School heads and management bodies

In both the ECEC and school education sectors in the Republic of North Macedonia, the main managerial responsibilities are performed by the principal (director) of the institution. Their work is supervised by governance bodies that participate in certain managerial and strategic decisions.

In the ECEC sector, the governing body is the Board of the institution, composed of representatives of the institution, parents/guardians and the municipality as the founder. The Board oversees the work of the principal and participates in key management decisions.

In the school education sector, the work of the principal is overseen by the School Board. The Board includes representatives of teachers, parents/guardians and the founder (municipality), while in secondary schools it may also include representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science and the business community.

Appointment requirements

In the ECEC sector, principals must meet the requirements for employment in the institution and additionally must have at least five years of work experience, knowledge of English proven through recognised certificates, and a valid licence for principal of an ECEC institution.

In the school education sector, principals must meet the requirements defined in the Law on Primary Education and Law on Secondary Education. Candidates must have higher education, meet the criteria for teachers or professional support staff, have at least five years of work experience in education, pass the exam for school principals, have no criminal or sanction record, and demonstrate knowledge of English. Candidates must also demonstrate competences in management, human resource management, pedagogical leadership, financial management, and legal-administrative management. These competences are assessed through training and an exam organised by the State Examination Centre.

Conditions of service

Principals in both sectors are appointed following an open call procedure and are appointed for a four-year mandate.

In ECEC institutions, candidates submit documentation and a work programme. After interviews conducted by the Board, one candidate is proposed to the Mayor, who makes the final appointment.

In schools, the School Board reviews the applications and proposes a candidate. The Mayor appoints principals in municipal schools, while the Minister of Education and Science appoints principals in state schools.

The relevant laws define the duties of principals and the circumstances under which they may be dismissed, including violation of legal provisions, failure to implement the work programme, financial mismanagement or findings by the State Educational Inspectorate.

After completing their mandate, principals may return to their previous position within the institution and are entitled to participate in professional development programmes.

Salaries of principals are regulated by the relevant laws and bylaws governing salaries in the public education sector.