Cape York Aboriginal Australian Academy (CYAAA) are seeking a high performing Principal.

The Cape York Aboriginal Australian Academy (the Academy) is a partnership between the Department of Education and Training and Good to Great Schools Australia, showcasing their Academy Education Model.

The Academy operates two campuses in Coen and Hope Vale.

This is a temporary full-time position to commence from 20 April 2026 until 3 December 2027 unless otherwise determined.

Job details

About your Opportunity

The Cape York Aboriginal Australian Academy (CYAAA) is a partnership between the Department of Education and Good to Great Schools, showcasing their comprehensive Academy Education Model.

Our education model is driven by a focus on the child and a belief that successful outcomes can be achieved for every child. The model has two priority areas:

• effective teaching, which relates to quality teaching program supported with school team professional learning and a strong commitment to continuous school improvement; and
• social and emotional wellbeing of students delivered through the Every Child is Special program that is evidence-based and has strong family and community engagement.

Our vision is to deliver ‘best of both worlds' educational opportunities to our students to support their bicultural identity while preparing them to succeed in high quality secondary boarding school.

CYAAA's education program was developed specifically to address the needs of the Academy's two campuses in Coen and Hopevale and is based on Direct Instruction which is focussed on explicit teaching.

1. Hopevale is located on Cape York Peninsula about 35 minutes drive (46 kilometres) northwest of Cooktown, and about 4.5 hours drive (371 kilometres) north of Cairns. Hope Vale campus is a primary school encompassing prep to Year 6 with approximately 128 students.
2. Coen is located on the northern end of the Great Dividing Range and is surrounded by mountains. The township is 3 hours drive (240 km) from Laura and approximately 7 hours (580 km) north west of Cairns.

About your Role

As the Principal you will:

• Deliver the vision of the department
• Lead all aspects of the CYAAA's education model at Hopevale and Coen Campuses.
• Improve the educational outcomes of students
• Develop the quality of teaching and learning
• Nurture positive relationships between students, teachers, the community and stakeholders.

Applicants will have:

• Relevant leadership experience in curriculum and instruction.
• Experience in the delivery of Direct Instruction and/or Explicit Direct Instruction.

• Applicants will be requested to attend a CYAAA leader recruitment virtual workshop program.
• The successful applicant will be required to complete the Introduction to Effective Instruction training on appointment.
  
  

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 understand your relevant work history).
• Attach a written response (2-page maximum) to the 'How you will be assessed' section of the attached role description.
• Attach a copy of your mandatory requirements outlined in the 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.

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 Package and follow the instructions.

Documents

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

• Applicant Information Package (PDF, 232KB)
  Information Package for Applicants
  
  FNR682739_26T - Role Description (PDF, 325KB)
  Role Description