Principal – International School of Ahafo, Ghana

For August 2026

This is an unusual and potentially extremely interesting and rewarding opportunity.  

The International School of Ahafo serves the community associated with the Newmont Ghana gold mine in western Ghana. It is a small, ambitious Cambridge curriculum school in a remote location that has developed significantly under the six years of leadership of Principal Meg Sutcliffe, who is retiring. ISA recently undertook its first CIS accreditation and is eagerly awaiting the report following a process that has been transformational for the school. It is a non-profit school, funded by Newmont and governed by an independent Board. All staff except the Principal are Ghanaian, as are most of the students.  

The school is an integral part of Mensah Kumta Village, a green, attractive settlement housing the mine’s senior employees and their families. MKV has 90 residences, and good amenities including a swimming pool, tennis courts, gym, restaurant and even a small golf course.  

The location of the school and its circumstances mean that the Principal will need to be resilient, comfortable in their own company or that of their family, and able to live within the community that the school serves. There is a rhythm to the community so that time away from the village is part of what makes life there work so well; the Principal can expect to have six good breaks a year, and this is supported by a competitive remuneration and benefits package. 

The school offers a Cambridge education up to Year 9, when students either move to the Ghanaian system or to UK curriculum or IB schools in Ghana or overseas. The role would therefore particularly suit a leader with primary or middle school experience – although the current Principal comes from a secondary background. It will also suit candidates with experience in Ghana or elsewhere in Africa and who are accustomed to a small school environment.

Interested candidates are invited to contact Hannah Green at hannahgreen@rsacademics.com for an initial confidential discussion, including a copy of your CV/resume.

The closing date for applications is: Friday 13 February 2026 at 10.00am (UK/Ghana time)

To apply, candidates should complete an application form electronically and submit it to RSAcademics, together with a letter of application, data sharing consent form and CV/résumé. Please click the Apply Now link on the right side of this page. You will be taken to an online portal where you will be able to download the application materials.

Please follow the instructions provided to complete your application. Guidance on the letter of application can be found in the candidate information. Please make sure your letter is tailored to this role; an application letter that is largely generic is discouraged and may lead to your application not being considered.

Should you have any queries relating to uploading your application documents, please contact Alison Hooper, Project Coordinator, at applications@rsacademics.com. Alison can also be reached by calling +44 (0) 204 6269 791.

The International School of Ahafo is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all students, and expects all staff to share this commitment. The school follows international safer recruitment good practice. All applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and international child protection authorities; safeguarding-related questions will be asked throughout the appointment process. 

The safeguarding responsibilities of the role are indicated in the candidate information. 

RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.