Primary School - Deputy Principal

Margaret River Independent School, Forest Grove, WA

0.6 FTE Ongoing Starting 2027

$144,000 - $152,000 per year pro rata

About the role

We are seeking a caring, consultative and passionate Deputy Principal to join our small, family School in 2027. Strong relationships with our school community, leadership team and connection with the wider community is a priority for us. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential, along with a team-oriented and cooperative approach to promote our school’s values, vision and strategic direction.

About Us

Margaret River Independent School is a small family school based in the beautiful southwest of Western Australia. We have a highly skilled complement of caring staff, with a unified focus on developing and supporting the whole child during their learning journey. We are seeking an experienced and caring Deputy Principal to support the Principal in leading and inspiring the School community.

Key Responsibilities of the Deputy Principal

- Development and implementation of the School Improvement Plan

- Supporting the ongoing re-registration of the school

- Curriculum and Pedagogy Development

- Development of Teaching Staff & Teaching Assistants

- Pastoral Care supporting the wellbeing priorities of the school

- Operational Support

Selection Criteria

The successful applicant will demonstrate

1. Strong knowledge of the Western Australian Curriculum, EYLF and evidence-based curriculum & pedagogy

2. Understanding of and ability to implement and lead explicit teaching strategies alongside play-based and inquiry-based learning approaches

3. Proven ability to use assessment data to inform whole school teaching & learning programs

4. Strong leadership, management and organisational skills

5. Strong written and verbal communication skills

6. Willingness to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team

7. The ability to build respectful, inclusive and positive relationships with students, partnership with families and community connections

8.



A strong passion for learning that develops the whole child

Essential Qualifications and Skills

- Experience and knowledge of the Western Australian Curriculum (SCSA) and the ACARA syllabus.

- Knowledge of current trends and issues in education

- Demonstrate a commitment to child safety and understanding of Child Safety Standards

- Possess a high level of accomplishment; active interest and ability to enhance and apply new functional skills

- Demonstrated ability to facilitate cooperative and team-oriented groups and build constructive and effective relationships

- Demonstrate ability to think critically & analytically, to enhance and apply new functional skills

- Demonstrated strong and effective communication skills to liaise with staff, students and parent.

- An understanding and use of social and emotional learning techniques e.g. Virtues, NVC, or a willingness to undertake training

- A willingness to undertake training in and embrace the principles of the School’s Effective Parenting Programme, i.e. STEP (Promoting Logical Consequences and Intrinsic Rewards)

Preferable Skills

- Understanding of Department of Education Registration process for independent schools;

- Experience in a leadership role within a primary educational setting

- Experience and knowledge of effective student wellbeing & engagement approaches

- Expertise in leading high-quality curriculum & pedagogical practices

- Experience in leading and modelling consistent, evidence based instructional practices with a strong focus on school improvement aligned to strategic priorities





- Demonstrated ability to focus on what is important; and quickly sense what will help or hinder the accomplishment of a goal

- Demonstrated ability to assign responsibility for tasks and decisions; sets clear objectives and measures; monitors process, progress, and results; designs feedback loops into work

- Be flexible to the changing needs of the school

What We Offer

- An opportunity to lead a unique family school with a highly skilled team.

- A supportive and dedicated staff and parent community, unlike any other.

- Professional development tailored to education and leadership.

- Competitive salary and conditions in line with experience.

How to Apply

If you are interested in the role, please email ******@mris.wa.edu.au for the full selection criteria.

Applications close 30 September 2026

Please include in your application:

1. A cover letter addressing the selection criteria (maximum 3 pages).

2. A comprehensive resume.

3. Contact details for three professional referees.

All applications are to be addressed to: Rachel Fox, Principal.

For more information about our school, visit https://mris.wa.edu.au/

Please note that Margaret River Independent School reserves the right to withdraw the advertisement at our discretion at any time during the advertising period.

Margaret River Independent School is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity in its staff and leadership. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

We are committed to child safety and work practices that keep children safe. On application, candidates will be subject to a teacher registration check, police check, referee checks, identification verification and the requirement to disclose any information relevant to the candidates’ eligibility to engage in activities including children.

Margaret River Independent School respectfully acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land as being the first peoples of this country. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we operate, the Wadandi people, and respect the Elders past, present and emerging.

📌 Primary School Deputy Principal (Forest Grove)
🏢 Margaret River Independent School
📍 Forest Grove