Head of Senior School

Presbyterian Ladies' College Melbourne; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Presbyterian Ladies' College Melbourne invites applications for Head of Senior School, reporting to the Principal and serving on the Executive. The role leads Years 7–12, combining academic leadership, wellbeing, co-curricular participation and daily operations to deliver an inclusive, faith-informed educational experience.

You'll work with Senior School leaders to translate strategy into a cohesive student journey, strengthen middle leadership and embed research-informed practice while

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level teaching qualification with leadership experience in senior school settings.
• VIT registration or eligibility to teach in Victoria, Australia.
• Postgraduate qualifications are highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic leadership for Years 7–12 within the Senior School.
• Translate strategy into a cohesive student experience balancing rigour, wellbeing and joy of learning.
• Develop middle leaders through mentoring, feedback and professional learning.
• Oversee Senior School operations, budgeting, compliance and student safety.
• Engage with families and staff to strengthen community belonging and transitions.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Mentoring and staff development

Stakeholder engagement

Data-driven improvement

Education

Education degree qualifications

VIT registration or eligibility

Postgraduate qualifications (desirable)

Job description

24h ago , from Presbyterian Ladies' College Melbourne

Description

Established in 1875, Presbyterian Ladies' College (PLC), Melbourne, is a Christian independent school with a longstanding commitment to girls' education. Its 16-hectare campus in Melbourne's east provides a connected setting for learning, wellbeing and personal development, with boarding available from Year 7. PLC seeks to prepare young women of character who will flourish in every aspect of their lives and change the world for good.

Reporting to the Principal and serving on the Executive, the Head of Senior School will shape the tone, culture and educational experience of Years 7 to 12. The role brings together academic leadership, wellbeing, co-curricular participation, staff development and daily operations, with a clear focus on every student being known, supported and challenged.

Working with Senior School leaders and colleagues across the College, the Head will translate strategy into a cohesive student experience that balances academic rigour, wellbeing and delight in learning. Priorities include strengthening middle leadership, embedding research-informed practice, promoting student voice and agency, and supporting inclusive pathways through adolescence and beyond school. Visible engagement with students and families will be central to building belonging and sustaining confidence in the Senior School.

PLC seeks an accomplished teacher and educational leader who brings strategic capability, practical judgement and a relational approach. The successful candidate will develop others, manage complex matters with care and clarity, and model Christian faith through a deep commitment to the College’s purpose, mission and community.

Key Selection Criteria

• Commitment to Christian faith and leadership that sustains PLC's mission and a positive, compassionate and inclusive Senior School culture.
• Demonstrated capacity to strengthen teaching, learning and academic care in girls' education, integrating student wellbeing, engagement and appropriate pathways across Years 7 to 12.
• Proven ability to translate College strategy into Senior School improvement, using research, data and student voice to evaluate and refine practice.
• Strong capacity to develop middle leaders and staff through mentoring, feedback and professional learning, building collective responsibility for student outcomes.
• Demonstrated expertise in Senior School operations, budgeting, compliance, child safety and student conduct, exercising sound judgement and effective prioritisation.
• Exceptional capacity to build authentic relationships with adolescents, engage families and colleagues, and strengthen transitions and participation in the College community.

This is a full-time executive appointment on a fixed-term, five-year contract. Commencement date is negotiable, upon the appointment of the successful candidate.

Applicants must hold education degree qualifications, VIT registration or eligibility for registration, and a valid Working with Children Check. Postgraduate qualifications, or progress towards these, will be highly regarded.

Appointments are subject to a satisfactory National Police Check and required compliance training and certification.

PLC is committed to being a Child Safe organisation where the safety, wellbeing and best interests of children and young people are at the centre of all it does. The College has zero tolerance for child abuse. All staff must uphold its child safety policies and applicable child protection obligations.