Principal

Prace - Adult Community Education; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Child-safe organization

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Job summary

An independent specialist school is seeking an exceptional Principal to lead an inclusive learning environment for students aged 16–18. The role involves providing leadership, ensuring high-quality teaching and student wellbeing, while also managing a team of 25 staff. Successful candidates will excel in balancing academic outcomes with student support and possess strong governance and community relationship skills. Applications should be sent in PDF format to the specified email addresses.

Qualifications

• Demonstrates exceptional collaborative leadership capability.
• Understands the unique needs of students in flexible learning environments.
• Balances improved academic outcomes with strong wellbeing support.

Responsibilities

• Provide whole-of-school leadership ensuring high-quality teaching and learning.
• Strengthen student engagement and positive behaviour frameworks.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and standards.
• Develop a team of approximately 25 staff.

Skills

Leadership & People Management

Governance & Compliance Capability

Community & Relationship Strength

Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills

Education

Senior Secondary & Specialist Education Expertise

Job description

Lead a Specialist School That Changes Lives

Prace College is seeking an exceptional and values-driven Principal to lead our independent specialist senior secondary school, supporting young people aged 16–18 in a flexible, inclusive learning environment.

With approximately 80 students across two campuses (Merrilands and Mernda), Prace College is an integral part of the broader Prace organisation, whose vision is “Changing lives through education.”

About the Role

As Principal, you will provide whole-of-school leadership, ensuring high-quality teaching, learning and student wellbeing in a safe, inclusive and compliant environment

You will:

• Lead teaching and learning, curriculum oversight and continuous improvement
• Strengthen student engagement, wellbeing and positive behaviour frameworks
• Ensure compliance with VRQA, Child Safe Standards and relevant legislation
• Lead and develop a team of approximately 25 staff across two campuses
• Collaborate with and contribute to senior management decision-making about the College and the broader Prace organisation

This is both a strategic and operational leadership role, with responsibility for program delivery, staff, budget and external partnerships within the framework of Prace’s strategic plan.

Who We’re Looking For (Abridged, full details included in the candidate information pack)

We are seeking a leader who:

• Understands the unique needs of students who thrive in flexible learning environments
• Can balance improved academic outcomes with strong wellbeing support
• Demonstrates exceptional collaborative leadership capability

You Will Bring:

• Leadership & People Management
• Senior Secondary & Specialist Education Expertise
• Governance & Compliance Capability
• Community & Relationship Strength
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills

Application Process

For a confidential conversation and to obtain the Candidate Information Pack, which outlines the full position description, qualifications and experience required, and the Key Selection Criteria please contact: Rob Evans –[e-mail] | [phone] or

Start Date: Term 3 2026 or by negotiation

Prace College reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted as one PDF document including:

• Two-page statement addressing the Key Responsibilities in the Applicant Information Pack
• Curriculum Vitae including three professional referees

Applications should be emailed to:

Rob Evans - [e-mail] and Kate Deane–[e-mail]

Child Safety & Inclusion

Prace is a child-safe organisation with zero tolerance for child abuse and is committed to promoting cultural safety, diversity and inclusion.