Head of School

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic educational leader to become the inaugural Head of School for our new campus in Wollongong. This exciting opportunity offers the chance to establish a strong school culture, lead a growing team of educators, and create an exceptional learning environment from the outset.

The Head of School will provide strategic leadership across all aspects of school operations, student wellbeing, teaching and learning, and community engagement, ensuring the successful launch and ongoing development of the school.

Our strengths-based approach, smaller class sizes and skilled employees facilitate greater student engagement, allowing young people to develop in all learning areas, including academic, social and emotional spheres.

As Head of School in Wollongong, the successful candidate will work closely with other Heads of School and the Executive Principal to facilitate the Indie Way through the creation and delivery of high-quality holistic learning programs.

The foundations of the Indie Way lie in adult education philosophies. Choice, autonomy, mutual respect and accountability all play a significant role in our approach. Our educational model combines high expectations and authentic connections to create an optimal learning environment where young people can make meaningful progress in all areas of their lives.

About Indie School:

Indie School provides students the opportunity to learn in a supportive environment using individualised learning and education plans, tailored to each student's own education and life circumstances. Smaller class sizes allow students greater opportunity to identify their strengths and work to improve areas in which they lack confidence.

The greatest difference between Indie School and many other alternative education settings is that our foundations lie in Adult Education philosophies. Choice, independence, mutual respect and accountability all have a significant role to play. In return for higher levels of self-responsibility, the students can enjoy some greater freedoms.

Our shared mission is to respond to the learning needs of Australian communities in a positive manner, underpinned by strong corporate governance and financial management. Our core values of Respect, Innovation, Self Development, and Teamwork underpin every aspect of our work.

Core Workplace Objectives:

Actioning approved Development Plan and Indie School model

Policy and Procedure implementation. Provide recommendations for change to State Principal and/or Executive Principal for Quality and Compliance approval

Draft production of Annual Indie School (or Campus) Report

Employee management including recruitment (as per approved Development Plan), annual performance reviews and disciplinary action, as needed.

Workplace Tasking & Key Responsibilities:

Ensure compliance against Indie standard operating procedures, including the development and implementation of school policies and procedures

Manage the day-to-day running of the allocated location(s), including student and employee support and management

Manage a functional unit with a complex set of objectives and significant resources, including operational responsibilities of defined teams

Assist with efficiency analysis, applying solution-focused approach to managing inefficiencies and with regard for quality and compliance aspects

Assist with planning, proposals and implementations of school improvements, demonstrating proficiency within the work area’s existing rules, regulations, procedures and systems

Undertake high-level creative and effective planning, programming and managerial functions, with clear accountability for performance and outcomes

State regulatory body liaison, including ongoing compliance with school registration and auditing requirements

School data collection, review and reporting, as per internal and external timelines and requirements

Expenditure as per approved budget, including the development of complex projects of $300k plus

Comprehensive knowledge of relevant and related Indie programs

Subject teaching, as per employment contract and/or as required

For this position applicants must:

Have a deep understanding of effective teaching, learning and classroom management practice

Have demonstrated experience as an exemplary teacher

Have demonstrated capacity for educational leadership within a school setting

Have demonstrated ability to lead a team and to work within a team.

Have demonstrated high level decision making skills with minimal consultation to upper Management,

Be able to provide high level solutions to problems are provided and followed through with improvement of outcomes,

Essential Requirements:

For this role, applicants must be willing and able to obtain:

Current Driver’s licence.

National Police Check (issued within 3 months prior to appointment) and renewed annually.

Relevant State Working with Children’s Check.

Hold a current NESA accreditation (NSW).

Benefits and Perks:

As a registered Public Benevolent Institution (PBI), we offer access to salary packaging via Maxxia: up to $15,900 per (FBT) year (plus up to $2,650 for meals & entertainment) to significantly boost your take-home pay!

15 days of paid personal leave, plus comprehensive paid parental leave provisions.

Professional development opportunities available.

Unlimited access to a complimentary wellness program via Sonder for both you and your immediate family, featuring confidential, professional counselling, diverse mental health resources, and broader wellbeing initiatives designed to support personal and family resilience.

Travel opportunities to visit other sites across Australia.

Permanent - Full Time position, Monday to Friday.

Uniform, laptop and mobile phone provided.

Large national organisation with internal mobility opportunities.

Remuneration:

Level 13 (Indie Education Enterprise Agreement 2026 – 2029), currently $170,883 per annum plus superannuation.

Company vehicle provided.

Ready to Apply:

Clicking “Apply” will redirect you to Indie School's recruitment portal. From there, click the “Apply” again to start your application.

For any enquiries please contact Stephanie King, Executive Principal via email: [email protected].

Please apply by 30 October 2026. Applications will be reviewed upon submission. Interviews and appointment may occur prior to close date.

Commitment to Safety & Inclusion:

Indie Education is proud to be a child-safe organisation committed to the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all students. Applicants should familiarise themselves with our child safety policy, code of conduct, and commitment to child safety, available on our website.

Indie embraces diversity and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, and people with disabilities.