Head of Junior School

Wilderness School; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Wilderness School in Adelaide invites applications for the role of Head of Junior School, overseeing the Early Learning Centre and Junior School in a leading girls’ independent school.

The role combines strategic leadership with teaching responsibilities, focusing on excellence in learning, wellbeing and pastoral care, while strengthening partnerships with families and the wider community.

Qualifications

• Must hold appropriate teaching qualifications and be eligible for registration with the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia.
• Postgraduate qualifications in education and/or educational administration are highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic and operational direction of the Early Learning Centre and Junior School.
• Foster excellence in teaching, learning, student wellbeing and pastoral care.
• Build the capability and performance of Junior School leaders and teaching staff.
• Lead initiatives that strengthen student engagement, achievement and personal growth.
• Strengthen partnerships with parents, carers and the broader school community.
• Lead the recruitment, onboarding and development of Junior School staff.
• Contribute to whole-school strategy and decision-making as a member of the School Leadership Team.
• Work collaboratively with senior leaders to strengthen continuity of learning from ELC to Year 12.

Skills

Educational leadership

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Teaching qualifications

Postgraduate qualifications in education/admin

Job description

Head of Junior School - Wilderness School

Applications are warmly invited from accomplished educational leaders to join Wilderness School as Head of Junior School, leading the Early Learning Centre and Junior School within one of Adelaide's leading independent schools for girls.

This is an outstanding opportunity to shape the next phase of Junior School learning, wellbeing and community in a values-led environment where girls are known, supported and encouraged to realise their potential.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Principal and serving as a member of the School Leadership Team, the Head of Junior School will provide strategic and operational leadership across the Early Learning Centre and Junior School, strengthening the learning, wellbeing and community experience for girls from the Early Years to Year 6.

Working in partnership with the Principal, Deputy Principals, Heads of School and other senior leaders, you will drive excellence in teaching and learning, student wellbeing, pastoral care and community engagement, while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.

Central to the role will be building strong and trusted relationships with students, staff and families, ensuring the School’s values are evident in every aspect of Junior School life and that every girl is known, valued and supported to thrive.

There is also a teaching component associated with the position.

About Wilderness School

Wilderness School is a non-denominational girls' school educating students from the Early Learning Centre through to Year 12.

Founded in 1884 by the Misses Brown, Wilderness has a proud history of providing an exceptional education for girls, where each student is known and valued as an individual and encouraged to realise her true potential.

Wilderness School's motto, Semper Verus - Always True, reflects a belief in the importance of knowing oneself, being true to oneself and having the courage to make a meaningful contribution to the world.

Leadership at Wilderness is grounded in strong relationships, integrity and a genuine commitment to the growth of others. Leaders play an important role in bringing the School’s values to life and creating an environment where students and staff are supported to realise their potential.

The Opportunity

In this role, you will:

• Lead the strategic and operational direction of the Early Learning Centre and Junior School
• Foster excellence in teaching, learning, student wellbeing and pastoral care
• Build the capability and performance of Junior School leaders and teaching staff
• Lead initiatives that strengthen student engagement, achievement and personal growth
• Strengthen partnerships with parents, carers and the broader school community
• Lead the recruitment, onboarding and development of Junior School staff
• Contribute to whole-school strategy and decision-making as a member of the School Leadership Team
• Work collaboratively with senior leaders to strengthen continuity of learning from ELC to Year 12

You Are

• An accomplished educational leader with significant leadership experience in a Junior School or comparable primary years setting
• A strategic and relational leader with a deep understanding of contemporary teaching and learning
• Experienced in leading, coaching and developing high-performing teams
• Passionate about student wellbeing, pastoral care and educational excellence
• Skilled in building trusted relationships with students, staff, families and the wider community
• An effective communicator who can inspire, influence and bring others with them through change
• A collaborative, visible and values-driven leader who will contribute positively to whole-school leadership

Applicants must hold appropriate teaching qualifications and maintain, or be eligible to obtain, registration with the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia. Postgraduate qualifications in education and/or educational administration are highly regarded.

Applications close: Sunday 11 October 2026

Start Date: Term 1, 2027

Applications will be reviewed as received. Wilderness School reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date.