You’ll work with colleagues from Australia and New Zealand, exploring techniques and leading practices as you develop leadership plans tailored to your school’s or preschool’s context.
I absolutely loved the experience - it was one of the best PD opportunities I have ever done. The connections made with leaders from Australia and New Zealand, Harvard lecturers, along with the rich conversations and moments of vulnerability, will stay with me forever. I appreciated seeing things through a new lens and being challenged in a safe space.
Gordon Combes, Preschool Director, The Briars Preschool
Program overview
The Principals’ Centre in Australia is designed to provide school leaders in Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia with the knowledge, leadership strategies, and tools to become effective leaders of instructional change and accelerate learning for all students.
Program details
This immersive program has been crafted specifically for the local educational landscape. Led by the Harvard faculty, every session delves into crucial areas of importance to school and preschool leaders including culture, strategy, family and community engagement, and mental health and wellbeing.
This is an empowering opportunity for you to:
- learn through faculty-led sessions and case studies using Australia-specific examples and learning contexts
- participate in facilitated discussion groups that engage peers in collaborative learning and reflection
- reflect on and refine personal leadership goals
- create a plan to develop the leadership within your school
- build lasting connections by engaging with faculty and fellow principals and site leaders in your cohort.
Program objectives
Through participation in the program you’ll:
- gain a deeper understanding of the leadership skills needed to establish high expectations, including how to cultivate a learning culture that prioritises learning for all
- become a more effective educational leader and learn new leadership approaches for creating change and building optimal conditions for learning
- develop leadership strategies informed by relevant data to make evidence-based decisions that align resources and initiatives
- foster improved outcomes by increasing the involvement of family members, community stakeholders and school principals or preschool directors.
Program costs
Orbis will fund:
- program costs valued at approximately $6,250 per participant
- the cost of accommodation at Rydges Sydney Hotel (5 nights)
- return economy flights to Sydney.
How to apply
Applications for the 2025 Leadership for School Excellence program have closed.
To be notified when applications open for the 2026 program, please head to plink.