School leadership development
Direction and guidance on school leadership development programs and resources.
Audience
All teaching staff in NSW public schools who aspire to, are currently relieving in or hold a substantive school leadership position, including principals, deputy principals, assistant principals and head teachers.
| Version | Date | Description of changes | Approved by |
|---|---|---|---|
| V02.0.0 | 22/10/2026 | Updated to include mandatory documents in the Policy Library, updated role titles and links, minor changes for clarification. | Executive Director, School Leadership Institute |
| V01.0.1 | 25/11/2025 | Updated link under supporting tools section. | Director, School Leadership Institute |
| V01.0.0 | 30/08/2024 | Under the 2023 Policy and procedure review program, new policy document with consolidated instructions previously provided in the School leadership policy and procedures. | Director, School Leadership Institute |
About the policy
These procedures are related to the Professional learning, performance and accreditation policy.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| School Leadership Institute | The School Leadership Institute (SLI) oversees the department’s school leadership development programs. The SLI provides evidence-informed, future-focused leadership programs and resources to support school leaders at every stage of their career. |
What needs to be done
Excellence in school leadership is essential to achieving the best outcomes for students. The department is committed to fostering the development of school leadership skills at all career stages.
The School Leadership Institute (SLI) provides a range of resources and leadership programs to support school leaders and teaching staff wanting to progress to a leadership position.
1. Understand the leadership role requirements
Teaching staff wanting to progress to, or relieve in positions as principals, deputy principals, assistant principals or head teachers, must first understand the key accountabilities and expectations for the role. This includes teaching staff already in, or relieving in, leadership positions.
The School Leadership Institute provides role descriptions and supporting resources for the following roles:
2. Choose programs to suit aspirations and interests
Leadership programs and resources are available on the School Leadership Institute resources (staff only) intranet pages. Teaching staff must choose programs that suit their experience, career aspirations and interests.
All first-time, newly appointed, as well as long-term relieving head teachers, assistant principals, deputy principals and principals are strongly encouraged to attend induction programs to support them in their role.
3. Get approval to enrol in a program
Teaching staff are required to discuss their professional development plans with their supervisor as part of the annual performance and development process. Teaching staff members must have their supervisor’s agreement before they can participate in an SLI leadership program.
SLI programs can contribute to professional development hours to support maintenance of accreditation.
Supporting tools, resources and related information
- School Leadership Institute resources (staff only)
- Leadership Excellence Action Plan > About the Leadership Excellence Action Plan 2026-2028
- Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) – Principal Standard
Policy contact
The Executive Director, School Leadership Institute monitors the implementation of this procedure, regularly reviews its contents to ensure its relevance and accuracy, and updates it as needed.