Join the Y Team!

At the Y, we believe in the power of inspired young people. Here at Y Ballarat we provide a wide range of programs and services to over 100 communities across Victoria, including rural and remote communities. We currently have over 700 staff across the state and continue to grow and develop our passionate workforce.

Our children’s services operations include the management of kindergartens, early learning centres and before and after school care. We have over 90 services across Victoria. Our Youth programs have an increased presence in Ballarat through our Youth hubs, workshops and in our ReCranked and JumpStart programs.

For further details visit: yballarat.org.au

Principal - Y School Ballarat

Lead the launch of a new school. Transform young lives. Shape the future of education.

The Y Ballarat is opening Y School Ballarat, an innovative independent school designed for young people who have disengaged from mainstream education. This is an opportunity for an exceptional educational leader to establish and lead a school where connection, belonging and student success are at the centre of everything we do.

As our inaugural Principal, you will play a pivotal role in creating a learning environment that is big, brave and accountable. You will lead a multidisciplinary team of educators and youth workers to support young people to reconnect with education, build confidence and create meaningful pathways for their future.

About Us

At the Y, we believe in the power of inspired young people.

Y Ballarat delivers programs and services across almost 100 Victorian communities and employs more than 700 passionate staff committed to strengthening young people, families and communities.





The launch of Y School Ballarat marks a significant milestone in our nearly 150-year commitment to empowering young people. Our school will provide a flexible, inclusive and trauma-informed learning environment where every learner is known, valued and supported to thrive.

Our Mission: To empower children, young people and communities Australia-wide to build a just, sustainable, equitable and inclusive world.

Our Vision: A better world, with and for young people.

About the Role

Reporting to the CEO, the Principal will provide strategic, educational and operational leadership for Y School Ballarat.

Key responsibilities include:

- Establishing and leading a new independent school from commencement through growth.
- Creating a safe, inclusive and student-centred culture.
- Leading delivery of high-quality teaching and learning, including VCE Vocational Major.
- Building and developing a high-performing multidisciplinary team.
- Driving student engagement, wellbeing, attendance and successful pathways.
- Ensuring compliance with VRQA, VCAA and Child Safe Standards.
- Managing school operations, resources, budgets and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Building strong partnerships with families, community organisations and key stakeholders.

About You





You are an accomplished educational leader who is passionate about creating opportunities for young people facing barriers to learning.

You will bring:

- Significant leadership experience within a school, alternative education or versatile learning setting.
- Demonstrated success supporting young people through trauma-informed and relational approaches.
- Strong instructional leadership and a commitment to inclusive education.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and fostering a positive workplace culture.
- Sound knowledge of Victorian education requirements, compliance frameworks and child safety obligations.
- The ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on leadership.
- A genuine commitment to the Y's values of Belonging, Excellence, Honesty, Nurturing and Respect.

Essential Requirements

- Tertiary qualification in Education.
- Current Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) registration.
- Current Working with Children Check.
- Current Victorian Driver Licence.
- National Police Check (or willingness to obtain).

Selection Criteria

For more information about our role or to view the key selection criteria please click on the link below to view the position description for this role.

Click here for the Position Description

About The Organisation

Y Ballarat, including our Board of Directors are committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in accordance with our Safeguarding Children and Young People frameworks.

Y Ballarat requires all applicants to undergo checks prior to commencement including, police checks, international police checks, WWCC and reference checks as a minimum.

The Y Ballarat is a recognised Safeguarding Children and Young People organisation, independently reviewed by the ACF.

📌 Principal (Ballarat)
🏢 Y Kinders
📍 Ballarat