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 Leadership for School Excellence program incorporates the Harvard Principals’ Centre in Australia 5-day program in Sydney, 12-16 January 2026, and is complemented by follow-up sessions co-designed by Orbis, Harvard faculty members, and current and former program alumni.
This immersive experience 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 change and accelerate learning for all students. Every session has been specifically crafted for the local educational landscape and delves into crucial areas of importance to school and preschool leaders including culture, strategy, wellbeing and engagement.
This is an empowering opportunity for you to:
- learn through Harvard 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
- benefit from engaging with a network of Harvard faculty and fellow principals and preschool directors throughout the year.
Learning objectives
Through participation in the program you’ll:
- gain a deeper understanding of the leadership skills needed to establish high expectations for instructional quality
- learn new leadership frameworks for creating and sustaining change
- develop a leadership strategy that aligns resources and initiatives around an evidence-based approach
- foster learner achievement by increasing engagement among family members, community, stakeholders and school leaders
- explore the emotional and psychological well-being of learners and leaders.
Eligibility
This program is designed for school and preschool leaders with a minimum of 2 years’ experience. If you’re successful you must be available to attend all program days and follow-up sessions.
Program costs
Orbis will fund up to 20 principals and preschool directors to participate in the program.
Funding covers:
- program costs valued at $6,550 (early bird rate) per participant
- the cost of accommodation at Rydges Sydney Hotel (5 nights)
- return economy flights to Sydney
- follow-up sessions at Orbis.
How to apply
Applications for 2026 Harvard leadership programs are now closed.
Principals and preschool directors will be notified when applications open again for future programs.