Associate Principal
This is a 36 month fixed term, part-time position commencing Term 1, 2027 with possible permanency
Esperance Senior High School (SHS) is a proud, independent public school providing a comprehensive secondary education for students from Year 7 to Year 12. The school has a strong reputation for teaching and learning excellence, meeting the diverse learning needs of students through high-quality teaching, effective pastoral approaches and a strong commitment to student success.
Student achievement and endeavour are at the heart of Esperance SHS. Students consistently achieve highly across a broad range of learning pathways, including Year 7–10 courses, Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), General, and Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs. The school is committed to ensuring every student is supported to identify their strengths, challenge themselves and achieve their best.
Esperance SHS is underpinned by a strong student-centred culture, where positive relationships, high expectations and a commitment to continuous improvement provide the foundations for successful learning. The school values the contribution of staff, students, families and the broader community, working collaboratively to create an environment where all students are encouraged to thrive.
Located on the south-east coast of Western Australia, Esperance is renowned for its stunning natural environment and has won numerous awards recognising its beaches, coastline and unique landscapes. As one of Western Australia’s best kept tourist secrets, Esperance offers an exceptional lifestyle within a vibrant and supportive regional community.
Find out more about our school by visiting www.esperanceshs.wa.edu.au or Schools Online.
Find out more about living and working in Esperance by viewing the video below.
The Location and Community
Esperance lies on the South-East of Western Australia, some 730 kilometres from Perth. The town has won awards for its stunning natural environment and is one of Western Australia’s best kept tourist secrets. Discover more in the video below.
The Role
This is a 0.5 FTE Associate Principal and 0.5 FTE teaching position, with the teaching component aligned to the successful applicant’s expertise and the school’s operational needs.
Esperance SHS is seeking a strategic and innovative educational leader to join its leadership team as Associate Principal – Quality Teaching. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced, high-performing school leader to lead the school’s Quality Teaching Strategy and associated professional learning, and the school’s strategic initiatives. The successful applicant will ideally display expert knowledge of current pedagogical research, including the Department’s Quality Teaching Strategy, and an understanding of how effective leadership can transform teaching practice and improve student outcomes.
The Associate Principal will lead the identification and implementation of professional learning aligned with the school’s Strategic Plan 2026–2028. They will motivate and support staff to strengthen their pedagogical practice, engage with current educational research and technologies, and respond effectively to diverse student learning needs. A key focus will be developing a culture of teacher self-reflection and continuous improvement through effective instructional coaching, supporting both beginning and experienced teachers to develop their confidence, capability and practice.
As an integral member of the executive team, the Associate Principal will work closely with the Principal to progress the school’s strategic priorities, applying strong strategic thinking, evaluation and change-management skills to support continuous improvement. The successful applicant will contribute to workforce effectiveness by leading, motivating and developing staff, while fostering a culture of trust, collaboration and shared responsibility. They will also have the opportunity to be a prominent representative of the Principal, establishing effective and respectful relationships with staff, students, the School Board, families, community and external stakeholders.
The successful applicant will ideally display outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, adapting their leadership approach to work effectively with students, families and staff. The ideal applicant would model and promote the school’s vision, mission and values, and bring the expertise and commitment to strengthen staff capability and drive excellence in teaching and learning.
Professional Benefits
Working for the Department of Education comes with a wide range of benefits designed to support both your professional and personal well-being. These benefits include competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, extensive training and career development opportunities, and attractive leave provisions. Here are some of the key benefits you will enjoy:
- District allowance of $2 399 a year
- 12 percent employer contributions to superannuation
- 12 weeks’ vacation leave (school holidays)
- Subsidised accommodation where applicable
- Free relocation
- Travel Concessions
Find out more about the benefits by visiting professional and personal benefits.
For additional information to all allowances and housing please contact Housing and Transport at housing.transport@education.wa.edu.au or on (08) 9264 5154.
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 Matt Lovejoy, Associate Principal, on (08) 9071 9555 or emailing Matthew.Lovejoy@education.wa.edu.au.
During the school holidays, please contact Matt Lovejoy, Associate Principal, on 0412 814 844 or emailing Matthew.Lovejoy@education.wa.edu.au.
Agency Referrals: Public sector agencies seeking to refer surplus employees should contact Recruitment at schoolsrecruitment@education.wa.edu.au during the advertising period.
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; and
- A statement of up to six (6) 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/DP1061798
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 Friday, 23 October 2026