Deputy Principal & Head of Middle School

Inspired Schools; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Inspired Education Group in Sydney seeks a Deputy Principal and Head of Middle School to lead academic and pastoral life for Years 7–9, in partnership with the Principal. The role shapes curriculum, wellbeing, compliance, and community engagement while ensuring alignment with the school’s vision.

You will mentor Middle School leaders, manage regulatory requirements (NESA), oversee program delivery, data-informed improvements, and contribute to a dynamic, inclusive learning environment across

Qualifications

• Proven track record of raising academic standards and driving measurable improvement in student outcomes.
• Extensive leadership experience within a high-performing secondary school environment, ideally within an independent school.
• Demonstrated success in leading Years 7-9 academic and pastoral programs, with evidence of improved student outcomes and engagement.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor and inspire staff to deliver excellence in teaching, learning and assessment practices.
• Strategic thinker with the capacity to use data and evidence to inform decision making and improve academic performance.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with students, staff, parents and the wider school community.
• Highly developed organisational, operational and project management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Partner with the Executive Principal to deliver Middle School strategy and excellence across Years 7-9.
• Academic Leadership (Years 7-9): Oversee Stage 4 and Stage 5 curriculum, assessment, reporting, and student achievement.
• Staff Leadership and Professional Culture: Lead, mentor, and develop Middle School leaders and teachers.
• Student Wellbeing and Pastoral Care: Oversee pastoral care, student wellbeing, behaviour standards, attendance, and early intervention strategies.
• Operations and Compliance: Manage Middle School operations, major events, and regulatory compliance, and act as Principal when required.
• Community Engagement: Build strong partnerships with parents and represent the Middle School professionally within the wider school community.

Skills

Academic leadership

People leadership

Data-informed decision making

Curriculum development

Education

Bachelor of Education or equivalent

Masters of Education (desirable)

Postgraduate qualifications in Educational Leadership (highly regarded)

NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) accreditation

Job description

Location: Sydney, AU

Deputy Principal & Head of Middle School

Inspired Education is the leading global group of premium schools, with a portfolio of 125 premium private schools spanning 6 continents which utilise proven educational practices from every corner of the globe, ensuring over 95,000 students receive a world-class learning experience from Kindergarten to Year 13.

In 28 countries, Inspired schools are individually developed and anchored in the vibrant cultures of their respective locations. They collectively form an international family of schools that nurtures each student's academic and personal development in a progressive, dynamic, and innovative learning environment.

By joining our award-winning team of over 14,000 employees, you can work in state-of-the-art facilities alongside industry-renowned educators and leaders in some of the world's most desirable locations. We invest heavily in our team members who enjoy industry-leading professional development, exceptional career opportunities, and mobility across our group.

ROLE SUMMARY:

The Deputy Principal and Head of Middle School is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and plays a pivotal role in shaping the academic, pastoral, and cultural life of the Middle School. Working in close partnership with the Principal, the Deputy Principal & Head of Middle School provides strategic and operational leadership to ensure the delivery of an exceptional educational experience for students.

This role carries overall responsibility for the oversight of middle years academic programs, student achievement, pastoral care, student wellbeing, and regulatory compliance within the Middle School. The Deputy Principal & Head of Middle School also provides leadership and strategic oversight of the Middle School, ensuring alignment with the school's vision, values, and educational standards.

Fostering a culture of academic excellence, personal responsibility, and holistic development, the Deputy Principal & Head of Middle School ensures students are supported through the critical transition from Primary School and are well prepared for success in the Senior School and beyond. Through strong leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to student growth, the role promotes an inclusive and engaging learning environment where every student can thrive.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with the Executive Principal to deliver Middle School strategy and excellence across Years 7-9.
• Lead improvement initiatives across Years 7-9 using data, research, and best practice in middle years education.

Academic Leadership (Years 7-9)

• Oversee Stage 4 and Stage 5 curriculum, assessment, reporting, and student achievement.
• Lead academic tracking, interventions, extension programs, and initiatives that support student growth and readiness for Senior School.
• Ensure full NESA compliance, data accuracy, and the effective implementation of curriculum and assessment requirements.

Staff Leadership and Professional Culture

• Lead, mentor, and develop Middle School leaders and teachers, ensuring high performance and professional growth.
• Oversee staff performance processes and the recruitment, induction, and retention of outstanding educators.

Student Wellbeing and Pastoral Care

• Oversee pastoral care, student wellbeing, behaviour standards, attendance, and early intervention strategies to support student success.

Operations and Compliance

• Manage Middle School operations, major events, and regulatory compliance, and act as Principal when required.

Community Engagement

• Build strong partnerships with parents and represent the Middle School professionally within the wider school community.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Proven track record of raising academic standards and driving measurable improvement in student outcomes.
• Extensive leadership experience within a high-performing secondary school environment, ideally within an independent school.
• Demonstrated success in leading Years 7-9 academic and pastoral programs, with evidence of improved student outcomes and engagement.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor and inspire staff to deliver excellence in teaching, learning and assessment practices.
• Strategic thinker with the capacity to use data and evidence to inform decision making and improve academic performance.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with students, staff, parents and the wider school community.
• Highly developed organisational, operational and project management capabilities.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• A visible, values-driven educational leader with high professional standards.
• Intellectually rigorous and committed to academic excellence.
• Calm, decisive, and measured under pressure.
• Relationally astute, with the capacity to build trust and inspire confidence.
• Deeply committed to the holistic development and wellbeing of students.
• Demonstrates integrity, discretion, and sound judgement at all times.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A recognised teaching qualification (Bachelor or of Education or equivalent).
• Masters of Education or equivalent (desirable).
• Postgraduate qualifications in Educational Leadership or a related field (highly regarded).
• Current accreditation with NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA).

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT:

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.