As continuous learners striving to stretch our leadership to the next level, self-directed learning and reflection are key criteria for successful leaders. Essential Skills for Principals & Senior Leaders provides ten short online modules. Principals are automatically enrolled in this self-paced online program which supports the skills and competencies required to be a successful Principal.
Each module includes a short video by an expert in their field, an executive summary and check for understanding assessment. The program is online and self-paced to give Principals time to focus on the topics that most support their current needs. School leadership teams may wish to spend time exploring topic by topic throughout the year for reflection and discussion. Senior leaders (DPs, APs and APREs), with the approval of their line manager, may also enrol in the program.
Descriptions for each module are below:
Module 1 – Crucial Conversations focuses on building effective professional conversations that strengthen trust, collaboration, and accountability in schools. Participants will explore how psychological safety supports open dialogue, respectful challenge, and shared learning, enabling staff to take risks, adapt practice, and improve student outcomes. This session equips educators and leaders to foster a culture where professional conversations drive growth and continuous improvement.
Module 2 –Ethical Decision Making explores the complex decisions faced by school leaders and how to balance the needs of students, staff, and community while meeting legal and ethical obligations. Participants will examine ethical leadership practices grounded in transparency, fairness, and consistency, and how these shape a positive school culture. This session supports principals to make principled decisions that build trust, integrity, and a supportive learning environment for all.
Module 3 – Financial Monitoring focuses on the essential financial leadership skills required by school principals to effectively manage budgets and resources in alignment with educational priorities. Participants will explore principles of transparency, accountability, and strategic planning to ensure funds are used to maximise student learning outcomes. This session supports leaders to make informed, ethical financial decisions that strengthen trust and sustain the school’s mission.
Module 4 – Inspiring Professional Growth focuses on creating a culture of continuous learning that supports educator development and improved student outcomes. Participants will explore how ongoing learning opportunities, constructive feedback, and effective performance reviews build self awareness, refine practice, and support career growth. This session highlights how purposeful feedback and accountability inspire educators to develop their skills and reach their full potential.
Module 5A – Responding to and Managing Complaints focuses on building principals’ capability to handle complaints with empathy, fairness, and professionalism. Participants will explore clear processes, effective communication strategies, and techniques for de escalation and resolution. This session supports leaders to maintain trust, promote open dialogue, and strengthen a positive school culture through constructive problem solving.
Module 5B – Managing Complaints focuses on supporting principals to handle employee complaints with discretion, fairness, and professionalism. Participants will explore structured processes, clear communication, and confidential approaches that ensure objective investigation and resolution. This session supports leaders to maintain staff morale and foster a culture of respect and collaboration within the school community.
Module 6A – Managing Performance and Conduct – Notetaking – Note Taking highlights the importance of clear, accurate documentation in effective performance management. Participants will learn how purposeful note taking supports ongoing feedback, creates reliable records of key incidents and decisions, and strengthens performance and conduct processes. This session reinforces how good documentation improves consistency, accountability, and overall organisational effectiveness.
Module 6B – Managing Underperformance focuses on the leadership skills required to address performance issues early and effectively. Participants will explore proactive strategies to support employees to meet expectations, improve capability, and restore confidence. This session highlights how timely action supports a high performing, positive workplace while maximising individual potential.
Module 7 – Project and Strategic Planning focuses on the essential steps required to deliver successful projects, from setting clear objectives to establishing timelines and allocating resources. Participants will explore how structured planning supports organisation, risk management, and effective decision making. This session highlights how thoughtful planning lays the foundation for achieving project goals and strategic outcomes.
Module 8A – Staff Selection – Using Minimum Employment Periods focuses on how minimum employment periods support stability, commitment, and workforce retention. Participants will examine the importance of effective onboarding, induction, regular check ins, and setting employees up for success within this period. This session also builds understanding of performance management and termination rights during the minimum employment timeframe.
Module 8B – Staff Selection Onboarding – Onboarding explores the critical connection between effective recruitment and purposeful onboarding. Participants will examine how structured induction, clear processes, and a welcoming environment support early productivity, engagement, and retention. This session highlights how a seamless transition from recruitment to onboarding enhances the overall employee experience and long term organisational success.
Module 8C – Staff Selection – Interview Tips for Employers focuses on conducting purposeful, well structured interviews that support fair and effective hiring decisions. Participants will explore preparation strategies, structured questioning, active listening, and the use of clear assessment criteria to guide selection. This session highlights how timely feedback and a professional interview process enhance candidate experience and attract high quality talent.
Module 8D- Staff Selection focuses on the importance of making informed hiring decisions to build a skilled and motivated workforce. Participants will explore how effective selection ensures alignment with organisational values, role expectations, and strategic goals. This session highlights how strong staff selection practices support long term success and employee performance.
Module 9 – Supporting a Healthy Workforce focuses on the importance of prioritising mental health to enhance employee wellbeing, engagement, and productivity. Participants will explore how promoting mental health awareness reduces stigma, supports retention, and fulfils an organisation’s responsibility to provide a safe and healthy workplace. This session highlights the shared benefits of investing in mental wellbeing for both employees and the organisation.
Register for each module following the direct links below.
