Are you looking for a new and exciting career opportunity where you will lead a small school and play a vital role in their community, ensuring that all students regardless of where they live, have access to a quality education?

If so, we are seeking dynamic educators to lead Level 1 and Level 2 small schools in delivering a clear, inspiring vision while driving improvements in student outcomes.

This recruitment pool will be used to appoint temporary and permanent Level 1 and Level 2 principals from Semester 2, 2026, as vacancies become available.

If you are driven and wish to leave a lasting positive impact for our students, apply now!

Job details

Your Opportunity

The Education Futures Institute is establishing a recruitment pool for educators seeking to be Level 1 and Level 2 principals from Semester 2, 2026.  This recruitment process will support aspirants, current acting Level 1 and 2 principals and those who wish to progress from Level 1 to Level 2. Ensure you apply for this process if you are seeking the opportunity to lead or continue to lead a Small School with the Queensland Department of Education.  This opportunity is open to Departmental employees and non-Queensland Department of Education employees providing you are eligible for Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) registration. 

Successful applicants may be required to complete the 6-month Small School Principal Preparation Program. This is a targeted leadership capability development program providing participants the opportunity to develop their personal and professional capabilities in a hands-on learning environment.

The program includes two intensive leadership workshops and two work shadowing opportunities in a SL1 or SL2 school. Detailed information about the program can be accessed as an attachment below. More information can be found on the EFI Catalogue (Department of Education staff only).

Face to face Intensive 1 will take place in Brisbane during Term 1, 2026.
Face to face Intensive 2 will take place in Brisbane during Term 2, 2026.

All successful applicants will be required to complete a suitability statement and undertake an interview. Applicants deemed suitable, following their interview (during Term 2) may be offered (subject to availability) Level 1 or Level 2 principal positions in Semester 2, 2026.

This recruitment pool includes the following steps:

1. Complete the Smart Jobs application process including a CV, questionnaire response and school supervisor or principal endorsement.
2. Selection panel review and evaluate applications. Applicants will be deemed and notified on either being successful or unsuccessful.
3. Participate in the six-month capability development program for small school principal preparation.
   (Note: Some participants may not be required to complete the program if they have completed a similar program previously. This will be assessed on an individual basis by the panel.)
4. All applicants submit a written suitability statement and undertake a suitability interview.
5. Participants deemed suitable will be placed in a pool for future temporary and permanent Level 1 and Level 2 vacancies. When a vacancy arises the suitable applicants from the pool will be considered by the School Supervisor and a suitable officer will be offered a position.

Please refer to the attached role description for all mandatory requirements for this position.  Applicants must be eligible for registration with the Queensland College of Teachers.

How to Apply

• Please attach a CV including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant previous work history); and
• A completed and signed copy of the attached School Supervisor or Principal Endorsement document.
• Respond to the online questionnaire (the questionnaire will open after you have clicked apply and entered your personal details).

Documents

• Small School Principal Recruitment Process stages
• Endorsement Form
• Role Description Level 1 to 2
• Small Schools Principal Preparation Program Overview

We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive.
Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department.
Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted. 
When working in regulated employment an employee must have a current Working with Children Clearance (blue card) issued by Blue Card Services. 
The Department of Education is a family inclusive workplace. Click here to find out more about our Inclusion and Diversity strategies.

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

For a full list of the position responsibilities and mandatory requirements, please ensure you download the attached role description and applicant information fact sheet and follow the instructions.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• Applicant Information Package (PDF, 245KB)
  Information Package for Applicants
  
  DOE659431_25P - Role Description (PDF, 323KB)
  Role Description
  
  Small School Principal Recruitment Process stages (PDF, 662KB)
  Other
  
  Small Schools Principal Preparation Program Overview (PDF, 1.10MB)
  Other
  
  Endorsement Form (Word, 838KB)
  Approvals