Deputy Principal

Join Our Team as Deputy Principal at Fernlea School!

Are you a passionate leader ready to contribute to a vibrant school community? Our amazing Deputy Principal is leaving after many many years at Fernlea School.  We are excited to celebrate the next journey for her, and are now ready for some new and exciting ideas for Fernlea.  Join our team and help us achieve our vision of Learning, Achieving, Succeeding Together.  

This is an opportunity for a leader to make a significant impact without day-to-day classroom responsibilities. The Deputy Principal will hold a teaching component of up to 0.4 (CRT release) and will be the dedicated SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) for the school. This position comes with 4 permanent salary units.

Fernlea School invites applications for the permanent position of Deputy Principal, commencing at the beginning of Term 1, 2026. 

We are seeking a Deputy Principal who:

• Has a passion for education and places ākonga at the centre of all decision-making.

• Is a continuous learner who loves to support others in their learning journeys.

• Is a New Zealand registered, experienced and successful teacher.

• Who has recent leadership experience 

• Is reflective, responsive, and not afraid to ask questions or engage in challenging conversations.

• Utilises up-to-date pedagogy and can mentor and support staff.

• Is highly organised and plans ahead effectively.

• Applies a restorative approach to conflict resolution.

• Builds and sustains trusting relationships, respecting diverse views and opinions for growth.

• Is culturally competent and ready to model and promote the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Key Responsibilities of the role Include:

• Leading Structured Literacy: Building staff capability and teaching identified target learners.

• SENCo Leadership: Supporting learning assistants, managing their timetables, working with ORS students, leading IEPs, and liaising with key stakeholders.

• Driving the Strategic Plan and school vision.

• Representing and acting for the Principal when required.

• Assisting with the development, maintenance, and evaluation of school management structures, systems, and processes.

• Providing schoolwide leadership in assessment and curriculum implementation.

• Overseeing student well-being and pastoral care.

• Providing guidance and mentoring for staff.

We encourage you to learn more about Fernlea School by visiting our website and social media:

• http://www.fernlea.school.nz

• https://www.facebook.com/p/Official-Fernlea-School-100057324975968/ 

We welcome visits to our kura. Please contact Tony Field to arrange an appointment.

To apply, please submit a covering letter, a CV. Your covering letter  and CV should clearly address the points outlined in the person specification and provide the details of three contactable referees. 

Applications are to be addressed to: The Principal - Tony Field principal@fernlea.school.nz

• Applications Close: Wednesday 24 September at 12 pm

• Interviews Completed: 2 October

• Appointment Made: 6 October

• Position Starts: 28 January 2026

We look forward to receiving your application!