Deputy Principal

Riccarton High School; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Riccarton High School in Canterbury seeks an innovative deputy principal to join our senior leadership team and drive equity and excellence for all learners. The successful applicant will lead across curriculum, teaching and assessment, pastoral wellbeing, whānau engagement, and strategic planning, while upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and fostering strong relationships with staff and students.

You will work in a collaborative, values-driven culture that prioritises inclusive

Qualifications

• Experience in senior leadership within a school setting.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and excellence for all students.
• Ability to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and engage with whānau.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership as deputy principal within the senior leadership team.
• Oversee curriculum Areas and balance across learning areas.
• Foster a culturally responsive, safe and inclusive school culture.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Relationship-building

Equity & inclusion

Job description

Secondary (Years 7-15) / wharekura, Deputy principal

English, Health and physical education, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Technology, Te reo Māori, The arts

7MU, 1SMA

Riccarton High School is a vibrant and inclusive school where strong relationships, high expectations, and a genuine sense of belonging are at the heart of what we do. Ākonga are encouraged to discover their strengths, pursue their aspirations, and make their mark within our kura and wider community.

We are seeking an innovative and relational deputy principal to join our highly committed senior leadership team and contribute to the continued growth and development of our kura. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced, values-driven leader who brings vision, energy, strategic thinking, and the ability to connect authentically with our community.

The successful applicant will be an inclusive and collaborative leader who builds strong, high-trust relationships with staff, students, and whānau, and demonstrates a genuine commitment to equity and excellence. You will be culturally responsive, uphold the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, work in partnership with whānau, and contribute positively to our professional and caring culture.

At Riccarton, we recognise that effective leadership is strengthened by different perspectives, complementary strengths, and shared values. We welcome applicants with strengths across curriculum, teaching and learning, student achievement, pastoral wellbeing, whānau engagement, staff capability, and strategic planning. Final portfolio responsibilities will be negotiated upon appointment, reflecting the strengths and experience of the successful applicant and the needs of our kura.

Our Riccarton Way values of manaakitanga, kairangi, ngākaupono, and manawanui underpin how we work and relate to one another. We are committed to a safe and supportive environment where every student can experience success, develop confidence and a strong sense of identity, and know that they and their whānau belong.

If you are an inspiring, future-focused leader ready to contribute to a connected, ambitious, and evolving school community, we welcome your application.