Principal Career Pathway

School principals are responsible for the school as a whole, and are ultimately responsible for the performance of teachers, students, and other employees. They work in primary, middle or intermediate, and secondary schools. ¹

What does a Principal do?

School principals plan, organise, direct, control and coordinate the educational and administrative aspects of their school, including physical and human resources. To be successful, principals must have teaching, managerial, and planning skills. They also need the ability to communicate the school’s performance and needs to school board members and other leaders within the school district.  

Some of their tasks include, but are not limited to, the below:  

• Determine educational programs based on curricula set by educational authorities 
• Implement systems and procedures to monitor school performance and student enrolments 
• Direct administrative and clerical activities concerning student admissions and educational services 
• Prepare school budgets and maintain budgetary controls 
• Promote the educational program, and represent the school in the wider community 
• Enforce a disciplinary code to create a safe and conducive environment for students and teachers 
• Organise and implement methods of raising additional funds in conjunction with parent groups 
• Control selection, training and supervision of staff 
• Supervise the maintenance of school facilities 

¹ Australian Standard Classification of Occupations (ASCO) 2nd Edition, ABS Catalogue No. 1220.0, p131.