This is a permanent full-time position commencing Term 3, 2026
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 new 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
We are seeking a motivated, innovative, and strategic leader to join our Leadership Team as Head of Learning Area – Health and Physical Education (HOLA HPE). The successful applicant should advance the College's vision to be a learning community that has a supportive and inclusive culture and provides experiences which enable every student to achieve their personal success.
The HOLA HPE is responsible for leading the HPE Team. Ideally, with a strong commitment to staff development, they would support and mentor teachers to build capacity, promote best practice, ensuring continuous professional improvement and team effectiveness.
The successful applicant will ideally display high level interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to lead others with a forward-thinking approach to curriculum and instruction, embracing opportunities for innovation and collaboration. An ability to lead strategic planning, performance development, and data informed decision-making will be valued, as will effective organisational and event management skills and ensuring smooth delivery of programs and initiatives.
A key component of this role is the leadership of our Specialist Cricket, Netball and Tennis programs; overseeing program development, student engagement, and community partnerships. A deep understanding of the Western Australian Curriculum, including Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), General and Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathways, and a commitment to inclusive and differentiated learning is desirable.
As a member of the College Leadership Team, the HOLA HPE provides educational leadership across the College and the wider community and advises the Executive Team on strategic and operational matters related to the portfolio. The successful applicant will be responsible for translating and operationalising the College’s Business Plan priorities through a responsive and improvement focused Learning Area Operational Plan.
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 Matthew Collier, Principal on (08) 9473 4000 or matthew.collier@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 four (4) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
- A four (4) page statement 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/SA1041233
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 Thursday, 21 May 2026
