Head Teacher Secondary Studies

Portland Central School is a K–12 school located 25km from Lithgow and 50km from Bathurst, with an enrolment of approximately 205 students. The school caters for a diverse range of learners, including three Multi-Categorical support classes operating under a model of supported integration and discrete intensive support.

The secondary school includes one class per year in Years 7–10 and small senior cohorts in Years 11–12. Stage-based electives offer flexibility to meet student interests and needs. The primary school has five classes, including a school-funded class to allow for responsive class structures.

Portland Central has embedded the Berry Street Education Model over the past four years, supporting a trauma-informed, whole-school approach to wellbeing. This is complemented by a strong focus on explicit teaching to drive consistency and impact across all learning areas.

The school's Strategic Excellence Plan centres on student growth in literacy and numeracy, and the development of a positive, high-expectations culture. Portland Central is part of the Lithgow Community of Practice.

Applicants must satisfy the teacher training and academic qualification requirements for this position. In addition to the general selection criteria

Approval to Teach SES Secondary Studies. Willing to teach SES Secondary Studies.

Visible and proactive leader with outstanding organisational, interpersonal, and communication skills, demonstrating the ability to operate effectively across the school to build positive relationships with students, staff, and the wider community.

Demonstrated capacity to lead and coordinate wellbeing initiatives that strengthen student engagement, belonging, and resilience, contributing to a safe and supportive school culture.

Proven ability to build and maintain effective professional relationships with staff, promoting collaboration, trust, and consistent program and curriculum delivery.

Demonstrated ability to collaborate with the executive team to lead and implement initiatives aligned with the strategic directions of the School Excellence Plan and the school's wellbeing framework.

1. Successful teaching experience with capacity to initiate improvement in teaching, learning and classroom practice

2. Knowledge of curriculum, assessment and student welfare with the ability to lead and design quality, inclusive teaching and learning programs

3. Educational leadership skills to build the capacity and manage the performance of individuals and teams

4. Well developed communication and interpersonal skills with the capacity to build relationships and engage students, staff and parents

5. Ability to plan and manage resources effectively and equitably to support teaching and learning

6. Knowledge of and commitment to the Department's Aboriginal education policy

An unconditional full approval to teach is a requirement. If you do not hold a full approval to teach with the NSW Department of Education, you are required to commence the application process at the same time as you apply for this teaching opportunity.

The Eligibility Requirements for Head Teacher Positions in NSW Government Schools are located here.

Applicants are to include details of their WWCC clearance number as part of this application.

The commencement date for this position will be day 1 of the 2026 school year.

About the NSW Department of Education

The Department of Education is the largest provider of public education in Australia with responsibility for delivering high-quality public education to two-thirds of the NSW student population. We welcome applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees and people with disability. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine, please contact the Diversity and Inclusion Team ) or visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion

New merit selection application guidelines for classroom teachers, executives and principals have been introduced to provide greater clarity to applicants and selection panels. The guidelines are located here. To ensure that your application complies with the guideline page limits, your attachments must be in PDF format.