Cultivating Creativity. Inspiring Excellence.

The Australian Performing Arts Grammar School is a unique independent school where academic excellence and creative achievement are equally celebrated. We inspire young people to pursue their passions through an enriched curriculum that nurtures confidence, independence, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging within a supportive and vibrant community.

Guided by our core values of Respect, Commitment, and Connection, we foster an environment where students are encouraged to think creatively, strive for excellence, and realise their full potential both in the classroom and through the performing arts.

We are seeking an exceptional educational leader to join our community as Head of School. The successful applicant will provide visionary leadership, champion excellence in teaching and learning, and cultivate a culture of innovation, collaboration, and creative growth.

This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic and inspirational leader to guide a boutique independent school towards its next chapter of growth. Working collaboratively with the Board, staff, students, and the wider community, you will lead the implementation of a bold vision that strengthens academic outcomes and enhances the School's distinctive identity in the creative and performing arts disciplines.

Position Overview The Head of School is responsible for the overall educational leadership, strategic direction, and day-to-day management of the Australian Performing Arts Grammar School.

Reporting to the Board of Directors and working collaboratively with staff, students, and wider community, you will lead the implementation of a bold vision that strengthens academic outcomes and enhances the School's distinctive performing arts identity, while driving sustainable enrolment growth, managing operational responsibilities and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

- Strategic Leadership




- Teaching and Learning
- Leadership of Staff
- Student Wellbeing and School Culture
- Community Engagement
- Governance and Compliance
- Operational Leadership
- Reporting and Strategic Planning

Selection Criteria The successful applicant will demonstrate:

- Proven experience in senior educational leadership.
- A clear strategic vision for contemporary education.
- Outstanding instructional leadership and curriculum knowledge.
- Demonstrated success in improving student outcomes.
- Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Strong organisational and management capabilities.
- Experience leading change and driving continuous improvement.
- A commitment to child safety, wellbeing, and inclusive education.
- Comprehensive understanding of NESA requirements and independent school governance.
- A passion for educational excellence and the performing arts.

Qualifications

Essential

- NESA Accreditation.
- Current NSW Working with Children Check.
- Relevant teaching qualifications.
- Experience in educational leadership within an independent or secondary school setting.

Desirable:
- Experience in strategic planning, enrolment growth, and organisational development.
- Experience within a performing arts or specialist school setting.

A full description of this role can be found on the School’s website at https://apgs.nsw.edu.au/employment/. To Apply For Candidates to be considered, you must include the following:

Cover Letter

- Applications should be addressed to the School Board. Introduce yourself, the reasons for applying for the position, and why you are a suitable candidate.

Resume

Please include

- Work history, educational qualifications, references
- NESA accreditation number
- Working with Children Check (including Date of Birth for verification)
- other relevant professional and personal experiences

All applications are to be sent to: [email protected] Applications close Friday 11 September 2026.

📌 Head of School - Full Time commencing Term 1 of 2027 (Glebe)
🏢 Australian Performing Arts Grammar School
📍 Glebe