How to become a principal

If you’re an educator with a passion for helping both students and teachers reach their potential, becoming a principal may be the perfect next step in your career.

The role of a principal goes beyond managing a school – it’s about shaping the future. Principals are educational leaders who inspire change, foster academic success and set the benchmark for teaching quality.

As technology transforms education and the need for future-ready classrooms becomes more urgent, principals are central figures in driving innovation, guiding teachers and engaging the wider community.

The role has shifted from largely administrative to one of instructional leadership, playing a crucial part in enhancing the teaching and learning experience. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, education remains a large-employing industry, creating strong opportunities for career growth.

So, how do you become a principal in Australia and what are the key tasks and duties involved? Below, we’ll outline everything you need to know about this influential position – including the steps to become a principal, how long it takes and how much school principals earn.

What does a principal do?

A school principal is the driving force behind a school’s success, overseeing everything from academic standards to the wellbeing of students and staff.

Once seen as a managerial role, the principal position has evolved into one of strategic leadership, with a focus on improving teaching quality, better student outcomes and fostering a supportive learning environment.

Key responsibilities of a principal can include:

• Developing and implementing educational strategies to improve student performance
• Leading professional development for teachers
• Managing administrative school operations such as budgeting, staff and compliance
• Overseeing student and staff welfare
• Embracing technology and data-driven approaches to improve school operations and learning outcomes.

As a highly people-centric position, principals require attributes like strong leadership, decision-making and problem-solving skills. The ability to network and build partnerships within the school community and lead staff toward shared goals sets successful principals apart.

How long does it take to become a principal?

Becoming a principal won’t be an overnight success story; like most worthwhile endeavours, it takes time. In most cases, it takes 10–15 years to gain educational experience, develop leadership skills and complete relevant study.

Principals begin their careers by becoming a teacher, gaining hands-on experience in the classroom and honing their leadership skills and confidence in them over time.

If you’re looking to fast-track your journey, a postgraduate qualification can speed up your trajectory.

Not only are postgraduate qualifications a strong indicator of leadership potential and highly regarded by employers, but the online course offers flexibility so educators can progress to leadership roles while balancing work commitments. More on this shortly.

Steps to become a school principal in Australia

Becoming a school principal involves several key steps, including completing formal teaching qualifications, gaining practical teaching experience and developing leadership skills, by taking on increasing responsibilities within a school.

From completing undergraduate studies to submitting stand-out applications for leadership positions, here’s how to become a school principal in Australia.

Complete a bachelors degree

Step one on your path to becoming a principal is completing a bachelors degree such as a Bachelor of Education or equivalent relevant degree. Some aspiring educators choose an undergraduate degree in a subject they want to teach – such as English, maths, science or the arts.

In most cases, this takes three to four years of full-time study and qualifies you to register as a teacher.

If you’re an educator looking to become a principal but haven’t completed a Bachelor of Education or similar, there are other pathways available. Depending on your professional and educational background, you may be eligible to complete a Graduate Certificate in Education or a Master of Education to bridge any gaps.

Register as a teacher

Once you’ve completed a recognised teaching qualification that meets the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers, you’re required to register with your state or territory’s regulatory body. It ensures teachers meet the professional and legal standards to teach in schools and early childhood education settings.

The exact registration requirements can vary between jurisdictions and each state or territory has its own system.

Generally, though, the process involves meeting English language proficiency requirements, undergoing a national criminal history check, completing a Working with Children Check (WWCC) in your state or territory, and submitting these documents as part of your application, then paying a fee.

Typically, new graduates and entrants to the teaching profession are given a provisional registration, which allows you to teach while working towards full registration. This usually takes one to three years, and in that time you’re expected to meet the required professional teaching standards and pass assessments in a school setting.

It’s worth noting there are ongoing requirements to ensure your teaching registration stays valid. These involve Continued Professional Development (CPD) activities such as attending workshops, conferences or completing accredited courses, periodically paying renewal fees and updating your WWCC.

Gain work experience

Principals manage the school at a strategic and holistic level, but practical classroom experience is essential to understanding how each element functions. Gaining in-depth classroom experience by becoming a teacher or formal educator is a must to ensure you're fully prepared for an educational leadership role.

Most principals have at least ten years of practical teaching experience, which allows them to develop a solid understanding of pedagogy (how students learn) and the strategy behind curriculum planning and delivery.

Principals of small schools (one or two teachers) usually have five or so years of teaching experience. Classroom experience is important for a principal as it provides invaluable insight into student behaviour, classroom management and strategies for engaging diverse learners.

Over time, teachers build their expertise in achieving the best learning outcomes for their students, building key relationships and understanding school operations from the ground up.

Complete postgraduate study

Advanced education can significantly boost your chances of selection for any principal position, giving you a competitive edge over teachers with undergraduate degrees.

And if you’re passionate about helping students and teachers achieve their best, advocating for positive change in a classroom and applying proven strategies to improve educational outcomes – a postgraduate qualification is a highly effective way to become the best principal you could be.

Not to mention, undergoing advanced and specialised study is a strong indicator to employers that you take your ambition of leading positive change seriously and are prepared to do what it takes.

Recognised courses like SCU Online’s Master of Education – particularly its Educational Leadership specialisation – equip educators with the skills and expertise that are non-negotiable for successful principals, such as human resources (HR) management, project management principles and proficiency in various educational leadership styles.

The advanced specialisation is designed to strengthen decision-making capabilities, help you lead with confidence and diversify your business skills – all critical for effective school leadership.

Take on leadership roles and apply for principal positions

Once you have the experience and skills needed to lead a school effectively, you can take active steps to secure a principal position.

Gaining experience in school leadership roles – such as head of department, year coordinator, or curriculum lead – is crucial and completing postgraduate studies online means you can step into such roles while you’re advancing your qualifications.

When applying for principal roles, highlighting your leadership experience and – if possible, postgraduate qualifications – is a powerful way to make your application stand out. Schools want to know you have a clear vision and the ability to lead, so demonstrate this wherever possible.

Advance your career

As a school principal, you can expect a competitive salary and numerous opportunities for career advancement.

Depending on your professional and educational background, you may be eligible to complete a postgraduate teaching qualification (two years in most states and territories) or a Master of Teaching to bridge any gaps.

A Master of Teaching and a Master of Education are two different degrees. A Master of Teaching is an initial teacher education (ITE) degree accredited by state and territory teacher regulatory authorities.

On the other hand, a Master of Education is a versatile degree that equips graduates for various roles within the education sector and is ideal for educators looking to deepen their expertise in specialised areas of education.

To keep growing in this profession, it’s also important for principals to stay current with best practices in education and build a strong professional network. This can open doors to new opportunities and continue to grow in your role as an educational leader.

School principal salaries are among the highest in the education sector, with average annual salaries ranging from $130,000 to $185,000.

However, salaries can be much higher. According to the NSW Government, state principals can earn up to $215,000 per year. Meanwhile, the average annual salary of a principal at an elite private school in Sydney is around $687,000, which is more than three times the salary of a state school principal.

Gain vital skills for effective educational leadership

Becoming a principal is ideal for passionate educators who are deeply driven to make a difference in the setting where it matters most. Tomorrow’s leaders, innovators and world-shapers are today’s students, and providing them with the most relevant, effective and engaging education is a must.

SCU Online’s Master of Education equips graduates with the skills needed to advocate for positive change through education.

With a future-focused specialisation in educational leadership, the advanced course ensures graduates are equipped with the strategic thinking, instructional leadership, data-driven decision-making and technological proficiency needed to help teachers, students and schools be the best they can be across a range of careers.

By focusing on contemporary educational challenges, the course ensures future leaders have everything they need to tackle the complexities of modern school management.

Rated #1 In Australia for outstanding student support, SCU’s Master of Education is affordable, online and accelerated to suit the needs and ambitions of educational professionals.

With no exams, students learn through quizzes, videos and interactive presentations, and can connect with academics and fellow students through optional live classes, online platforms and discussion boards.

Shape your future in education

If you’re ready to lead with purpose, improve teaching quality and drive student success – you’re ready to carve your path to becoming a principal.

By studying SCU Online’s Master of Education, you can take your current education career to the next level.

Our contemporary, high-quality and affordable degree will give you the skills and knowledge you need to positively impact the lives of children through education. You will learn from world-class academics and industry experts, backed by Southern Cross University’s more than 50 years of contributing to the teaching profession.

Learn more about SCU Online’s Master of Education. Apply online now, or speak with our Student Advisors on 1300 863 819 to learn more.