School principal

School principals oversee the operations and instructional leadership of primary and secondary schools. They supervise staff, set academic goals and build relationships with parents.

Also known as

Principal, head teacher, headmaster, deputy principal, primary school principal, secondary school principal

Work environment

  • Usually work regular school hours but may work extra hours
  • Usually work in offices and classrooms
  • Need to lead others, solve problems and make decisions

Salary information

MOST COMMON
UPPER
LOWER
$118K-$190.3K 118003

Typical tasks

  • Manage teachers and other staff
  • Set learning goals for the school
  • Make sure rules and teaching standards are met
  • Check how well teaching programmes work
  • Support teachers’ professional development
  • Work with parents and the community
  • Hire and train teachers and staff
  • Review student progress and school results
  • Manage budgets and school resources
  • Keep schools safe and welcoming

Outlook

School leadership in New Zealand is shaped by curriculum change, attendance, student wellbeing and efforts to improve outcomes for all learners. Schools are also responding to growing use of digital tools and artificial intelligence, while maintaining safe, inclusive learning environments. Demand for principals varies by region and school type, and the role remains important in building strong relationships with staff, students, whānau and communities.

What employers and industry want in graduates

  • Educational leadership focused on student learning and wellbeing
  • Ability to build positive relationships with staff, students and whānau
  • Strong communication, decision-making and problem-solving
  • Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive practice
  • Ability to lead change, manage resources and set clear priorities
  • Commitment to safe, inclusive and supportive school culture

Professional registration

Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand

enquiries@teachingcouncil.nz

04 471 0852

https://teachingcouncil.nz/

AUT programmes

The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.

Further study options

Back to search

Content is reviewed by our experts, but information can change over time. Some content is created with AI support.

This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.