This is a 12 month fixed term, full-time position commencing Term 1, 2027 with possible extension and/or permanency

At John Forrest Secondary College (SC) education is a shared vision, and commitment, to fostering exceptional learning experiences for students and staff. Dedicated to the growth of our staff, we offer support and resources to develop your skills and aspirations, with a strong emphasis on professional development.

Our college community values education, diversity and the unique strengths of each individual. This foundation of inclusivity creates a culture of achievement and success where every member is supported and encouraged to excel. A broad range of curricula offerings, together with co-curricular activities and clubs, provides staff and students with opportunities to pursue and lead in their areas of passion and interest.

The completion of our extensive redevelopment program, which has delivered outstanding new and refurbished teaching and learning environments, together with the implementation of our Business Plan, makes this an exciting time to join our college team.

Find out more about our school by visiting johnforrest.wa.edu.au or Schools Online.

The Role

Ideally, we are seeking a motivated, innovative, and strategic leader to join our Executive Team as Deputy Principal. The successful applicant will ideally lead intentionally to progress the college’s purpose, vision and priorities.

As a member of the Executive Team you would lead and support Heads of Learning Areas and Program Coordinators, contributing to a collaborative culture that enhances leadership skills and team effectiveness.

This Deputy Principal role leads the strategic development and support of Student Wellbeing, Cultural Responsiveness, and Aspirant and Leadership Development, while overseeing the operational management of Reporting to Parents, International Students, and Marketing and Social Media. The successful applicant will ideally be an agile leader capable of excelling in both operational and strategic domains is highly desirable.

The ability to develop effective relationships to improve staff and student performance, manage change, and drive continuous improvement in teaching and learning practices is highly regarded. Strong analytical skills are desired to ensure evidence-based decision making underpins the review and monitoring of student outcomes, and improved staff professional practice. The successful applicant will ideally display outstanding communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, which are crucial for achieving exceptional educational outcomes for all students, would be highly regarded.

This vacancy is the result of a substantive Deputy Principal taking leave in 2027.

Professional Benefits

Working for the Department of Education you will enjoy a range of benefits including competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, training and career development opportunities and attractive leave provisions. Find out more about the benefits by visiting professional and personal benefits.

Want to know more?

Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Denise Robinson, Principal on (08) 9473 4000 or Denise.Robinson@education.wa.edu.au

Equity and Diversity

We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our schools and the Western Australian community. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young people, people of diverse sexualities and genders, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. 

Explore our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2021-2025 for more details.

Eligibility

To work with us, you must:

• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment.
• hold registration with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia
• obtain a valid Working With Children Check before you start; and
• consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education’s Screening Unit before you start.

More information about employment eligibility can be found on our website or in the attached application package.

Additional eligibility and training requirements are outlined in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

Application Instructions

Apply online in two easy steps:

Step 1: Select Apply for Job

Complete the online application form, including details of two (2) work related referees, preferably one (1) being your current line manager.

Step 2: Attach your documents

Your application should include:

• A CV of up to three (3) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position

• A statement of up to four (4) pages addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF
  • Demonstrated capacity to provide effective leadership in a diverse range of educational settings.
  • High level of interpersonal and public relations skills that demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships to achieve planned outcomes.
  • Demonstrated professional knowledge and the ability to apply this knowledge to ensure a high level of educational outcomes for all students, (e.g. Aboriginal students, students from diverse ethnic backgrounds and students with special needs).
  • Demonstrated capacity to manage staff, physical and financial resources.

It is recommended you have your attachments ready before selecting Apply for Job.

Your application must be received before the closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted.

For technical support submitting your application, you can call the Department of Education’s Recruitment team on (08) 9264 4127 for assistance.

Advertised Vacancy Number: IPS/DP1062162

Suitable applicants may be considered for similar vacancies arising within the next 12 months following this selection process. This may include circumstances where the successful applicant declines or vacates the position.

The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.

Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Wednesday, 28 October 2026