Associate Principal
Sommerville is a large specialist school supporting 400+ ORS-funded learners aged 5–21 across Auckland’s eastern corridor. We include our Panmure base, satellite classes in 15 mainstream schools, a transition programme for young adults and an Outreach Service, supported by a multidisciplinary team of approximately 300 staff.
We are a nationally recognised, award-winning school with a reputation for innovation, inclusive practice and educational leadership, including recognition through the Prime Minister’s Education Excellence Awards.
We are seeking an exceptional Associate Principal to join our high-performing senior leadership team at an exciting time as we redevelop our Base. You will help shape our strategic direction, strengthen teaching and learning, grow leadership capability and foster a connected, inclusive culture where learners, whānau and staff thrive.
You may be an experienced specialist education leader or an exceptional mainstream leader ready to bring your expertise to a complex, highly inclusive setting. What matters most is your leadership capability, commitment to equitable outcomes, curiosity and belief in every learner’s potential.
Our Associate Principal will:
- lead teaching and learning with high expectations for every ākonga
- build high-trust relationships with learners, staff, whānau, schools, iwi and community partners
- be visible, approachable, compassionate and transparent
- think strategically and translate strategy into action
- inspire and lead change in a complex, diverse organisation
- grow others through coaching, mentoring and distributed leadership
- demonstrate culturally responsive leadership grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi
- bring innovation, curiosity and fresh thinking while valuing others’ expertise
- communicate with clarity, warmth and purpose.
Our people are Sommerville’s superpower. We seek a leader who will invest in them and contribute generously to our collaborative culture. Portfolios will reflect the successful applicant’s strengths and evolving school needs. Visits offered to shortlisted candidates.