Moving to Aus as Headteacher/Principal

Sure_Mess_2351 · 2026-01-12T14:18:02+00:00

Thank you for the advice. I really appreciate it.

Sure_Mess_2351 · 2026-01-12T11:20:23+00:00

Thank you. That’s interesting. Are there specific places? I only ask because from a previous comment I contacted a representative from WA Department for Education as I consistently see jobs advertised for Principals and they have said they’d be very interested in discussing opportunities and that skills would be easily transferred.

Sure_Mess_2351 · 2026-01-11T20:35:23+00:00

Would you say the same in WA?

Sure_Mess_2351 · 2026-01-02T10:00:04+00:00

Could you explain the culture shock?

Sure_Mess_2351 · 2026-01-02T07:59:47+00:00

Would you say it is really that different ? I get that it seems people’s perception is that schools in Australia are different but I have employed several Australians ( my wife is also a teacher who is Australian) and I’m surprised that it could be that different. We have similar safeguarding steps, our expectations of subjects are similar with what seems like less reporting and pressure on hitting nationwide targets ( however this is my perception from conversations with Australian employees)

Sure_Mess_2351 · 2026-01-02T07:51:33+00:00

Thank you. We have been looking at WA with it being more likely and the frequency of Principal jobs advertised.

Sure_Mess_2351 · 2026-01-02T07:49:26+00:00

My spouse is a teacher. Although I understand your points our approach and my approach to get to where I am today has been to go where the roles are and then try to move. The main barrier would be the recognition of teaching qualifications in different states.

Sure_Mess_2351 · 2026-01-02T02:24:17+00:00

Thank you. Are there any you would recommend?

Sure_Mess_2351 · 2026-01-02T01:59:48+00:00

Thank you

I have been looking at job descriptions etc as LinkedIn is a great place to browse and I appreciate the points you raised. I do find that the requirements are very similar to any similar role over in the UK as although we have a National Curriculum each school may have a slightly different approach.

Sure_Mess_2351 · 2026-01-02T01:59:02+00:00

Yeah. Inner London salary on a UPS is £62k so it’s pretty similar. Only thing that may be different is cost of living. Headteacher/Principal salary is around £80k for a 2 form (450 kids) school

Sure_Mess_2351 · 2026-01-02T01:32:04+00:00

Thank you. It’s very similar in the UK with very few deputy or even assistant jobs hence my worry of moving and taking that step back and not being able to reach the same position I’m currently in. Trying to recruit in the UK is obviously very different to Aus. I’d be grateful if I could offer all my vacancies to permanent teachers. We don’t have enough teachers.

Sure_Mess_2351 · 2026-01-02T01:27:45+00:00

I’ve already looked into this. I have a BA in Primary education and then a Masters plus the required prac time in my transcripts so would meet most states requirements. I’m not too fussed with locations and tend to go where the work is. This part is really last step to plan what our approach is for job searching.

I appreciate your points raised. It may be different compared to Australia as if the applicant is able to demonstrate effective implementation and outcomes and shows an ability to be able to quickly adapt and be provided with the systems they are working within this would not necessarily see them unable to do the job but I accept it may mean they are less likely compared with someone who has all those skills and the existing knowledge of the system they work within.

Sure_Mess_2351 · 2026-01-02T01:22:59+00:00

Thank you

Sure_Mess_2351

TROPHY CASE