Head of Junior School

The Essington School, in partnership with ANZUK Executive, invites applications for the position of Head of Junior School, an integral leadership opportunity within a highly regarded, values-based independent school in Darwin. This position calls for a relational and values-led leader with a passion for student wellbeing, a commitment to high-quality teaching and learning, and the ability to deliver strong operational leadership. As Head of Junior School, you will play a pivotal role in shaping a positive, inclusive, and future-focused organisational culture that empowers both students and staff to thrive.

About Us

The Essington School is Darwin''s leading independent private school, committed to delivering a world-class education built on high standards, respectful relationships, and a culture of excellence. As a locally-founded school with over 35 years of experience in the Northern Territory, we are dedicated to nurturing creativity, inspiring imagination, and empowering students to achieve their personal best.

Guided by our Strategic Drivers: Educational Excellence, People Performance and Culture, Community Partnerships, Governance, Operations, and Innovation - we provide a comprehensive pathway from Preschool to Year 12, meeting the needs of all learners at every stage of their educational journey. Our school Values—Responsibility, Respect, Kindness, Inclusiveness, and Excellence, are woven into everything we do, shaping the way we interact with one another and approach learning.

In partnership with our community, we ensure that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential, preparing them to thrive in a rapidly changing global world. Our focus on achievement, wellbeing, and belonging equips students with the skills, resilience, and confidence to engage positively with the future, making a meaningful impact on the world beyond.

Role Summary

The Head of Junior School (preschool to Year 6), with the Assistant Head of Junior School, is responsible for the day-to-day leadership, management, teaching and learning of the Junior School. Underlying all activities is a commitment to the School's values. The Head of Junior School will report directly to the Principal.

Key Responsibilities

• School improvement and Strategic Leadership: Provide leadership on the school's strategic direction and goals as a member of the Executive Leadership Team to ensure consistency across the whole school, aligned to the School Improvement Plan.
• Provide leadership across the Junior School on learning outcomes and student wellbeing including proactively engaging with parents
• Teaching and Learning Leadership: Lead colleagues to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching and learning programs differentiated for the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities.
• Lead initiatives within the school to evaluate and improve knowledge of content and teaching strategies and demonstrate exemplary teaching of subjects using effective, evidence-based teaching and learning programs.
• Organisational Leadership: Develop and manage the Junior School budget in consultation with the Business Manager.
• Ensure smooth daily operations and communication systems within the Junior School.
• Lead professional learning activities and staff meetings aligned to the School Improvement Plan.
• Review teaching loads and make recommendations to the Principal to ensure that all staff are effectively deployed in accordance with the Enterprise Agreement and individual employment contract.

Selection Criteria

Essential:

• Proven contemporary strategic leadership knowledge, skills and experience in a primary setting or equivalent context; including leading the development and delivery of innovative teaching and learning programs and staff professional learning, resulting in improved student outcomes.
• Proven superior knowledge of contemporary teaching and learning programs relevant to a culturally diverse and academically rigorous school environment.
• Proven skills in the development and management of resources and financial budgets.
• Demonstrated collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills resulting in improved student outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to work with an active school community in a large and complex school.
• Highly developed human resource management skills with the proven ability to lead and influence others to work effectively and collaboratively to achieve outcomes in a climate of significant change and complexity.
• High level communication and negotiation skills, including the ability to communicate with influence, establish productive networks with a range of stakeholders, and interact effectively with people from diverse cultures.
• Hold a degree and/or post graduate qualifications in Education.

Desirable:

• Post-graduate qualifications in educational leadership.
• Completion of an Executive Leadership Program of equivalent.

Commencement: Term 1, 2026

Remuneration: A competitive salary package will be offered, based on experience.

How to Apply

Applications close: Friday 19 September 2025

Please submit a single PDF including:

• A one-page cover letter
• A two-page statement addressing the key selection criteria outlined in the Candidate Information Pack
• A Curriculum Vitae, including contact details of three professional referees to whom you have reported

To request the Applicant Information Pack or for a confidential conversation, please contact:

• Aoife McAuliffe: Aoife.M@anzuk.education | 07 3606 1089
• Brendan Fraser: brendan.f@anzuk.education | +61 438 618 604

Applications will be reviewed as received. The School reserves the right to interview and appoint before the closing date.

Email applications to: brendan.f@anzuk.education and Aoife.M@anzuk.education