Primary Years Leader

Preshil, the Margaret Lyttle Memorial School; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging benefits

Wellbeing support (EAP)

School social events

Learning & development opportunities

Job summary

Preshil, Arlington Campus seeks an experienced Primary Years Leader to commence in January 2027. This 1.0 FTE role has no teaching load and reports to the Head of Campus – Student Experience & Whole School Operations.

You will lead curriculum across Prep to Grade Five, champion play-based, inquiry-driven learning and support student wellbeing and inclusive practices. You will mentor staff, coordinate staffing and timetabling, and build strong family partnerships to ensure smooth daily

Qualifications

• Qualified teacher with current VIT registration.
• Experience in primary education leadership and curriculum development.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to child safety and inclusive education.
• Ability to lead, mentor and collaborate within a progressive school culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead curriculum design across Prep to Grade 5 with developmentally appropriate experiences.
• Champion play-based, inquiry-driven and relationship-centered teaching.
• Provide leadership in student wellbeing and restorative approaches.
• Mentor teaching staff through coaching and professional learning.
• Coordinate staffing, timetabling and day-to-day operations.
• Foster partnerships with families and support school community engagement.

Skills

Play-based learning

Curriculum leadership

Student wellbeing

Coaching & mentoring

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Teaching qualification

VIT registration

Job description

Preshil, the Margaret Lyttle Memorial School – Kew VIC

Preshil, Melbourne’s oldest progressive co-educational independent school, offers education from Kindergarten to Year 12. We nurture critical and creative thinkers in a warm, inclusive environment built on strong student-teacher relationships.

Guided by the values of Mutual Respect, Courage and Collaboration, we foster independence, curiosity and confidence, encouraging young people to be thoughtful, engaged citizens.

Challenging conventional education, Preshil values individuality and fulfilment alongside academic excellence. We’re an Original school, made for Originals.

About Preshil

Preshil, Melbourne’s oldest progressive co-educational independent school, offers education from Kindergarten to Year 12. We nurture critical and creative thinkers in a warm, inclusive environment built on strong student-teacher relationships.

Guided by the values of Mutual Respect, Courage and Collaboration, we foster independence, curiosity and confidence, encouraging young people to be thoughtful, engaged citizens.

Challenging conventional education, Preshil values individuality and fulfilment alongside academic excellence. We’re an Original school, made for Originals.

About the Primary School

Located at our Arlington Campus, Preshil's Primary School provides a distinctive educational experience for children from Prep to Grade Five, grounded in progressive educational practice and a deep respect for childhood.

Our approach places children at the centre of their learning, encouraging curiosity, creativity, independence and a lifelong love of learning. Through play, inquiry, collaboration and meaningful relationships, we create environments where children feel known, valued and empowered to explore their interests, develop their capabilities and find their voice.

As Arlington evolves into a Prep to Year 8 campus with the introduction of our Middle School in 2027, the Primary School will continue to provide a strong, connected and developmentally responsive foundation for every child's educational journey.

This next chapter presents an exciting opportunity to strengthen educational leadership, support innovative teaching practice and ensure a seamless learning pathway from the Primary Years into the Middle School.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, passionate and collaborative Primary Years Leader to commence in January 2027, providing educational, wellbeing and operational leadership across Prep to Grade Five at our Arlington Campus.

This is a full-time leadership position (1.0 FTE) with no allocated teaching load, reporting to the Head of Campus (Arlington) – Student Experience & Whole School Operations.

The Primary Years Leader will play a central role in shaping and strengthening a progressive, inclusive and student-centred learning environment that reflects Preshil's educational philosophy.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading curriculum design, delivery and review across Prep to Grade 5, ensuring high-quality, engaging and developmentally appropriate learning experiences.

• Championing progressive educational practice, including play-based, inquiry-driven and relationship-centred approaches to teaching and learning.

• Supporting strong foundational literacy and numeracy within an integrated and engaging curriculum.

• Providing leadership in student wellbeing, pastoral care and restorative approaches to behaviour.

• Leading, mentoring and supporting Primary Years teaching staff through coaching, collaboration and professional learning.

• Fostering a positive, inclusive and connected Primary School culture that promotes student agency, independence and belonging.

• Building strong partnerships with families and supporting meaningful engagement with the School community.

• Overseeing day-to-day Primary Years operations, including staffing coordination, timetabling, school activities and relevant compliance requirements.

• Collaborating with the Middle Years Leader to support a seamless transition from Grade 5 into Year 6.

This is an opportunity for an educational leader who is inspired by progressive education and excited to contribute to the continued development of Preshil's Primary School.

About You

You will bring:

• Relevant teaching qualifications and current VIT registration.

• Demonstrated teaching experience in the primary years, with a strong understanding of child development and student learning needs.

• Proven educational leadership experience in curriculum development, teaching practice and student wellbeing.

• A strong understanding of contemporary, play-based, inquiry-driven and student-centred learning approaches.

• The ability to lead, inspire, mentor and support teaching staff through collaboration, coaching and reflective practice.

• A relational approach to leadership and a commitment to building authentic, respectful and trusting relationships with students, families and colleagues.

• Strong pastoral care capabilities and experience supporting inclusive, restorative and relationship-based approaches to student wellbeing.

• Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.

• The ability to balance strategic educational leadership with effective day-to-day operational coordination.

• A collaborative, proactive and flexible approach to working within an evolving school environment.

• A demonstrated commitment to child safety, inclusion and the wellbeing of all students; and

• Alignment with Preshil's values and progressive educational philosophy.

Most importantly, we are looking for a leader who is curious, courageous and collaborative, with a genuine passion for primary education and a commitment to creating an environment where children and educators can flourish.

What We Offer

• A truly supportive, collaborative and inclusive environment.

• Salary Packaging Benefits.

• Wellbeing Support through our EAP provider.

• School social events.

• Ongoing learning and development opportunities.

Additional Requirements

Please note that the following are mandatory requirements of the role:

• Current registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).

• Demonstrated understanding of child safety obligations, including the Victorian Child Safe Standards and mandatory reporting requirements.

• Satisfactory completion of relevant pre-employment screening and background checks.

• Evidence confirming Australian work rights.

• Copies of your qualifications and academic transcripts.