Principal - Commencing 2027

Ponsonby Intermediate; Auckland; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Ponsonby Intermediate in Auckland is seeking an exceptional principal to lead a unique and innovative Years 1–8 school that values every learner. The role centers on strategic leadership, strong relationships, and building on the school’s family-oriented culture, with a specialist teaching model and rich opportunities for students.

The successful candidate will drive curriculum, teaching and learning excellence, boost student achievement and wellbeing, and partner with a dedicated staff and

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead curriculum, teaching and learning across years 1–8.
• Strong focus on student wellbeing and pastoral care.
• Commitment to innovation, excellence and continuous improvement.
• Experience in school leadership and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead Ponsonby Intermediate as principal with a specialist teaching model.
• Drive strategic planning, governance relationships and community engagement.
• Oversee curriculum development, teaching quality and student outcomes.
• Foster an inclusive culture and wellbeing across the school.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Relational leadership

Curriculum leadership

Student wellbeing focus

Job description

Primary and intermediate (Years 1–8) / kura tuatahi
English, Health and physical education, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Technology, Te reo Māori, The arts

Current roll 580 | U6 Central Auckland Year 7 and 8 School

Lead a unique and innovative Intermediate School where every learner is known, challenged, and prepared for the future.

At Ponsonby Intermediate, The Ponsonby Experience is a personalised approach to Intermediate schooling that provides students with rich and diverse opportunities through a specialist teaching model. We are committed to equipping young adolescents with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need to thrive both now and in the future, while ensuring a successful transition to secondary school.

Guided by our vision of "Articulate, energised achievers; ready for the future," we seek an exceptional principal to lead our school.

Why Ponsonby Intermediate?

Our school offers:

• A specialist teaching model across the curriculum
• A strong focus on student wellbeing and pastoral care
• A wide range of extracurricular and co-curricular activities
• A positive, inclusive "Positively Ponsonby" culture
• Highly skilled and dedicated staff delivering engaging, high-quality learning programmes
• A supportive and future-focused board committed to working alongside a new principal

We're seeking a leader who:

• Is a strategic and highly relational leader
• Will build on and strengthen the school's family-oriented culture
• Is an outstanding leader of curriculum, teaching, and learning
• Can further enhance student achievement, engagement, and wellbeing
• Demonstrates a commitment to innovation, excellence, and continuous improvement

An exceptional leadership opportunity

This is an opportunity to lead one of New Zealand's distinctive intermediate schools and further develop a successful specialist teaching model that places learners at the heart of everything we do.

We warmly encourage prospective applicants to visit the school. Details for arranging a visit can be found on page 7 of the Application Pack.

Commencement: Term 1, 2027, or by negotiation.