An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced and highly motivated educator to join Brisbane State High School as Head of School. The Head of School will work closely with staff, students, families, and the community partners to foster a positive school culture, build staff capability, and improve student outcomes. This is a temporary full-time position commencing 13 July 2026 until 11 December 2026, unless otherwise determined.

Job details

About Us:

Brisbane State High students are surrounded by possibility and opportunity in many diverse areas of academia, sport, culture, international experience and community responsibility. This environment, coupled with high performance expectations and personalised attention, has led to an unparalleled record of success by our students. The school has a strong direction underpinned by four core values—learning, excellence, respect and public education.

Our great strength is the partnerships we forge between students, staff, parents and the wider community. These partnerships enable us to build on the strengths of tradition and performance and to live out our values and our commitment to providing a world-class education for every student.

About the Role:

As the Head of School you will work closely with the Executive Principal and leadership team to lead the strategic direction, daily operations and ongoing improvement of Brisbane State High School's Junior School. This is a significant leadership opportunity within one of Queensland's leading state schools. The successful applicant will play a key role in fostering a culture of high expectations, academic excellence and continuous improvement, ensuring every student is supported to achieve their personal best and successfully transition to further education, training and employment pathways.

You will provide leadership across Years 7 - 9, with a focus on student achievement, wellbeing, engagement, pathways and post-school success. Working collaboratively with Deputy Principals, Heads of Department, teachers, students, families and community partners, you will contribute to maintaining Brisbane State High School's reputation for excellence and ensuring outstanding outcomes for all students.

The key components of this role are to:

• Deliver the vision of the Department of Education.
• Improve educational outcomes for all students.
• Lead excellence in teaching, learning and assessment across the Junior School.
• Promote a culture of high expectations, engagement and achievement.
• Nurture positive relationships with students, staff, families and community stakeholders.
• Contribute significantly to the implementation of the school's Strategic Plan and improvement agenda.

This will be achieved through proactive and collaborative leadership that reflects Brisbane State High School's values of Excellence, Respect and Public Education and builds a culture of progress, expertise and high performance.

The Head of School (Junior) will have responsibility for leading the following activities and delivery of the following key tasks:

• Lead the strategic and operational oversight of the Junior School, including Years 7 - 9.
• Support the Executive Principal in leading the daily operations of the school.
• Lead the implementation of high-quality curriculum, teaching, learning and assessment practices across the Junior School.
• Monitor and drive improvements in student achievement, engagement, attendance, wellbeing and post-school outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with Deputy Principals, Heads of Department and teaching teams to ensure excellence in curriculum delivery, assessment and student success.
• Foster a culture of aspiration, academic success and continuous improvement for students and staff.
• Develop and maintain productive partnerships with parents, universities, industry, employers and community organisations to enhance opportunities and pathways for students.
• Uphold the principalship as a values-based, ethical and moral activity.
• Significantly contribute to the development and implementation of Brisbane State High School's 2025 – 2028 Strategic Plan.

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

How to apply:

• Please submit a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant work history) 
• A 2-page written statement in response to 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. 

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.

• MSR692007_26T - Role Description (PDF, 289KB)
  Role Description
  
  Applicant Information Package (PDF, 287KB)
  Information Package for Applicants