirements and Qualifications

Securing a job at an ISASA school requires meeting specific criteria, which vary by role but emphasize qualifications, experience, and professionalism:

• Teaching Roles: A Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), or a BA with a teaching diploma is typically required. Registration with the South African Council for Educators (SACE) is mandatory. Experience with curricula like CAPS, IEB, or Cambridge is often preferred, along with soft skills such as empathy, communication, and classroom management.
• Admin & Support: Relevant qualifications in fields like finance, HR, or IT (e.g., certificates or diplomas) are needed, alongside experience in administrative or technical roles and strong organizational skills.
• Leadership Roles: These require advanced qualifications and significant experience (e.g., 10 years teaching, 3 years in senior management for principals), SACE registration, and skills in financial and strategic management.
• Support Staff: Roles like sports coaches need specific qualifications (e.g., coaching certifications), while drivers require a valid license. All roles mandate background checks and references.

For New Zealanders, ensure your qualifications align with South African standards, potentially through evaluation by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Tailor your application to highlight relevant skills, as seen in our guide on preparing for your job interview in South Africa. For more on aligning qualifications, visit our homepage.

Source: ISASA Job Listings, SAQA

Salaries in Private Schools

ISASA schools offer competitive salaries, often surpassing public school rates due to private funding and resource availability. Here’s an overview based on recent data:

Key Insights: High school teachers average around R241,579 annually (R20,131 monthly), while primary school teachers earn about R200,271 (R16,689 monthly). Some roles, like specialized teachers, can reach R49,000 monthly with benefits like medical aid and pension funds. Leadership positions, such as principals, often exceed R500,000 annually.

Influencing Factors: Salaries vary by location (urban areas like Johannesburg or Cape Town pay more), qualifications, experience, and school type (e.g., international schools offer higher rates). High-demand subjects like Mathematics and Science also command premiums.

Compare these with other sectors in our guide on KPMG careers in South Africa for 2025.

Source: PayScale, Indeed, Arcadia Finance

Where to Find ISASA Vacancies

Finding ISASA vacancies is straightforward with these trusted sources:

• ISASA Careers Page: The primary hub at isasa.org/vacancies lists current openings across member schools.
• Job Portals: Sites like Careers24, PNet, and Indeed feature ISASA jobs, searchable by keywords like “private school” or “ISASA.”
• LinkedIn: Search for “ISASA jobs” or “private school South Africa” to find listings and network with recruiters.
• School Websites: Schools like Reddam House and St Stithians post vacancies on their career pages.
• Education Fairs & Newsletters: Attend fairs or subscribe to school newsletters for exclusive updates.

Source: ISASA Vacancies

How to Apply for ISASA Jobs

Applying for ISASA jobs requires a strategic approach to stand out. Follow these steps:

1. Identify a Vacancy: Browse isasa.org/vacancies or school websites for suitable roles.
2. Review Requirements: Check qualifications, experience, and specific documents needed, such as SACE registration for teachers.
3. Prepare Documents: Create a tailored CV, a cover letter aligned with the school’s values, and include certificates, SACE proof, and references.
4. Submit Application: Follow instructions—some schools use portals like Inspired Careers, while others accept emails (e.g., recruitment@stmarys.pta.school.za).
5. Meet Deadlines: Apply early, as deadlines are strict (e.g., 30 April 2025 for some roles).

Source: ISASA Application Guidelines

Why Work at an ISASA School?

ISASA schools offer compelling reasons to join their community, making them an ideal choice for career-focused South African professionals seeking rewarding roles in private education:

• Better Resources: Access to modern facilities like cutting-edge science labs, well-equipped libraries, and digital learning tools, enhancing teaching and learning experiences for both educators and students.
• Smaller Class Sizes: Fewer students per class allow for personalized attention, fostering stronger connections with students and more effective classroom engagement, leading to better academic outcomes.
• Academic Freedom: Flexibility with curricula like IEB or Cambridge empowers educators to innovate, tailoring lessons to diverse student needs and incorporating creative teaching methods that spark enthusiasm.
• Professional Development: Regular workshops, conferences, and training programs support career growth, equipping staff with the latest educational strategies and leadership skills to excel.
• Supportive Environment: Collaborative staff cultures, mentorship opportunities, and strong alumni networks create a nurturing workplace, fostering long-term professional connections and a sense of belonging.

These advantages make ISASA schools highly attractive for educators and administrators aiming to make a meaningful impact in South Africa’s private education sector. Beyond academics, many schools emphasize holistic development through sports, arts, and community initiatives, allowing staff to engage with students in diverse ways and contribute to vibrant school cultures. This dynamic environment supports both personal and professional fulfillment, aligning with the aspirations of dedicated South African professionals.

Explore other education-related careers in our guide on DPSA vacancies in South Africa for 2025, which includes public sector teaching roles.

Source: ISASA Benefits Overview

Application Timeline (2025)

ISASA schools follow a predictable hiring schedule:

• Main Hiring Season: August–December for January starts, aligning with the academic year.
• Mid-Year Intake: April–May for limited roles, often replacements or specific needs.
• Key Advice: Apply early, keep your CV updated, and monitor isasa.org/vacancies regularly.

For more on timing your applications, check our guide to getting a job in Johannesburg, where many ISASA schools are located. Stay updated with the latest job trends on our career blog.

Source: ISASA Hiring Trends

FAQs About ISASA Careers

Common questions answered:

Source: ISASA FAQs

Conclusion

ISASA vacancies in 2025 offer a gateway to rewarding careers in South Africa’s top private schools, with roles spanning teaching, administration, leadership, and support. Check isasa.org/vacancies regularly for updates and craft a tailored CV to stand out. Start now with our free CV builder to create a winning application!

For more career insights, explore our guides on online teaching jobs or landing your dream job in South Africa.