About the Opportunity

John Paul College (JPC) is seeking an exceptional educational leader to join our Secondary School as Dean of Studies. This is a unique five (5) year opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping academic excellence, driving curriculum innovation, and ensuring the highest quality of learning outcomes for every student from Year 7 to Year 12.

As a key member of the Secondary School Leadership Team, you will provide strategic leadership in curriculum design, assessment and reporting, student pathways, academic integrity, and the oversight of the College’s senior academic programs.

This opportunity has arisen following the departure of a long-serving member of our Secondary School Leadership Team, who is relocating overseas to be closer to family, and we are seeking an exceptional and relational leader to build upon the academic excellence already established at the College, drive high performance into the future, and lead with purpose in alignment with our strategic intent and College values.

The Dean of Studies – Secondary leads with vision, purpose, and a deep commitment to academic excellence.

You will be responsible for:

• Lead, mentor and build a high-performing team of Heads of Faculty, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, instructional excellence, and accountability across all faculties.
• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of a future-focused, vertically aligned curriculum from Year 7 to Year 12, in full compliance with ACARA, QCAA, and ISQ requirements.
• Oversee the College’s senior subject offerings, including General, Applied, VET, and University Subject pathways, ensuring equity, breadth of choice, and successful student outcomes.
• Oversee all external assessment programs including NAPLAN, QCAA, AARA, and ATAR preparation, ensuring full regulatory compliance and effective communication with all stakeholders.
• Lead the College's approach to academic integrity, responsible AI use, and assessment risk management, ensuring fair, valid, and authentic assessment practices.
• Develop and embed robust quality assurance processes that ensure all assessment and reporting practices meet regulatory standards and drive a culture of continuous improvement.
• Providing strategic oversight of Careers, VET, and academic pathways, including acceleration, gifted education, and dual enrolment programs.

This is a highly strategic and collaborative leadership role suited to an accomplished educator who can inspire teams, drive academic improvement at scale, and translate vision into measurable outcomes.

A copy of the full position description is available here.

What You’ll Bring

We are looking for a secondary school academic leader with:

• Proven success in a senior academic or curriculum leadership role within a secondary school setting, with demonstrated impact on teaching practice and student achievement.
• Expert knowledge of contemporary curriculum design, the Australian Curriculum, QCAA Senior Syllabus requirements, and assessment and reporting frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience in overseeing external assessment programs, AARA processes, and QCAA Quality Assurance requirements.
• Experience in leading Careers, VET, and student pathway programs, including the capacity to build and sustain strategic partnerships with industry and tertiary institutions.
• Exceptional skills in using data to drive academic outcomes, inform strategic decision-making, and design targeted interventions.
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and relational leadership skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft applications and demonstrated capacity to quickly master new digital systems and platforms.
• Strong alignment with and demonstrated commitment to upholding the College's core values of Mutual Respect, Integrity, Compassion and Excellence in all interactions.

You will need to have:

• Current QCT registration and relevant teaching qualifications (Master’s degree in Education or related field preferred).
• Current First Aid certification.
• Eligibility to work in Australia.
• Willingness to undergo employment screening and meet child safety legislative requirements.

Why Join John Paul College?

John Paul College is a leading independent co-educational school in Queensland, known for its commitment to innovation, inclusive learning, and academic excellence.

Having been awarded in 2025 for the fifth consecutive year as Employer of Choice, we offer:

• A vibrant and collaborative professional environment.
• Exceptional facilities and resources.
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• A values-based community where every staff member can thrive.

How to Apply:

If you are a strategic and inspiring leader with a passion for academic excellence and a desire to make a real difference in the lives of young people, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Applications can be submitted by clicking “Apply” (Below).

To help us understand your strengths and career goals, please include:

• A detailed cover letter addressed to Mr Jacob Elms, Deputy Principal – Head of Secondary School which includes:

• A brief response to the selection criteria detailed in the position description, and
• An outline of how you will Ignite Ambition in the Dean of Studies – Secondary role at John Paul College.

• Your current resume
• The contact details of at least two professional referees

Applications for this role will close at 11:59pm on Thursday July 9, 2026.

John Paul College is an equal-opportunity employer, and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The College reserves its right to interview and offer this role prior to the closing date of this advertisement. If you are interested in joining John Paul College, please do not hesitate in applying as soon as possible.

John Paul College is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. We embed child safety into everything we do, including how we recruit and support our people. All successful candidates will be required to hold a current Blue Card prior to commencing employment.