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How to Become A Deputy Principal

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What is a Deputy Principal

A Deputy Principal is one of the top leadership roles in any Australian school. They sit just below the Principal and have a direct say in how the school runs each day. From managing staff to looking after students, their reach is wide and their impact is real.

Day to day, Deputy Principals work with teachers to improve classroom practice and handle student behaviour. They run school events, analyse student data, and keep parents informed. No two days are the same.

Most Deputy Principals manage a specific portfolio, such as wellbeing, curriculum, or inclusion. This lets them go deep in an area they care about while still leading the whole school. It suits people who enjoy both big-picture thinking and hands-on work.

Getting here takes time, the right qualifications, and a track record in middle leadership. But for those who love education, the reward is a career that truly shapes students’ futures.

Start your study journey in Education

Career Outlook for Deputy Principal

The outlook for Deputy Principals in Australia is positive. Schools always need strong leaders, and student enrolments are rising across the country. Demand for qualified school leaders is set to grow as a result. Most work full-time, averaging around 40 to 50 hours a week during term. The majority of roles are permanent, giving you solid job security.

The typical Deputy Principal is in their mid-40s with a long teaching career behind them. Pay is strong. Salaries range from around $125,000 to over $195,000 a year. Pay varies by state, school size, and sector (based on recent Australian state education data).

The education sector is one of the most stable in Australia. Leadership succession is a real concern for school systems, so experienced leaders are in high demand. If you love education and want real influence, this is a meaningful and well-rewarded career.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Deputy Principal

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor of Education or Equivalent Teaching Degree

Earn a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) or a Bachelor of Teaching at a university. This course typically takes four years full-time. Some candidates complete a related bachelor degree first. They can then add a Master of Teaching, which takes one to two extra years.

Step 2: Register as a Teacher with Your State or Territory Authority

After graduating, register with the teacher registration body in your state. Examples include NESA in NSW, VIT in Victoria, and the QCT in Queensland. Each state and territory has an equivalent body. Registration is a legal requirement before you can teach in an Australian school.

Step 3: Build Five to Ten Years of Classroom Teaching Experience

Work as a classroom teacher for at least five years before moving into leadership. Strong classroom practice is the foundation of effective school leadership. Focus on curriculum delivery, student welfare, and working well with colleagues.

Step 4: Move into a Middle Leadership Role

Take on a Head of Department, Year Coordinator, or similar position at your school. These roles build the skills you need to lead staff, manage budgets, and run programs. Aim to spend at least two to three years in a middle leadership role before applying for deputy positions.

Step 5: Complete a Postgraduate Qualification in Educational Leadership

Enrol in a Master of Educational Leadership or a Graduate Certificate of School Leadership at a university. These are higher education qualifications with no single national training code. Most programs take one to two years part-time and are available online or on campus. This study builds your knowledge of school governance, curriculum theory, and strategic planning. Most state education departments expect this type of qualification for senior leadership roles.

Step 6: Apply for Deputy Principal Positions

With teaching experience, middle leadership experience, and postgraduate study complete, apply for Deputy Principal roles. Tailor your application to show leadership impact, curriculum expertise, and data-driven results. Most state systems use a merit-based selection process. Prepare an evidence portfolio aligned to the Australian Professional Standard for Principals (AITSL).

What does a Deputy Principal do?

As a Deputy Principal, your day is packed with variety. You support teachers in classrooms and handle student behaviour issues. You review school data to spot trends and guide key decisions. You run meetings, manage events, and keep parents informed. You also help set the school’s strategic direction and keep daily life running smoothly for all.

Tasks

A Deputy Principal plays a key role in keeping the school running well. They work across leadership, administration, and student support every day. Their tasks are diverse and shape the experience of students, staff, and the wider community.

  • Assist the Principal: help manage the overall running of the school.
  • Curriculum Development: work with teachers to plan and deliver effective learning programs.
  • Staff Management: support staff performance, professional growth, and team meetings.
  • Student Discipline: manage behaviour issues and help maintain a safe, respectful school.
  • Community Engagement: build strong ties with parents, local groups, and community partners.
  • Policy Implementation: make sure school policies are followed by all staff and students.
  • Budget Management: help plan and manage the school budget and resources.
  • Event Coordination: plan and run school events that engage students and families.
  • Data Analysis: use student data to guide teaching practice and improve results.
  • Health and Safety: make sure the school meets all safety rules and requirements.

Skills for Success

To thrive as a Deputy Principal, you need strong people skills above all else. You will communicate with students, parents, teachers, and the principal every day. Clear, calm communication can make or break a school’s culture.

You also need to be highly organised and good at solving problems on the spot. Resilience matters too, as the role can be demanding. Strong leadership, data literacy, and a passion for improving student outcomes will set you apart.

Skills & Attributes

  • Leadership and decision-making
  • Clear verbal and written communication
  • Staff management and mentoring
  • Curriculum knowledge and development
  • Student welfare and behaviour management
  • Knowledge of education policies and regulations
  • Organisational and time-management skills
  • Data analysis for student outcomes
  • Conflict resolution and mediation
  • Community and parent engagement
  • Ability to build a positive school culture
  • Strategic planning and goal setting
  • Adaptability and resilience
  • Commitment to professional development
  • Understanding of inclusive practices and diverse needs

Average Salaries

The average yearly salary for a Deputy Principal in Australia is around $150,000 (Glassdoor Australia, 2025). Pay varies by state, school type, and school size. Entry-level roles in smaller schools start around $125,000. Senior positions in large metropolitan schools can reach $195,000 or more per year.

min $125 K

max $195 K

av $150 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.