President’s Welcome

About the NSW Secondary Principals’ Council

The NSW Secondary Principals’ Council (SPC) is the professional association representing principals of NSW public schools with secondary enrolments.

With 94% of eligible principals as members, the SPC has the clear legitimacy — and an unparalleled depth of expertise — to speak for and represent those who lead secondary public education across our state.

Our work

The SPC advocates for principals and their communities through research, policy engagement, and professional leadership. Our work includes:

  • Providing forums for professional debate and informed decision-making
  • Representing the views of principals to the NSW Department of Education and the NSW Minister for Education
  • Undertaking research and developing high-quality position papers on major educational issues
  • Advocating in the educational and wider community from a considered professional position, informed by deep knowledge of learning, schools, and school leadership
  • Working in alliance with parent organisations and other public education networks on behalf of public schools and their students
  • Co-ordinating professional learning activities and experiences to develop the expertise of principals and school leaders
  • Providing high-quality advice to school leaders and other educational professionals
  • Producing and distributing publications across a variety of communication media
  • Delivering high-quality professional learning programs, often in partnership with other organisations

Our structure

The SPC operates through a participative model built on genuine expertise and democratic representation. Expert reference groups — covering areas including staffing, assets, finance, and student inclusion and wellbeing — bring together principals who volunteer to contribute at a state level.

This state-level work is grounded in a regional organisation that functions as a democratic, representative decision-making model. Regional delegates and issues are forwarded to State Assembly, the SPC’s strategic decision-making body.

Our approach

The SPC is known for its positive and constructive engagement. Our members regard themselves as leading learners — constantly seeking to improve the way we support principals, school communities, and the students of NSW public schools.

Ann Caro, President
NSW Secondary Principals’ Council