Head of primary Y0–6

Bethlehem College; Bay of Plenty; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Bay of Plenty seeks a head of primary to lead a vibrant team and enhance educational outcomes in alignment with the school's mission. The ideal candidate is a relational leader committed to the Christian character, experienced in curriculum leadership, and skilled in strategic planning. This role offers the opportunity to shape the direction of the primary school while fostering strong partnerships with the community.

Qualifications

• Committed to the Christian character of the school.
• An experienced educational leader with proven successes.

Responsibilities

• Lead with Christian integrity and cultivate a servant-hearted culture.
• Advance educational outcomes through curriculum leadership.
• Ensure integration of biblical worldview with the New Zealand Curriculum.

Skills

Educational Leadership

Strategic Planning

Budget Management

Curriculum Leadership

Pastoral Care

Education

Master’s-level qualification in education or leadership

Current New Zealand teacher registration

Job description

Primary and intermediate (Years 1–8) / kura tuatahi, Principal

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

Bethlehem College is seeking a spiritually mature, educationally capable, and mission-aligned leader to serve as head of primary, commencing term 1, 2026.

As a Christ-centred learning community, Bethlehem College is committed to fostering academic excellence, spiritual formation, and whole-person development in every student. The head of primary will lead a vibrant team of educators in delivering a biblically responsive curriculum to students in Y0–6, while shaping the culture and direction of our primary school in alignment with the college’s vision and strategic priorities.

About the role

Reporting to the principal and serving as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the head of primary carries responsibility for the strategic, educational, spiritual, and operational leadership of Bethlehem College Primary (BCP). The successful candidate will:

• Lead with Christian integrity, cultivating a servant-hearted culture that reflects the fruit of the Spirit
• Advance educational outcomes through strong curriculum leadership, particularly in literacy, numeracy, and biblically responsive pedagogy
• Champion the refreshed New Zealand Curriculum, ensuring integration with biblical worldview and evidence-based practices
• Provide sound operational oversight, including budget planning and resource allocation aligned with strategic priorities
• Foster deep partnerships with whānau, and the wider community
• Develop and grow a strong leadership team, while overseeing staff welfare, and spiritual and professional growth.

About you

You will be:

• Committed to the Christian special character of the school
• An experienced educational leader with proven success leading in complex, collaborative environments
• Familiar with the NZ Curriculum and Christian education frameworks
• Skilled in strategic planning, budget management, pastoral care systems, and leading through change
• A relational leader who inspires, mentors, and builds strong, joyful teams.

You will also hold:

• A current New Zealand teacher registration
• A Master’s-level qualification in education or leadership
• Significant experience in school or team leadership, including financial oversight.