Western Cape College invites applications for a permanent executive leadership role. The Head of School position, based at Weipa Campus on the western Cape York Peninsula and locally known as the Secondary Principal, commences Semester 2, 2025.

This role presents a rare opportunity with an exceptional package of professional and personal benefits: financial incentives, subsidised Principal accommodation, relocation assistance, and access to professional learning at local, regional, and state levels.

Our College is one of Queensland's benchmark state schools, leading innovative practice in Indigenous and Remote Education.

If you demonstrate collaborative leadership and thrive in complex, high-impact school environments, we encourage you to apply.

A unique regional lifestyle, strong community ties, and direct access to Cape York's natural beauty await.

Job details

Our College

As the largest P-12 school in the region, Western Cape College leads innovative practices in Indigenous and Remote Education.

Our vision prepares all young people with the skills to pursue their chosen pathways confidently. We believe a strong foundation in learning lays the groundwork for future success.

Our College has two campuses: Mapoon (P-6) and Weipa (P-12), along with a secondary residential facility in Weipa. Each Campus sits within its own rich cultural, social and geographical environment, spanning the vast Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland. For more information about working at Western Cape College, visit our website.

To experience life in Weipa, we invite interested applicants to watch the following YouTube clip  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh4GtO8eOjc

Your Role

As the Secondary Principal, you will play a vital role in improving student educational outcomes, enhancing the quality of teaching and learning, and fostering positive relationships among students, teachers, the community, and stakeholders.

Reporting to the College Principal, you may also oversee the line management of the Head of Campus - Boarding.

As an active member of the College Executive Team, you will lead the strategic direction of the College by implementing our Annual Improvement Plan. This plan outlines our collective priorities and the support needed to elevate performance across all areas of the College.

Western Cape College operates as one united P-12 College. We value leaders who think systemically, act strategically, and commit to collaboration across the entire College. In this role, you will join a team of experienced educational leaders, engaging in shared leadership, deep professional dialogue, and cross-sector innovation.

For success in this role, you will:

• Lead a professional and dedicated team to achieve strong educational and wellbeing outcomes for secondary students.
• Demonstrate strategic and empathetic leadership within a complex and challenging environment.
• Embrace opportunities to co-design initiatives with your community, aligned with the Department's Equity and Excellence priorities.
• Commit to nurturing ongoing partnerships with external agencies that support students, teachers, and the wider community.

Your Benefits

This role offers a comprehensive package of professional, financial, and personal benefits, including:

• Additional incentives under the Recognition of Remote Service Scheme, click here to explore. 
• Access to subsidised Principal accommodation.
• A supportive network of school leaders and regional advisors.
• Relocation assistance.
• Opportunities for local, regional, and state-wide professional development.

Please refer to the attached role description for any mandatory requirements for this position.

Interested? To Apply

• Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should be familiar with your relevant work history).
• Attach a written statement (2-page maximum) addressing the 'How you will be assessed' section of the Role Description.
• Attach a copy of the mandatory requirements outlined in the attached role description.

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. 
Salary rate shown is reflective of full-time (1.0 FTE).
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 candidate 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
  
  FNR649210_25P - Role Description (PDF, 387KB)
  Role Description