Head of School

The Head of School (Cape Schools Project) will be based in Cairns and will undertake a project focused on the implementation of strategic governance processes and the review of all internal school processes relating to students with a disability across identified sites. The position will work in collaboration with Lockhart State School, Kowanyama State School, and Pormpuraaw State School. Travel to these sites will be a requirement of the role.

If you are a committed educational leader with a passion for inclusive education and system improvement, apply now.

About The Department

The Department of Education is dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the community and schools we support by treating everyone with respect and dignity. This starts with recruitment and selection. The methods of assessing suitability in the recruitment process may vary. This includes making reasonable adjustments to support applicants at all stages of the process and employee lifecycle.

About The Role

As Head of School, you will lead a strategic project to strengthen governance and improve support for students with disability across identified sites. This includes reviewing NCCD processes, building partnerships with Queensland Health, NDIA, and other providers, and streamlining consent and data-sharing practices. You'll explore alternative staffing models for discrete communities, support schools to maintain accurate NCCD data, build staff capability, and embed inclusive practices. The role also involves fostering cross-site collaboration and investigating flexible engagement options to meet diverse student needs. The Head of School (Cape Schools Project) will work collaboratively with the Principals, Deputy Principals (SWD), Heads of Special Education, and teachers of Lockhart State School, Kowanyama State School, and Pormpuraaw State School, as well as with the Regional Student Services team.

This role is for the period 7 October 2025 to 11 December 2026, unless otherwise determined.

Desired Project Outcomes

As the Head of School, your desired project outcomes are, but not limited to:

• To review current systems and processes at all stages of the NCCD data collection
• To build relationships with QLD Health, NDIA, and other external providers in each community in order to work more collaboratively around disability diagnosis
• To review current information-sharing and parental consent processes for Education, Health, NDIA, and external providers, and determine potential ways to streamline and cut red tape
• To scope potential alternatives to using the NCCD as the sole SWD staffing model for discrete communities
• To provide schools with targeted support to maintain their current NCCD data
• To embed processes to facilitate the engagement of SWD in learning
• To develop the capability of staff to identify and implement appropriate adjustments to support SWD
• To establish collaboration processes across sites to support the development of cross-school moderation for the NCCD and share ideas, as well as facilitate continuity of practice when turnover occurs
• To collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure NCCD processes are undertaken for all relevant students and data is accurate to inform resourcing
• To investigate alternative engagement options, such as short-term stays at Western Cape College
  
  

Please refer to the attached role description for the full list of responsibilities and mandatory requirements for this position.

Interested? To Apply

• Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should be familiar with your relevant work history).
• Attach a written statement (1-page maximum) addressing Key Capabilities 1-4 as per Role Description "How you will be assessed" section.
• Attach a copy of the mandatory requirements outlined in 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.

When working in regulated employment an employee must have a current Working with Children Clearance (blue card) issued by Blue Card Services.

The Department of Education is a family inclusive workplace. Click here to find out more about our Inclusion and Diversity strategies.

Occupational group Education & Training
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