How to become a school principal
Explore what it takes to become a school principal, including key responsibilities, required qualifications, and the study pathways that can help you step into a school leadership role.
Quick facts
What do I need to study?
A Bachelor of Education (plus leadership experience)
How much can I earn?
From $150,000+ annually*
What’s the job market like?
Growing demand**
Is this career a good fit for you?
School leadership could suit you if you:
Are energised by leading people, not just teaching students
Can hold a big picture vision while managing the day-to-day operations of a school
Seek to drive change at a whole-school level, not just within a classroom
Are a natural communicator who is comfortable navigating competing priorities
Have experience in a leadership role and feel ready to take on more
It's also worth knowing that some principals miss direct student contact, and the administrative load and level of accountability can catch people off guard. Talking to a serving principal before you commit is genuinely worth the time.
What does a school principal do?
Principals lead the school’s people, culture, and direction. They manage everything from staff performance and community relationships to budgets, compliance, marketing and student welfare. It’s a role that looks very different from classroom teaching.
Daily tasks
Setting the direction for where the school is headed and how it keeps improving
Managing staff, including hiring, performance, development and wellbeing
Keeping on top of budgets, facilities and compliance
Building relationships with the community, families and the broader education system
Leading teaching quality and curriculum standards across the school
Handling complex student matters and navigating difficult situations as they arise
Keeping the school board, governing body and education department in the loop
How to become a school principal in Australia
School principals start their careers as registered classroom teachers, either in primary or secondary school settings, or in some cases, across both.
You’ll need several years of teaching experience before being ready for team leadership roles, which are usually the first step towards greater responsibilities. Many school principals serve as assistant principals prior to stepping up as principal.
Undergraduate pathways to becoming a school principal
If you haven't completed university study before, you will need to:
Choose and complete the pathway that best suits your level of experience below.
Apply for and complete a Bachelor of Education (Primary or Secondary).
Apply for teacher registration in the state or territory where you plan to teach.
Gain 8-12 years of teaching experience and take on additional responsibilities within your school.
Consider postgraduate study in educational leadership before applying for school principal roles.
Pathway Option 1: Open Access | Pathway Option 2: Undergraduate Certificate | Non-Pathway Option: Bachelor Degree |
Ideal if you: - Don’t have an ATAR. - Want to see how you handle a small amount of study to begin with. With this pathway option, you can gain entry into a Bachelor of Education (Primary or Secondary) by successfully completing Open Access single subjects first. | Ideal if you: - Meet little to no entry requirements. - Want to achieve a standalone certificate to begin with. With this pathway option, you'll gain entry into a Bachelor of Education (Primary of Secondary) by completing an undergraduate certificate first. | Ideal if you: - Already have the required ATAR score listed on the course page you are interested in. - Want to get started with a full degree straight away. With this option, you'll apply for entry into a Bachelor of Education (Primary or Secondary) using your existing ATAR or relevant academic experience. |
Postgraduate path to becoming a school principal
If you’re already qualified as a teacher, you will typically need to:
Gain 8-12 years of teaching experience.
Take on a leadership role in your school, such as assistant principal.
Complete postgraduate study in educational leadership, such as a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or Master of Education (Leadership). This isn't compulsory, but can help you develop the skills needed for the position.
Because pathways towards becoming a school principal can vary depending on your previous study and experience, speaking with a student advisor can help clarify the most direct option for your situation.
Your undergraduate course options
Undergraduate Certificate in Secondary Teaching Education Studies
UndergraduateCUR-HSE-CTF
Work towards your future in secondary teaching
Study 4 core subjects in teaching young people—and get entry and credit in Curtin’s Bachelor Degree. Topics include adolescent development, tech in the classroom, and literacy. Start thinking about your career as a high school teacher.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Undergraduate Certificate in Teaching Education Studies
UndergraduateCUR-HTE-CTF
Work towards your future in early childhood teaching
Study 4 core subjects in teaching children—and get entry and credit in Curtin’s Bachelor Degree. Topics include language, literacy, and curriculum. Start thinking about your career as a professional early childhood or primary educator.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Bachelor of Education (Primary and Secondary)
UndergraduateACU-EDC-DEG
Confidence, skills and experience to teach prep to Year 12
Positively influence the lives of young people. You’ll develop as a teacher and a person. Explore curriculum, planning, and pedagogy. Learn to engage your learners and be inclusive. Includes supervised work placements to practice teaching in schools.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 4 years full time or part time equivalent
Bachelor of Education (Primary)
UndergraduateECU-PRI-DEG
A nationally accredited teaching course in primary education
Connect teaching theory with real-life practice. This course combines online learning with professional experience. As a pre-service teacher you’ll work in diverse education settings. Specialisations include maths, music, science, and languages.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 4 years full time or part time equivalent
Bachelor of Education (Primary)
UndergraduateUSQ-BEP-DEG
A flexible and industry engaged primary teaching degree
Prepare to educate in primary school classrooms across all learning areas. You’ll get to know the young student and how they learn. Explore teaching and curriculum for prep to Grade 6. Includes professional experience in mainstream and alternative settings.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 4 years full time or part time equivalent
Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
UndergraduateUSQ-BES-DEG
A flexible and industry engaged secondary teaching degree
Prepare to educate in high school classrooms across your chosen subject areas. You’ll get to know how people develop and learn. Explore teaching and curriculum for Years 7 to 12. Includes professional experience in mainstream and alternative settings.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 4 years full time or part time equivalent
Bachelor of Education (Primary Education)
UndergraduateCUR-BED-DEG
A student centred approach to teaching and learning
Explore teaching strategies and integrate theory with practice. Study lesson planning, classroom management, special education and digital literacy. Gain practical experience through block teaching plus a whole term internship
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 4 years full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Your postgraduate course options
PostgraduateQUT-MED-MAS
Lead learning that changes lives
Upskill and deepen your practice with research-driven study in an area of specialisation. Build skills in evaluation, inclusive learning and digital education. Graduate ready to lead change across schools, training or community settings.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
PostgraduateMAQ-EDU-MAS
Lead and innovate across todays’ evolving education environment
Focus on technology, inclusion and the diverse ways students learn. Designed for teachers at any stage of their career. Strengthen your ability to evaluate evidence, design inclusive learning and respond to today’s sector priorities.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership
PostgraduateACU-EDL-GCE
Learn to lead with purpose in Catholic education
Step into school leadership with a faith-informed foundation. Explore Catholic education today. Analyse research and data to improve practice. Unpack leadership theory, policy and ethics. Ideal for aspiring middle or senior leaders.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
Graduate Certificate in Education (Leadership and Management)
PostgraduateUND-ELM-GCE
Specialised educational theory and practices for leaders
Get ready to influence your educational setting to make positive change towards wellbeing and achievement. Strive to become the ethical people leader who manages with strength and compassion. Gain strategic skills in planning and implementation.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
Graduate Diploma of Education (Leadership & Innovation)
PostgraduateTUA-ELI-GDI
A course for aspiring education leaders
Expand your professional practice. This course offers an overview of the contemporary educator’s skillset. You’ll explore technology and build research skills. Gain confidence tackling educational challenges and making changes.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
Salary, career progression, and job demand
The average school principal salary in Australia
School principals in Australia typically earn an average salary of about $180,000 per year, though the full picture is more varied than that.
Salaries are set by state pay scales and depend on school size, classification, and sector. Deputy principals in some states may start out earning closer to $130,000, while some principals earn closer to $235,000.
For example, a principal at a large secondary school will generally earn more than one at a small rural primary school. And government, Catholic and independent schools each have different pay structures.
Deputy and assistant principal roles pay more than classroom teaching roles too, so you'll see real income growth on the way up, not just when you get there.
Read our guide to teacher salaries in Australia for a full breakdown.
Career pathways for school principals
Reaching principal is a big milestone, but it doesn't have to be the end of the road. Many principals go on to:
Larger or more complex schools
System-level leadership, such as regional director, inspector or departmental consultants
Education policy, curriculum development or government advisory roles
Academic or leadership roles in teacher education faculties
Is there demand for school principals in Australia?
Yes. Although school principal jobs remain competitive, demand is growing. As experienced principals retire, experts are warning that the current teacher shortage could become a future shortage of principals. It’s a gap that’s creating real opportunities for teachers who are passionate about school improvement and ready to take on principal positions.
If you're interested in moving into school leadership, now is a particularly good time to pursue it.
Accreditation and professional bodies
To become a principal, you must hold current teacher registration in your state or territory. The Australian Professional Standard for Principals, developed by AITSL, sets out the leadership capabilities expected of Australian principals and underpins leadership programs across the country.
Relevant bodies and programs include:
Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL), the national standards for principals
State-based principal associations and leadership programs
Many postgraduate courses in educational leadership are aligned with the AITSL principal standards. A student advisor can confirm which programs are recognised in your state and best matched to your career stage.
Related careers
School leadership is just one path in a broader ecosystem of education leadership and management careers. You might also like to look at:
Deputy or assistant principal – The most common step to principal, with operational focus but less overall accountability.
Head of department or curriculum coordinator – Lead a subject or year-level area with less admin and more teaching focus.
Education officer or curriculum advisor – Shape policy at system level without direct school management.
Childcare centre manager – oversee the daily operations of an early learning service for pre-school-aged children.
Learning designer – Create educational programs and resources, typically outside schools.
If you’re early in your teaching journey you might also like to check out:
Primary school teacher – Teach foundational literacy, numeracy and life skills to young learners, supporting their development across a broad range of subjects.
Secondary school teacher – Deliver subject-specific teaching to older students, helping them build knowledge and skills for further study or work.
Specialist education teacher – Support students with diverse learning needs, adapting teaching approaches to help every learner succeed.
Early childhood teacher – Guide play-based learning and development for young children, building social, emotional and early cognitive skills
Sources (accurate as of March 2026):
* Salary rates (Victorian School Principals)
** Australian Government Jobs and Skills website – School Principals
FAQs about becoming a school principal
Can I become a principal if I didn't follow a traditional leadership pathway early in my career?
Yes, though it helps to be deliberate about building visible leadership experience. Many principals come to leadership later in their careers, or via an unconventional route through teaching.
What matters most is demonstrating real impact, which can come through curriculum, mentoring or leadership roles even without a formal title. Postgraduate study in educational leadership can help show you're ready, too.
Is postgraduate study essential, or does experience still matter most?
Experience matters most, but postgraduate study carries more weight than it used to, particularly in government systems. It's unlikely to be the deciding factor on its own, but combined with strong experience it can strengthen your application and help you think more clearly about leadership.
How different is the principal role from classroom teaching day to day?
Very different. It could be described as a career change as much as a promotion. Your time shifts away from students toward managing staff, building community relationships, and a lot of strategic planning and admin.
It can also be very rewarding as a career. Talking to a serving principal before you commit is a great way to understand what you can look forward to.
Can principals work part-time, job-share, or step back into teaching later?
Part-time and job-share arrangements exist in some systems, particularly at smaller primary schools, though they're not common. And stepping back into teaching or a deputy role is more common than people think, and your registration stays valid throughout. If flexibility matters to you, it's worth checking your state department's policies.
How long do people typically spend in middle leadership before becoming a principal?
Most principals have at least 8 to 12 years of mid and senior leadership experience before stepping into their first principal role. Breadth tends to matter more than time though. Having led across curriculum and operational areas usually makes a stronger case than years spent in a single title.
What are common reasons teachers decide not to pursue principalship?
The most common ones are losing direct student contact, the volume of non-teaching demands, and concerns about workload and accountability. Some teachers also discover through middle leadership that their strengths are better suited to curriculum or coaching roles. Not pursuing principalship is a completely valid outcome. Deputy and specialist leadership roles can be just as rewarding long term.
Need help making study choices for your career?
Need help making study choices for your career?
Our student advisors will turn your aspirations into a clear study path.
They'll help you with:
Choosing and enrolling in the right course for your desired career, including pathway options.
Mapping a study plan that allows you to balance work and home commitments.
Understanding eligibility for funding, including HECS-HELP loans.
Get unbiased advice at no cost today.
Looking for other ways to start the conversation? Contact us
Step up your career with these resources
Teacher salaries in Australia: A pay guide by state
If you’re thinking about a career in teaching, we have all your answers covered when it comes to what you can expect from your salary.
Want a career change from teaching but not sure how?
Spoiler—you have more transferable skills than you think. By the end of this article, you may even have a game (not lesson) plan to go on.
What is a Master of Education?
Become an expert in education with this postgraduate course that will take you to the top of the class. Learn how to drive meaningful change in the education sector.
Looking to the future
Brendan is a high school teacher with a passion for the future—both his students', and his own. Through OUA, he's determined to become a school principal.