More power for school principals

Principals at public schools would receive more autonomy over hiring teachers under a NSW Government election promise.

If re-elected, the Coalition would expand the Ambassador Schools program, which brings together the highest performing public schools so their methods can be applied to other schools.

An additional 40 schools would be added to the program, bringing the total to 50 across the state, with these principals to be granted specialised staffing arrangements to enable them to make their own hiring decisions for a period of three years.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said these changes would give principals greater freedom and flexibility to hire staff who align with the culture and values of their school.

“We are putting the power back in the hands of those who know best, giving our best principals greater autonomy to pick the right teachers for their school,” Perrottet said.

“By providing them with more flexibility and freedom to make these important decisions, we’re empowering our principals to achieve the very best outcomes for their students.

“This is all about cutting bureaucratic red tape so that our kids get the very best learning experience and can thrive at school.”

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said this approach would ensure best practice is identified and shared across the entire school system.

“This initiative will see greater resources and support directed towards placing the right staff in the schools where they are needed. This is on top of the additional teacher supply being added to NSW through the Teacher Supply Strategy,” she said.

As part of the expanded program, 20 schools will partner with universities to facilitate placements for teachers undertaking the government’s recently announced one-year Masters degree, giving graduates the chance to undertake work experience at some of the best schools in NSW.

In addition, the government will also create an annual ‘School Success Forum’ as the new flagship school summit for effective and innovative practice in NSW. This will become a major event in the education calendar that will help drive up standards across all school sectors in NSW.

The 40 new Ambassador Schools will be confirmed by the end of 2023, with the first School Success Forum to be held in early 2024.

Image credit: iStock.com/Caiaimage/Robert Daly