Illawarra Sports High School was established as a partially selective sports high school in 1998. Enrolment numbers for 2026 are at 1026 students and talented athletes are drawn from across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Sutherland councils. The student population is diverse with students from varying cultural backgrounds and there is an Autism Support Unit, Elouera, that currently consists of eight classes. There is also a significant enrolment of Aboriginal students (18%) and we are committed to closing the gap between the educational outcomes of indigenous and nonindigenous students. Illawarra Sports High School has a very committed teaching and non-teaching staff and has an established reputation for sporting success and a growing reputation for emphasising high academic expectations of all students. Students are encouraged to follow the school values of being respectful responsible learners.
Applicants must satisfy the teacher training and academic qualification requirements for this position. In addition to the general selection criteria,
Proven ability to lead and build the capacity of a diverse faculty, fostering high expectations, innovation and accountability to improve teacher practice, in alignment with Technology and Applied Studies compliance requirements and policies.
Demonstrated capacity to strategically lead the Technology and Applied Studies faculty, delivering evidence-informed curriculum, teaching and learning and assessment, including best practice in High potential and gifted education, to drive student success.
Proven ability to work collaboratively with the executive team to lead, manage and implement whole-school initiatives that drive the effective delivery of the School Excellence Plan and student growth.
Demonstrated enthusiastic, proactive leadership with strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to engage and inspire staff, students, parents, and the wider community.
1. Successful teaching experience with capacity to initiate improvement in teaching, learning and classroom practice
2. Knowledge of curriculum, assessment and student welfare with the ability to lead and design quality, inclusive teaching and learning programs
3. Educational leadership skills to build the capacity and manage the performance of individuals and teams
4. Well developed communication and interpersonal skills with the capacity to build relationships and engage students, staff and parents
5. Ability to plan and manage resources effectively and equitably to support teaching and learning
6. Knowledge of and commitment to the Department's Aboriginal education policy
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.
The Eligibility Requirements for Head Teacher Positions in NSW Government Schools are located here.
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 people of all backgrounds, including but not limited to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, people of any age or gender, people from culturally and linguistically diverse groups and/or from the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees, people with disability, people with sensory differences, and neurodiverse people. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better help you shine, please reach out to the contact person for this recruitment, details listed above. For more information, visit the NSW Department of Education’s Diversity, equity and inclusion webpage.
How to Apply
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.
For technical support please contact School Recruitment Support at 1300 863 694.
