If you’re an educator with a yearning for more – whether that be more impact, more influence or more responsibility – perhaps it’s time you start seriously considering becoming a school principal.

Now is the perfect time to prepare yourself for promotion to principal. It’s no secret that demand for qualified educators is growing and this remains the case for senior roles in the educational sector.  A review from the Principals Institute Australia found that many of Australia’s principals will be looking to retire over the coming years, so opportunities for aspiring education leaders are only set to increase.

Being a school principal is a fulfilling, dynamic career. Not only do you get to shape young minds but also inspire and guide fellow educators toward excellence. But how do you make this dream a reality in Australia? This article breaks down everything you need to know, from understanding the role to a step-by-step guide on how to get there.

Understanding the role of a school principal

Once upon a time, school principals were expected to only manage the administration of the school. However, in today’s fast-paced and evolving education environment, the role of a school principal is all-encompassing.

Today, school principals are more than just the face of a school. They are strategic leaders driving successful outcomes and elevating the potential of their staff and students.

While duties of a school principal will vary day-to-day, key responsibilities of a school principal often include:

• Driving the school’s strategic plan to improve student experience and outcomes
• Ensuring compliance of educational standards
• Overseeing and improving curriculum delivery 
• Managing school operations including budgets and strategic plans 
• Leading staff recruitment, training and performance management 
• Ensuring the proper maintenance and safety of school facilities 
• Providing guidance and support to staff and students 
• Engaging with the community. 

What skills are needed to become a successful school principal?

As we previously touched on, school principals are expected to wear many hats from operations, curriculum development, crisis and financial management to improving the student experience.

To effectively prepare you for the rewards and challenges, you will need to hone a diverse skillset.

People leadership and decision making

School principals influence and inspire their school community. They must embody the school values and understand what their community needs to meet its potential. This is where leadership and decision making come in.

Strong decision-making skills enable school principals to form the ideal solution while considering what is best for staff, students and the strategic needs of the school.

Communication and interpersonal skills

A successful school principal will build and maintain open and clear communication with teachers, parents and students. This can create a safe and transparent environment where the school community can share their thoughts and feelings openly.  

Effective communication and strong interpersonal skills can be shown in many forms. Most commonly these traits may look like: 

• Practicing active listening 
• Showing empathy 
• Relationship building 
• Feedback gathering  
• Adaptability. 

Problem solving and critical thinking

Problem solving and critical thinking skills help school principals with conflict resolution, navigating challenges and overcoming potential obstacles without compromising on performance.

By being proactive in problem solving, school principals can identify challenges before they escalate. This skillset can reduce risk, create a culture or resilience, innovation and growth.  

Organisational and time management abilities 

Time and organisational management skills, such as collaboration, delegation and strategic thinking, are a must-have for all high-responsibility roles. These skills allow school principals to balance daily operations with long-term strategic goals which can result in productive and effective learning environments.

Budgeting and financial management 

School principals may be expected to work collaboratively to allocate school funds in accordance with school council decisions.  

By understanding the financial position of their school, principals can better manage decision–making and resource allocation and help meet operational goals and education performance standards. 

Mastering these skills gives you the confidence and capability to handle any challenge or opportunity and set you apart as a strong candidate for future opportunities.

Steps to become a school principal in Australia

Becoming a school principal requires several stepping stones to work your way up to the prestigious title. Most school principals start their careers as teachers and work their way up through various leadership roles. The below steps provide a guide to becoming a school principal.

Step one: Become qualified to teach

In Australia, you need to complete a teaching degree to register as a teacher. This can be done by studying a Bachelor of Education, or if you have already completed an undergraduate degree, you may look to complete a Master of Teaching.

Step two: Gain teaching experience 

Once you have an Australian Professional Standards approved teaching qualification, you can then register with your state or territory’s regulatory body. This helps ensure the quality and standard of teaching in Australia.

After you have registered with your state or territory’s body you can start applying for teaching roles and build on your experience in the classroom. Understanding student behaviour is essential for effective educational leadership and creating a positive learning environment.

Step three: Build leadership experience

You don’t need to be a principal to lead. In fact, there are many ways to build on your leadership experience, such as:

Volunteering for extra-curricular activities

This may involve coordinating or supervising student clubs, teams or events. These types of roles demonstrate your commitment and passion as well as displaying skills that make you an ideal candidate for future leadership opportunities.

Using other leadership roles as stepping stones

Leadership roles within a school allow you to develop and practice strategic and interpersonal skills required for a principal position. By having demonstrated hands-on experience in a school leadership role, you can significantly boost your chances of becoming a school principal by gaining relevant skills and enhancing your expertise.

You may choose to pursue roles such as: Year Level Coordinator, Head of Department or Subject Coordinator.

Postgraduate study

A Master of Education is highly regarded by employers due to the advanced knowledge and skillset gained. Obtaining a Master of Education can help you stand out amongst other candidates and shows your commitment to lifelong learning.

Step four: Apply for school principal positions

Create a strong application

Highlight all your achievements such as student outcomes, additional responsibilities and extra-curricular involvement. Also show your commitment by speaking to any additional professional development or qualifications you have pursued.

The relationships you build from studying a Master of Education can also provide valuable academic references that strengthen your application. Your lecturers and peers witness your expertise firsthand, so their insights into your capability to take on a leadership role can provide a powerful recommendation to support your application.

Demonstrate your expertise

Showcase your strengths and experiences that align to the job description. Don’t be afraid to give examples on the impact you have made already in your career and your commitment to staying informed on industry best practice.

Ace the selection process

Most principal roles require an interview. To best prepare for the interview take your time to research the school and its goals, be prepared to discuss your achievements and practice for scenario-based questions.

Career outlook  

Salary

The salary and benefits for school principals can vary depending on factors such as location, experience and school type. However, school principals are generally well-compensated for their leadership roles, reflecting the significant responsibilities they undertake in managing both the educational and administrative aspects of their schools.

With greater responsibility comes great rewards – not just financial. School principals are earning from $225,000 to $245,000¹ and creating a lasting positive impact on their community.

Job opportunities and growth

The career prospects and job outlook for school principals are promising, with a growing demand for educational leaders who can drive student outcomes and improve school performance. As the educational landscape evolves, the need for skilled and dedicated school principals continues to rise.

This growth is driven by factors such as population growth, changes in educational policies and the need for effective school leadership.

To give yourself the best chance of becoming a successful school principal, look for ways to grow your strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of educational programs, and the ability to manage physical and human resources.

Why choose the online Master of Education from the University of Melbourne? 

Study with the #1 university in Australia for Education

Learn from world-leading academics at Australia’s #1 university (QS, 2026) who are actively sought after to shape educational policy and strategy.

Specialise in Educational Leadership

Develop advanced knowledge and expertise for effective school leadership. The Master of Education (Educational Leadership) is ideal for current and aspiring school principals, by exploring the internal and external factors that influence school environments. Strengthen your professional value as you explore evidence-based practice to effectively drive change, lead initiatives to improve outcomes and deliver on educational performance.  

Become an Agent of Change

Gain the knowledge to transform education. Access the latest industry research and develop expertise in leadership strategy and student wellbeing to effectively improve teaching practice and student outcomes.

Be in control

Experience a truly flexible learning experience designed to fit your busy schedule. Engage live, on-demand or take breaks when you need, you have the power to tailor your learning experience to whichever season of life you may be in.

Shape the future of education with the University of Melbourne

Take your career to the next level with the online Master of Education from the University of Melbourne. The online Master of Education is designed to help you inspire change and make a real impact, in and beyond the classroom.

Speak with our Online Education Advisers today to see how you can amplify your impact in education.

 

Resources
¹ Salary for School Principals, Seek.com.au, 2025