Deputy Head of Junior School and ELC

Applications for this position close: 9.00am Monday 28 September 2026. Although we reserve the right to make an early appointment should a suitable candidate apply.

• Full-time, ongoing position to commence in January 2027
• Professional and values-driven culture
• Commitment to professional learning

Who we are  

Discover a 100-year legacy of educational excellence, connection and opportunity at Canberra Girls Grammar School (CGGS).

CGGS is an independent, non-selective Anglican school. For over a century, it has provided students from across the world with a comprehensive and well-rounded education. Located in the heart of the nation’s capital, and now spanning three campuses, CGGS provides a world-class educational and co-curricular offering in the CYGNUS suite. Perfectly positioned at mid-sized with over 1300 students, the School is co-educational from Early Learning to Year 3, then female-focused through to Year 12.  

In working at CGGS, you will be inspired by the founders of Canberra’s first independent school to contribute and leave your mark on generations to come. You will work alongside a dedicated team and will feel genuinely supported by a values-driven workplace committed to educational excellence. We are steadfast in our belief that diversity is a strength, fostering an inclusive and equitable community where all voices are heard and valued.

Our students are diligent and hardworking, creating an environment in which all can grow and achieve. With access to contemporary facilities and a commitment to professional development, you will also have the resources you need to contribute meaningfully to our School community.

CGGS is committed to child safety. As such, the successful applicant will be expected to satisfy child protection screening and adhere to the School’s Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct. These documents can be downloaded from the CGGS website or are available from the School.

All staff must:

• Demonstrate and ensure compliance with the School’s Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct and complete regular training in Child Protection standards.
• Promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people to whom we provide services.
• Ensure that their interactions with children and young people are positive and safe.
• Provide adequate care and supervision of children and young people in their charge.
• Act as a positive role model for children and young people.
• Must provide a current Working with Vulnerable People Check (WWVP) prior to commencement.
• Must provide an Australian Police Check prior to commencement.  If applying from overseas, an international police check is required.

The position

This role is vital in supporting the Deputy Principal – Head of Junior School and ELC in providing a world-class education to our students. Implicit in the role is the understanding that the Deputy Head of Junior School and ELC will work in harmony with, and support, the Head of Junior School and ELC. The position holds the experience of students, families and staff at its core, strategically leading operational, academic and pedagogical expectations in the Junior School and ELC. As a calm, organised and highly relational leader, the Deputy Head of Junior School and ELC contributes to the leadership of programs that ensure the highest quality academic, wellbeing and co-curricular offerings for Junior School and ELC students.

The Deputy Head of Junior School and ELC is responsible for maintaining an effective Junior School learning environment and dynamic campus culture that is supported by consistent and efficient organisational and operational practices, processes, and structures.

With the support of the Junior School Leadership and Management Team, and working closely with the Deputy Principal, Head of Junior School and ELC, the Deputy Head of Junior School and ELC will be responsible for overseeing the efficient and effective administration and management of the Junior School and ELC campus, the maintenance of culture, the support of student learning and wellbeing, and the operation of a high performing Junior School.

Strategic Leadership

• As a member of the Junior School Leadership Team, provide strategic leadership and actively contribute to the implementation of Junior School priorities and the wider School Strategic Direction, A Hope-filled Horizon 2026–2036.
• Lead and contribute to strategic projects that strengthen the performance, culture and ongoing development of a high-performing Junior School and ELC
• Support the Deputy Principal – Head of Junior School and ELC in translating strategic priorities into clear, sustainable and measurable actions across the Junior School and ELC
• Use student, operational and organisational data to identify emerging trends, areas for improvement and opportunities for innovation, providing regular advice and recommendations to the Deputy Principal – Head of Junior School and ELC.
• Promote strong alignment and continuity across the ELC, Junior School and Senior School, supporting a coherent whole-school approach to student learning, wellbeing, engagement and experience.
• Proactively build and sustain productive partnerships with students, staff, families and the wider community through clear communication, consultation and responsive leadership.
• Represent and articulate for the strategic priorities of the Junior School and ELC within whole-school planning, decision-making and improvement processes.
• Remain informed about contemporary research, sector developments and emerging practice relevant to primary education, using this knowledge to inform strategic planning and ongoing improvement.
• Undertake strategic projects, leadership responsibilities and other assignments as required by the Principal and Deputy Principal – Head of Junior School and ELC.

Operational Leadership

• Lead the effective day-to-day and strategic operations of the Junior School, ensuring systems, processes and practices support high-quality teaching and learning, student wellbeing and an exceptional student experience.
• Establish and maintain efficient, responsive and sustainable operational systems that enable staff to perform effectively and contribute to a positive, collaborative and high-performing workplace culture.
• Lead the regular review and improvement of Junior School programs, processes, systems and operational practices, identifying opportunities to improve effectiveness, efficiency and the experience of students, staff and families.
• Ensure Junior School operations are compliant with relevant legislative, regulatory, risk, safeguarding and reporting requirements, contributing to the development and implementation of associated School policies and procedures.
• Lead operational planning that enables students and staff to pursue opportunities, interests and areas of excellence while ensuring programs remain purposeful, sustainable and aligned with School priorities.
• Oversee timely, accurate and effective communication with students, families and staff regarding Junior School operations, events, programs, learning and staffing matters.
• Work collaboratively with the Junior School Leadership Team to plan, coordinate and deliver Junior School events and activities to a consistently high standard.
• In collaboration with the Manager, Outside School Hours Care (OSHC), provide oversight of the Junior School OSHC service, ensuring effective operations, appropriate governance and a high standard of care and experience for students and families.
• In collaboration with the Coordinator Academic Operations and Scheduling K–12, oversee Junior School operational planning, including timetabling, daily organisation, staff coverage and duty rosters, ensuring the efficient deployment of people and resources.
• In collaboration with the CYGNUS Coordinator K–12 provide oversight of the Junior School CYGNUS program, ensuring a broad, balanced and high-quality co-curricular offering aligned with student interests and School priorities.
• Anticipate operational risks, pressures and emerging needs and develop practical, timely solutions that support continuity, safety and high performance across the Junior School.
• Collaborate with members of the Senior School Leadership Team and relevant whole-school teams to strengthen consistency, alignment and operational continuity across campuses.

Leading Professional Practice

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of contemporary educational research, emerging practice and sector developments, evaluating their relevance and application within the context of CGGS and the Junior School and ELC
• Foster a culture of high expectations, professional responsibility, continuous improvement and evidence-informed practice, in which staff are supported and challenged to achieve excellence.
• Lead a strong culture of professional learning, reflection and growth across the Junior School, ensuring professional development is purposeful, responsive and aligned with School and Junior School priorities.
• Lead and oversee professional growth processes within the Junior School and ELC, including, professional dialogue, observation, feedback, coaching, mentoring and opportunities for leadership development.
• Support the Deputy Principal – Head of Junior School and ELC in the leadership and management of Junior School staff, including workforce planning, recruitment and selection, staff deployment, induction, probation and professional growth
• Work with the Deputy Principal – Head of Junior School and ELC to ensure clear professional expectations and high standards of practice are understood and consistently maintained, providing timely support, feedback and guidance to staff where required.
• Support the Deputy Principal – Head of Junior School and ELC in responding constructively and appropriately to staff matters, concerns and workplace challenges, consistent with School policies, procedures and values.
• Foster a positive and high-performing professional culture in which staff feel valued, supported and accountable, and where open communication, collaboration and shared responsibility are expected and encouraged.
• Engage members of the Junior School Leadership Team in the ongoing review of professional practice, policies, processes and programs, using evidence and agreed measures to strengthen student learning, wellbeing and experience.
• Use School data, student learning evidence and relevant analytics to identify areas of strength and improvement, inform professional priorities and evaluate the impact of programs and practice.
• In collaboration with the Director of Junior School (Learning and Innovation) and the Head of Inclusive Learning and Enrichment, strengthen teaching practice and ensure staff are supported to provide high-quality, responsive and appropriately challenging learning for all students.
• Support the development and maintenance of physical spaces and environments that reflect the School’s values
• Ensure Junior School professional practice reflects the expectations of the IB Primary Years Programme, IB Middle Years Programme and relevant IB Programme Standards and Practices, contributing to a culture of inquiry, collaboration, reflection and ongoing improvement.
• Advise the Deputy Principal – Head of Junior School and ELC on matters relating to staffing, professional practice, organisational structures, resources, spaces and processes that impact the effectiveness and performance of the Junior School.

Collaborative Leadership

• Work as an active and collaborative member of the Junior School Leadership Team, contributing beyond individual portfolio responsibilities to the collective leadership, culture, performance and strategic direction of the Junior School.
• Work in close partnership with the Director of Junior School (Early Years), Director of Junior School (Student Care and Experience) and Director of Junior School (Learning and Innovation) to provide coherent and integrated leadership of student learning, wellbeing, engagement and experience.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of consistent approaches, expectations and practices across the Junior School and ELC
• Support the Deputy Principal – Head of Junior School and ELC in the consideration and management of complex or escalated student matters, providing informed recommendations and ensuring communication, documentation and follow-up are clear, timely and appropriate.
• Establish, model and maintain high expectations for student behaviour, relationships, participation and presentation, supporting staff to implement agreed expectations consistently, relationally and developmentally.
• Promote student agency and voice within Junior School decision-making, ensuring students have meaningful opportunities to contribute to their learning, community, leadership and School experience.
• Foster a culture in which students are known, valued, appropriately challenged and supported to flourish academically, socially, emotionally and personally.
• Contribute to clear and consistent communication with families, particularly where matters involve multiple areas of the Junior School and ELC, ensuring families experience a coordinated and responsive approach rather than separate portfolio-based responses.
• Represent and support the collective decisions of the Junior School Leadership Team, contributing to a culture of trust, shared responsibility, professional dialogue and collective accountability for the success of the Junior School.

Representation and Communication

• Represent the Junior School and ELC and CGGS as a whole to the wider community and advance the School’s place in primary education
• Build professional networks with other schools, community organisations and professional associations beyond the School
• Provide professional contributions to conferences, publications, and communications platforms
• Work with the admissions team to welcome families into the CGGS community.

General

• Maintain familiarity with required reporting requirements and legislation as they relate to the school and assist with their preparation and delivery as required
• Maintain a teaching load (0.2FTE) and participation in the co-curricular program
• Other duties as required by the Principal
• As required, and in consultation with the Deputy Principal – Head of Junior School and ELC, act as their delegate in child protection matters and mandatory reporting.

To note: It is the nature of the work at CGGS that tasks and responsibilities are, in many circumstances, unpredictable and varied. All staff members are therefore expected to work in a flexible way when the occasion arises and undertake tasks that are not specifically covered in the position description.

Qualifications and Relevant Experience

• Relevant Teaching qualifications with Master level study highly regarded
• Ability to maintain a WWVP clearance
• Ability to maintain ACT teacher’s registration through the ACT TQI
• Previous experience in a significant leadership role in a school
• Experience leading programs and initiatives that support the education of the whole child
• Experience and/or understanding of the PYP and/or MYP
• A strong knowledge of education for primary-aged students (Early Years to Year 6)
• A strong knowledge of the educational and developmental needs of girls, together with an understanding of the needs of young boys through to Year 3, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, female-focused education within a co-educational early learning and junior primary context.

This is a full-time ongoing position to commence in January 2027.  A full position description can be found on the Employment page of our website: https://www.cggs.act.edu.au/careers

Working at CGGS: The details Your place. Your purpose. Your possible.

Your key benefits:

• Competitive remuneration packages.
• Discounted fees.
• Free onsite gym and heated pool.
• Salary sacrifice options.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Flu vaccinations.

Your professional advancement:

• Authentic and practical leadership development opportunities.
• Significant time allowances for leadership positions. 
• A generous professional learning budget.
• Opportunities to be part of committees to learn and grow.
• Accredited courses and compliance training.
• Active research and conference presentation opportunities.
• Formal appraisal process for professional development and career advancement.
• First Aid training.

How to apply

Your application package should include the following information.

1: Cover letter 

Please provide a brief statement (one page) outlining what you would bring to this position, what you would expect to achieve in the role and reflect on your experience in relation to the role responsibilities.

2: Curriculum Vitae

• Contact information
• Employment history
• Education and qualifications
• Other skills and achievements
• Citizenship or confirmation of right to work in Australia

3: Referee details 

Please include the contact information of three referees, including your current line manager. Referees will be contacted after interviews have taken place and only after prior consultation with you.

4: Submit your application 

Submit your application via the online application form on the Employment page of our website https://www.cggs.act.edu.au/careers  

Queries regarding this position should be directed via email to employment@cggs.act.edu.au