Head of Senior School, PLC Melbourne

Hutton Consulting; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Melbourne, invites applications for Head of Senior School. You will lead academic rigour, student wellbeing and co-curricular balance for Years 7–12, reporting to the Principal and serving on the College Executive.

The role emphasises strategy execution, staff development and strong family engagement in a Christian school community. You will translate strategy into a cohesive Senior School experience, strengthen middle leadership, and uphold child safety and

Qualifications

• Commitment to Christian faith and leadership to sustain PLC’s mission.
• Proven ability to strengthen teaching, learning and wellbeing in girls’ education.
• Translate College strategy into Senior School improvement using data and student voice.
• Develop middle leaders and staff through mentoring and professional learning.
• Oversee Senior School operations, budgeting, compliance and safety.

Responsibilities

• Shape tone, culture and educational experience for Years 7–12.
• Translate strategy into a cohesive student experience with rigour and joy in learning.
• Lead middle leadership development and staff mentoring.
• Ensure effective transitions, inclusion and pathways for students."
• Model the College’s purpose and values in daily leadership and community engagement.

Skills

Christian leadership

Student wellbeing

Academic care

Data-informed practice

Strategic leadership

Education

Education degree qualifications

VIT registration or eligibility

Working with Children Check

Postgraduate qualifications preferred

Job 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.

Hutton Consulting Australia is partnering with Presbyterian Ladies’ College in the search and selection process. For a confidential discussion and to obtain the Candidate Information Pack, please contact Michael Bignill at ***************@hutton.education

Applications close 5pm AEDT, Friday 13 November 2026.