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Cranebrook High School is a comprehensive co-educational school in Penrith Valley, Western Sydney, with 935 students. The school community is diverse, with 23% identifying as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and 5% from a Language Background other than English. The school supports 71 students in nine support classes, catering for moderate intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, autism, mental health, and behavioural needs.
Strong links with local community organisations and government agencies enhance student learning and engagement. The school has a dynamic student leadership group, with the Student Representative Council and Senior Prefect Body ensuring student voice is central to school decision-making and community events.
A school-wide focus on High Potential and Gifted Education features a cross-curricular challenge program in Years 7-8 and mentoring of primary students. The school has an outstanding farm and is an accredited alpaca and miniature goat stud.
Learning and achievement are driven by the effective integration of technology, a highly successful whole-school reading initiative, and ongoing tailored adjustments to teaching programs to support diverse learning needs. The robust Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) process is supported by personalised learning plans from a dedicated Learning Support Team. The school’s Learning Centre provides targeted literacy, numeracy, and wellbeing support.
Senior students are well supported through dedicated HSC tuition and individualised instruction to help all students achieve the National Minimum Standard as early as possible. Additional supports for Aboriginal students include the Clontarf Academy and Wiruwi Aboriginal Girls Program.
Cranebrook High partners with Western Sydney University through Fast Forward and Pre-Service Teacher Experience programs. Wellbeing initiatives include Creating Chances, Teen Got It, Elevate Senior Study, and Smith Family programs.
Interested applicants are encouraged to view the Annual Report, School Excellence Plan, and School Behaviour Support and Management Plan. These documents are available on the school website.
In addition to the general selection criteria,
1. A highly visible and approachable leader with high emotional intelligence and a demonstrated ability to drive a shared, inclusive, and student-centred vision of high expectations that aligns with and advances the priorities of Our Plan for NSW Public Education.
2. An exemplary instructional leader with a demonstrated capacity to build skilled teaching practices through innovative professional learning focused on explicit teaching strategies that improve outcomes for diverse learners and advance the school’s commitment to excellence in literacy, numeracy, student pathways, and HSC attainment.
3. A demonstrated ability to promote, build, and drive inclusive, evidence-based wellbeing practices that foster positive relationships and a culture of care for students, staff, and families.
4. A highly collaborative, consultative, and dynamic leader committed to engaging all stakeholders to build trust and genuine partnerships, demonstrating an authentic commitment to fostering and sustaining a positive, culturally safe environment for all communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
1. High level educational leadership with the skills to lead and manage a complex public school focused on the delivery of high quality education
2. Ability to lead and manage rigorous and inclusive whole school teaching and learning programs
3. High level communication and interpersonal skills with the capacity to build positive relationships and engage all levels of the school and educational community
4. Ability to lead and manage the development and performance of staff to improve teaching and learning
5. Ability to plan systems and manage resources effectively and equitably to enhance teaching and learning
6. Capacity to lead staff in implementing the Department's Aboriginal education policy and to ensure quality outcomes for Aboriginal people
An unconditional full approval to teach is a requirement. If you do not hold a full approval to teach with the NSW Department of Education, you are required to commence the application process at the same time as you apply for this teaching opportunity.
Classification Structure for Principals:
The Crown Employees (Teachers in Schools and Related Employees) Salaries and Conditions Award 2020 details the new principal classification structure based on complexity of schools which commenced in 2016. Please view information on the Classification structure for Principals at https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/careers-at-education/salary-and-benefits/salary-and-awards/awards-and-determinations/teachers-award-initiatives#Principal2
The classification and remuneration of our school principals is based on school complexity, as measured through each school’s RAM allocation. As part of the ongoing application of the new structure a review of thresholds and outcomes will occur on an annual basis. The principal classification for this school is Principal Level P4 for 2026.
Applicants are to include details of their WWCC clearance number as part of this application.
About the NSW Department of Education
The Department of Education is the largest provider of public education in Australia with responsibility for delivering high-quality public education to two-thirds of the NSW student population. We welcome applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees, neurodiverse people and people with disability. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better help you shine, please contact the hiring manager using the contact details provided above. For more information, visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion
Merit selection application guidelines for classroom teachers, executives and principals provide clear advice for applicants and selection panels. The guidelines are available here.
To meet the page limits outlined in the guidelines, all application attachments must be submitted in PDF format. Please note that late applications will not be accepted.
