Deputy head of School

John Colet School

BELROSE, NSW 


Deputy / Assistant Head of School

Contract Type: Permanent/Ongoing Position Full Time

Applications Close: 20 June 2025


We are seeking a dynamic, values-led educator to join our Leadership Team as Deputy Head of School, commencing Term 1, 2026. This full-time, position is ideal for an experienced educator, passionate about holistic education and thrives in a supportive school culture. The Deputy Head plays a key role in leading teaching, learning, staff development, student wellbeing, and operational planning.

<p><strong>Deputy Head of School – Full-time | Commencing Term 1, 2026</strong></p> <p>John Colet School is a vibrant, multi-faith independent primary school with a distinctive approach to education that nurtures character, academic excellence, and spiritual values. Our core values—Stillness, Truthfulness, Courage, Service, and Respect—are embedded across all aspects of school life.</p> <p>We offer a rich and inclusive curriculum that includes Shakespeare, philosophy, classical and modern languages, choral singing, and a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy. Our students consistently achieve outstanding academic outcomes while developing confidence, compassion, and resilience.</p> <p><strong>The Opportunity</strong></p> <p>We are seeking a dynamic, values-led educator to join our Executive Leadership Team as Deputy Head of School, commencing Term 1, 2026. This full-time, on-site position is ideal for an experienced educator who is passionate about holistic education and thrives in a collaborative and supportive school culture.</p> <p>The Deputy Head will play a key role in leading teaching and learning, staff development, student wellbeing, and operational planning—working closely with the Head of School to realise our shared educational vision.</p> <p><strong>Key Requirements</strong></p> <ul> <li>A willingness to commit to the Vision, Mission and Values of John Colet School, and the unique curriculum provided</li> <li>NESA-recognised teaching qualifications (preferably at Experienced level)</li> <li>Strong knowledge of the NSW Curriculum and evidence-informed instructional practices</li> <li>Proven leadership experience in a school setting</li> <li>Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills</li> <li>Capacity to inspire and support staff, students, and the wider school community</li> </ul> <p><strong>Application Process</strong></p> <p>A detailed role description and duty statement is available on the Schools website. To apply, please submit:</p> <ul> <li>A cover letter addressing the key selection criteria</li> <li>Your full CV</li> <li>Contact details of two professional referees</li> </ul> <p>Send applications to:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:<a href='mailto:employment@johncolet.nsw.edu.au?subject=Deputy%20head%20of%20School%20position%20%28via%20Teachers%20On%20Net%29'>employment@johncolet.nsw.edu.au</a>?subject=Deputy%20head%20of%20School%20position%20%28via%20Teachers%20On%20Net%29" rel="nofollow"></a><a href="mailto:employment@johncolet.nsw.edu.au?subject=Deputy%20head%20of%20School%20position%20%28via%20Teachers%20On%20Net%29">employment@johncolet.nsw.edu.au</a>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Applications close: 4:00pm Friday 20th June 2025</strong></p> <p>Early applications are encouraged. The School reserves the right to close the position early should an outstanding candidate be identified.</p> <p><strong>Role Description</strong></p> <p>As a member of the School Executive, the Deputy Head is expected to embody the school's Vision, Mission, and Values, serving as a visible, ethical, and values-driven leader within the school community. The role requires active engagement in all aspects of school life and a proactive commitment to the Schools unique program and ethos.</p> <p>The Deputy Head of School works in partnership with the Head of School to lead the school community in developing, articulating, and enacting a shared educational vision focused on high-quality learning outcomes for all students. This role requires both strategic thinking and practical implementation across a range of operational areas,&nbsp;supporting students, staff, and programs wherever a need arises.&nbsp;The Deputy Head may also be required to assume the duties of the Head of School during periods of absence.</p> <p>&nbsp;This is a full-time position, on site, five days per standard working week. The Deputy Head of School may be required to attend planning meetings or events outside the standard operational days for teaching staff. The Head of School may review and adjust the specific duties of the role as needed in response to the evolving needs of the school.</p> <p><strong>Duty Statement</strong></p> <p>The Deputy Head of School will have responsibilities across a broad range of operational and strategic areas. While accountable for outcomes, the Deputy works collaboratively and often delegates duties to foster distributed leadership. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:</p> <ul> <li> <p><strong>Leadership and Culture&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>Upholding and promoting the vision, mission and values of the School, including cultivating a culture of ethical leadership, respect, and continuous improvement.</p></li> <li> <p><strong>Educational Leadership&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>Support exemplary teaching and learning practices, curriculum and program development aligned with NSW syllabus requirements. Promotion of the School’s unique enriched curriculum.</p></li> <li><strong>Staff Leadership &amp; Development</strong><br> Oversee staffing processes including scheduling, leave, relief coordination, and performance development. Lead staff mentoring, coaching, and professional learning initiatives.</li> <li><strong>Pastoral &amp; Wellbeing Programs</strong><br> Promote student and staff wellbeing through the design and implementation of proactive wellbeing initiatives and effective behaviour management practices.</li> <li><strong>Strategic Planning &amp; Data Use</strong><br> Contribute to whole-school strategic planning, including data-informed decision-making, school improvement initiatives, and tracking of academic and pastoral outcomes.</li> <li><strong>Accreditation &amp; Compliance</strong><br> Support staff accreditation and ensure compliance with NESA and other regulatory frameworks, including implementation and review of relevant school policies.</li> <li><strong>Specialist &amp; Co-Curricular Programs</strong><br> Oversee specialist programs such as enrichment, learning support, and co-curricular offerings including before/after school activities and tutoring programs.</li> <li><strong>Events &amp; Community Engagement</strong><br> Lead key school events (e.g. Shakespeare Festival, Speech Night), and foster strong partnerships with parents, carers, and the broader community.</li> <li><strong>Operational Oversight</strong><br> Support day-to-day operations in partnership with the Head of School, maintaining smooth, effective systems that support student learning and staff wellbeing.</li> </ul>
Save Job

Application Instructions

<p>To apply, please submit:</p> <ul> <li>A cover letter addressing the key selection criteria</li> <li>Your full CV</li> <li>Contact details of two professional referees</li> </ul> <p>Send applications to:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:<a href='mailto:employment@johncolet.nsw.edu.au?subject=Deputy%20head%20of%20School%20position%20%28via%20Teachers%20On%20Net%29'>employment@johncolet.nsw.edu.au</a>?subject=Deputy%20head%20of%20School%20position%20%28via%20Teachers%20On%20Net%29" rel="nofollow"></a><a href="mailto:employment@johncolet.nsw.edu.au?subject=Deputy%20head%20of%20School%20position%20%28via%20Teachers%20On%20Net%29">employment@johncolet.nsw.edu.au</a>&nbsp;</p> <p>Applications close: 4:00pm Friday 20th June 2025</p> <p>Early applications are encouraged. The School reserves the right to close the position early should an outstanding candidate be identified.</p>