Head of Secondary
Starting 2026 - 5yr position of responsibility contract with a full time ongoing teaching contract
Transform Lives Through Educational Excellence
Bishop Druitt College is seeking an exceptional educational leader to join our vibrant K-12 community as Head of Secondary in 2026. Located on the beautiful North Coast of NSW, we are committed to being the foremost K-12 college in the region, transforming the lives of every student every day.
About Us
Founded on Anglican values with our doors open to all families as we build upon our Christian foundation. Bishop Druitt College combines faith-based education with academic excellence. Our caring philosophy focuses on developing educated leaders while fostering an inclusive community that celebrates diversity and individual growth.
The Opportunity
This is a pivotal leadership role overseeing Years 7-12, responsible for creating a vibrant, inclusive, and future-focused learning environment. You'll drive academic excellence, champion student wellbeing, and lead innovative educational practices while ensuring our Secondary School reflects the College's Anglican ethos and strategic vision. You'll also keep your knowledge sharp and stay in touch with developments exactly where the rubber hits the road through a 0.30FTE teaching allocation.
This awesome opportunity has a contractual term of 5yrs, with a full time ongoing teaching contract to support it.
What You'll Do:
Lead with Strategic Vision
- Drive excellence in daily operations while maintaining the highest standards of compassionate leadership through high expectations and clarity of vision.
- Shape the future direction of our college through strategic collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT).
- Collaborate and lead wellbeing initiatives with the K-12 DoSWB.
- Coordinate designated signature college events and maintain exemplary compliance with educational standards, NESA accreditation and secondary events eg curriculum information nights.
- Embed strategic intents with the Head of Primary, BDC Horizons including DDL, e-safety, rites of passage and innovative curriculum.
- Plan for and collaborate with key staff eg Daily Organiser, timetabler, Director of Learning and Teaching, Head of Primary to complete the timetable each year.
- Support and plan ahead for daily operations with the Daily organiser and Assistant.
- Manage resources to meet operational requirements for Variation to Routines, leave and PD applications.
Champion Academic Excellence
- Set ambitious benchmarks for student achievement, elevate classroom teaching standards and develop profile reports.
- Collaborate with our Director of Learning and Teaching (DoLT) to implement data-driven improvements including NAPLAN and RAP that deliver measurable results and include a range of new metrics for success.
- Collaborate and support the Heads of Faculty with the DoLT and Heads of House with the K-12 DoSWB to maintain our culture of excellence and Faithfulness in Service.
- Collaborate and lead Year Coordinators, SLT and other senior staff to embed rites of passage, wellbeing framework and scope and sequence to enhance opportunities and behaviours across the campus.
- Guide comprehensive HSC preparation and create diverse pathways for student success beyond graduation collaborating with the Career Pathways Coach.
- Set high expectations with the DoLT and develop a study toolkit and study habits across 7 to 12, specifically 10 to 12.
- Showcase learning opportunities through supporting events such as Seen Ya's On Show, World Options, Performing Arts events and gallery walks.
- Collaborate with senior staff to develop a unique program or pedagogical focus in Year 7-8, across transition and middle school.
- Enable ethical use of AI and the development of staff in the use of technology.
Develop Outstanding Educators
- Inspire and mentor teaching staff to reach their full potential through targeted professional development
- Lead dynamic weekly learning sessions and facilitate collaborative Teams of Practice with the Head of Primary, Head of BDC Horizon and Deputy Principal and senior staff.
- Pioneer educational innovation, including cutting-edge AI integration and contemporary pedagogical approaches such as DDL and digital credentials for staff and students.
- Collaborate with the Executive Operations Manager to excel at daily operations and to drive excellence or improvement in campus management, operational matters, showcase events and digital badging.
Nurture Student Success
- Build an inclusive, caring environment where every student thrives academically, socially, and emotionally
- Partner with specialists to deliver comprehensive mental health support and seamless transition programs
- Cultivate student leadership opportunities that reflect our college values and develop tomorrow's leaders including character development and graduate attributes.
- Develop and showcase character development through graduate attributes and frameworks such as service programs and the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme.
- Showcase and acknowledge a range of metrics for success, including digital badging and credentialing.
- Lead the annual presentation awards for secondary with the Executive Operations Manager (EOM).
- Build connections, lead and support our Aboriginal Education Officer and Goori group.
- Create a culture of excellence and diversity through rites of passage, Outdoor Education Program, clubs, secondary assembly, service programs, Round Square and wellbeing.
- Support and guide strategic areas that nurture student success such as academies, accelerated courses and High Performance Programs.
- Demonstrate restorative practices through the Student Management Process, including difficult conversations and suspensions and return to school.
Connect with Community
- Serve as the face of our Secondary School at educational forums and community events and daily interactions with families.
- Establish powerful networks that enhance student opportunities and elevate our college's regional profile
- Maintain high visibility at sporting, cultural, and co-curricular events that celebrate student achievement
- Support key areas that connect with the community including performing arts, musical, Head of Sport, service programs, Round Square, Student Tours and Careers.
- Develop a number of workshops or focus days to develop student potential and to engage with community eg project in a day or esafety for parents/carers.
What We're Looking For
Essential Qualifications
- Teacher education qualification from recognized Australian university
- Current NSW teacher accreditation (NESA)
- Current First Aid/CPR certification
- NSW Working with Children Check
Experience & Skills
- Proven secondary school leadership experience
- Strong understanding of adolescent development and best practices
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Demonstrated success in academic improvement and staff development
- Experience with data analysis and educational innovation
- Strong computer literacy (TASS, Schoolbox, Google Apps, Microsoft Office)
Personal Qualities
- Visionary leader with passion for secondary education
- Collaborative approach with strong emotional intelligence
- Commitment to Anglican ethos and inclusive education
- Resilient, adaptable, and solutions-focused
- Student-first mindset with focus on excellence
What We Offer
- Leadership role in a growing, innovative K-12 college
- Supportive professional learning environment
- Beautiful North Coast location with excellent lifestyle
- Opportunity to shape the future of secondary education
- Access to comprehensive staff handbook and development programs
- Competitive remuneration package
Success Indicators
You'll be measured on academic excellence (HSC/NAPLAN improvements, retention rates), student wellbeing outcomes, staff development and satisfaction, community engagement levels, and operational excellence including NESA compliance.