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How to Become a Principal: Australian Careers in Education

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What is a Principal?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Principal?

A Principal leads both the teaching and admin work of a primary or secondary school. They set the school’s vision, manage staff, and keep students safe and well supported. Principals work across teaching, budgets, community ties, and day-to-day compliance.

In practice, Principals run the full life of the school. They work with teachers to run programs that meet state curriculum standards. They manage budgets, handle student intake, and keep facilities safe and well kept.

Staff management is a key part of the role. Principals recruit and train teachers and support staff. They set clear goals, run reviews, and mentor their teams. They handle student conduct and make sure the school’s rules are fair and clear.

Principals speak for their school in the wider community. They engage with parents, local groups, and education bodies. They lead fundraising with parent groups and promote the school’s programs. For those who love education and want to lead, this role offers a real chance to shape lives.

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Career snapshots For Principals

School principal is a full-time, senior leadership role in Australian education. Around 30,000 people are employed as school principals, according to Jobs and Skills Australia (2025). About 93% work full-time, with an average of 51 hours per week. The median age is 50, and women make up 66% of the profession. Future demand is rated as moderate, with around 900 new positions expected each year.

Most principal roles are in government and non-government schools across all states and territories. NSW has the largest employment share at around 39%. Victoria accounts for 19.7% and Queensland for 16.4% (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Public school salaries range from around $140,000 to $250,000, depending on school size, classification band, and state.

What will I do?

Principals lead every aspect of school life, from setting educational direction to managing budgets and staff. Their work shapes the experience of every student and teacher in the school. Below are the core tasks that make up the role.

  • Setting educational programs: Principals choose and implement curricula based on guidelines from state education authorities.
  • Monitoring school performance: They put systems in place to track student progress, enrolments, and school-wide outcomes.
  • Running administrative operations: Principals oversee student admissions, records, and educational services.
  • Managing school budgets: They prepare annual budgets, control spending, and report on financial performance.
  • Representing the school in the community: Principals promote programs and build relationships with local groups and education authorities.
  • Maintaining school facilities: They make sure buildings and grounds are safe and well maintained.
  • Enforcing the code of conduct: Principals uphold rules and policies to keep the school safe and respectful.
  • Organising fundraising activities: They work with parent groups to raise extra funds for school programs.
  • Hiring and developing staff: Principals recruit, train, and support teaching and administrative staff.
  • Teaching students: In some schools, principals also take classes and work directly with students.

What skills do I need?

Principals need a strong mix of leadership, communication, and management skills. They lead large teams, handle complex policies, and make decisions that affect every student and teacher in the school. Clear communication is at the core of the role.

Beyond leadership, Principals need solid skills in budgeting, curriculum planning, and data use. They spot problems early and act fast. Good people skills and the ability to resolve conflict help them support staff and students. The best Principals mix clear thinking with a genuine care for people.

Skills/attributes

  • Leadership and vision
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Organisational and planning skills
  • Problem-solving and decision-making
  • Budget and financial management
  • Knowledge of educational policy and compliance
  • Building a positive school culture
  • Conflict resolution and mediation
  • Curriculum planning and development
  • Staff management and mentoring
  • Community and stakeholder engagement
  • Commitment to student welfare and safety
  • Adaptability and resilience
  • Strategic thinking
  • Data analysis and performance monitoring

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.