Principal: Inner Sydney Montessori School (ISMS)

About the Role

This appointment represents an important opportunity for the school as it builds on its Montessori foundations while strengthening academic outcomes, community confidence and long-term sustainability.

The Board is seeking an experienced leader who can build and strengthen the school’s academic, cultural and operational performance.

The Principal is responsible for the overall leadership, management and performance of the school, including:

• Providing for the delivery of excellent educational, social and emotional development of children
• Leading and strengthening authentic Montessori practice across the school
• Ensuring consistently high-quality teaching and learning, with a clear focus on strong student outcomes across both the Montessori and NSW curriculum frameworks
• Building trust and connection with families and the wider community
• Supporting and developing a committed and collaborative staff team
• Fostering and embodying an inclusive growth culture
• Providing clear, steady leadership to ensure confidence and stability
• Supporting sustainable enrolment growth and student retention
• Ensuring effective school operations, governance and compliance

The school delivers a high standard of education through both Montessori pedagogy and the NSW curriculum framework. The Principal will play a key role in upholding and strengthening this through authentic Montessori leadership, high-quality teaching and learning, and a clear focus on student outcomes.

The Principal will also play a key role in strengthening the school community, building trust with staff, students and families, while supporting enrolment stability over time.

This is a visible leadership role requiring presence, sound judgement, and the ability to lead with confidence across a range of priorities.

About the School

Inner Sydney Montessori School is an established, community-focused school with a strong foundation in Montessori education.

The school provides a high-quality learning environment that combines authentic Montessori pedagogy with the NSW curriculum framework. It is supported by a committed staff team and an engaged parent community, with a clear focus on student development, wellbeing and academic progress.

About You

We are looking for a Principal with a genuine understanding of Montessori education and a deep respect for child-led learning.

The successful candidate will:

• Demonstrate an authentic understanding of Montessori philosophy in practice
• Lead with integrity, care and clarity
• Build strong relationships with staff, students and the wider community
• Provide steady, confident leadership across the school
• Support and develop staff within a collaborative and professional environment with clear expectations
• Maintain a clear focus on academic standards and student outcomes
• Be comfortable leading through a period of development and change

The Board is particularly interested in candidates who are reflective, values-led and comfortable leading through a period of development and change.

Experience & Background

The successful candidate will bring:

• Proven experience in a senior school leadership role, with responsibility for whole-school leadership or a significant portfolio
• A strong and authentic understanding of Montessori education, or clear evidence of the ability to lead within a Montessori environment
• Relevant teaching qualifications and eligibility to work within NSW schools
• Demonstrated experience leading teaching and learning, with accountability for academic standards and student outcomes
• Experience leading, developing and managing staff performance
• Experience contributing to or leading school operations, including planning, resourcing and working with governance structures
• The ability to build credibility and trust through clear communication and consistent leadership

Why Join Inner Sydney Montessori School

• An established school with a clear identity and strong Montessori foundation
• A committed and engaged school community
• The opportunity to lead across both Montessori pedagogy and the NSW curriculum framework
• A visible leadership role with responsibility across all aspects of the school
• The opportunity to contribute to the ongoing development of the school

Further Information & Application

This role is being managed through Sure Step Training and Consultancy. For more information, including the Candidate Engagement Pack, contact the team on recruitment@suresteptc.com or call them for a confidential chat on 1300 112 490.

Applications should include:

• A covering letter addressing the selection criteria outlined in the Candidate Engagement Pack
• A current CV

Closing date: 1 May 2026