Principal

Job Description

Lead a specialist school into its next decade of impact, innovation and growth.

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In 2027, The Sycamore School will celebrate 10 years of providing specialist education for autistic students. As we recognise the people, relationships and achievements that have shaped our first decade, we are looking ahead with ambition and purpose.

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We are seeking an experienced or an aspiringPrincipalto lead The Sycamore School into its next decade.

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About The Sycamore School

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The Sycamore School is an independent specialist school for autistic students in Prep to Year 10, located at Alexandra Hills, proudly in the Redlands.

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We provide a learning environment intentionally designed around the learning, wellbeing and developmental needs of autistic young people. Our school-developed and overarching Respect the Spectrum Framework guides our approach. We teach the Australian Curriculum and recognise the whole student and support their learning, wellbeing, development and readiness for life beyond school.

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Small classes, multidisciplinary expertise and strong relationships with students and families are integral to our approach.

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As the School enters its second decade, we are embarking on an important period of development. Ournext Strategic Planestablishes priorities acrossImpact & Influence, Sustainability, and Growth, providing a clear platform for the next Principal to build upon.

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The opportunity

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This is an opportunity to lead a distinctive school at a significant point in its history.

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The next Principal will be the steward for a school with a strong sense of purpose and an established specialist identity, while having the opportunity to shape its next chapter.

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Reporting to the Executive Principal and working with the Board, staff, students, families and community partners, the Principal will lead the continued development of educational quality, organisational capability and a positive, accountable and collaborative culture.

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The role will have a particular focus on:

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• delivering high-quality, evidence-informed education for autistic students
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• leading implementation of the School's strategic priorities
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• building the capability, confidence and cohesion of our people
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• strengthening teaching, learning and multidisciplinary practice
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• fostering meaningful student and family voice
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• supporting sustainable enrolment and organisational growth
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• strengthening partnerships across education, research, community and industry
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• ensuring sound financial management, budget accountability and the sustainable use of School resources
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• maintaining strong governance, compliance, child safety and operational practices
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• leading innovation while preserving the relationships and values that make The Sycamore School distinctive.
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About you

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We are looking for a contemporary educational leader who combines educational credibility with strong organisational leadership, understands and advocates for autistic young people.

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You will be an experienced school leader who can think strategically while remaining connected to students, staff and the everyday life of the School. You will bring clarity and direction, build trust and accountability, and create the conditions in which people can do their best work.

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You will demonstrate:

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• successful senior leadership experience within a school or comparable educational setting
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• strong educational and instructional leadership
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• the ability to develop and sustain a positive, high-performing culture
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• experience leading change and school improvement
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• understanding of governance, compliance, risk and child-safe practice
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• strong interpersonal skills and the capacity to build genuine relationships with students, families, staff and external partners
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• sound financial and commercial acumen, including experience in budget management, resource allocation and financial accountability within a school or comparable organisation
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• a commitment to evidence-informed practice and continuous improvement
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• an authentic commitment to understanding and advancing education for autistic young people.
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Appropriate teaching qualifications and eligibility for teacher registration in Queensland are required.

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Experience in special education, disability or autistic education will be highly regarded; however, equally important will be your willingness to listen, learn and lead with curiosity, respect and a strengths-based understanding of autistic students.

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Lead the next decade

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The Sycamore School's first ten years have established an important foundation.

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The next decade presents an opportunity to deepen our educational impact, strengthen our sustainability, grow thoughtfully and contribute more broadly to what is possible in autistic education.

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We are looking for a Principal who respects what has been built, sees what could come next, and has the leadership capability to bring people with them.

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If you are ready to lead a specialist school with purpose, courage and ambition into its next decade, we invite you to apply.

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Applications close: Wednesday 30 September 2026
\n Commencement: Monday 4 January2027. An earlier start in Term 4, 2026 is possible.
\n Enquiries: @sycamore.qld.edu.au

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Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may be conducted prior to the closing date. The School reserves the right to make an appointment before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

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The Sycamore School is committed to the safety, wellbeing and dignity of children and young people. The successful applicant will be required to meet all relevant child safety, registration and employment screening requirements.