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Lightning Ridge is a unique opal mining community located in the northwest of NSW 350km north of Dubbo. Lightning Ridge Central School has an enrolment of approximately 324 students. The student population is extremely diverse with 63% identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and the remaining students with backgrounds from over 28 countries.
Lightning Ridge Central School is a vibrant, energetic and caring learning environment with excellent and well-maintained facilities. The school has a strong focus on the individual needs of students with established, supportive community links. The school has embedded explicit teaching initiatives and a strong creative arts program. There is a strong, supportive staff, including an executive team who work across the whole school K-12.
Lightning Ridge Central school is heavily involved in community including NAIDOC Week, Grandparents Day, Education Week, Careers Expo, Food for Families volunteering, Rotary International volunteering both local and international, Interagency support, and a wide range of both sporting and cultural activities.
Approval to teach. In addition to the general selection criteria,
- The ability to inspire and model strong educational leadership, strategic analysis and planning capacity and creative problem-solving skills to drive innovative programs and initiatives that lead to high quality learning outcomes.
- Proven collaborative and highly visible leadership with the ability to build on the positive relationships that the school enjoys with all sections of the school community.
- Ability to embed Aboriginal programs and initiatives in collaboration with the community to enhance educational opportunities for all students in delivering effective literacy and numeracy outcomes.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and implement high-quality, inclusive K-12 curriculum programs that cater to diverse student needs, alongside fostering a safe and supportive school environment that promotes the social, emotional, and academic wellbeing of all students.
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 P3 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.
