Professional Development for Principals
– The Principal Pathway
Good to Great Schools Australia (GGSA) provides dedicated professional learning for principals to develop from foundational instructional leadership to mastery. The Principal Pathway supports both new and experienced school leaders to strengthen teaching quality, lead improvement with fidelity, and build positive, high-expectations school cultures.
The Principal Pathway sits within the Mastery Teaching Pathway (MTP) and is designed for principals, deputy principals and heads of department who oversee teaching and learning. It focuses on instructional leadership, data-driven improvement, collegial practice and community engagement as core responsibilities of school leadership.
Strengthen Your Leadership
Engage in a structured leadership development pathway that builds your capacity to lead effective teaching, support staff growth and drive whole-school improvement with confidence.
Use Data Effectively
Develop the capability to analyse teaching and learning data, evaluate impact, and lead continuous improvement cycles that result in measurable gains for students.
Build Stronger Teams
Learn to foster collegiality across leadership and teaching teams, establish shared practice, and build a collaborative culture aligned to high expectations and instructional consistency.
Principal Learning Plan
When principals join the GGSA Membership Platform and select their role, a personalised Principal Learning Plan is automatically generated.
The Learning Plan:
- tracks core and elective modules
- outlines development milestones and certification options
- identifies required knowledge, skills and practices at each stage
- records evidence of completion and mastery.
This plan provides a clear roadmap from foundational leadership capability through to lead-level instructional leadership.
How the Pathway Works
Enrol and Create Your Learning Plan
Join the GGSA Membership Platform and receive a personalised Principal Learning Plan that tracks modules, milestones, and certification options.
Complete Prerequisite Modules
Begin with two prerequisite modules:
Learn Effective Teaching Essentials
Learn Cycles of School Practice
Complete Leadership Core Modules
Progress through leadership-focused core modules that develop Instruction leadership, school improvement capability, and high-expectations school culture.
Apply Learning Across the School
Apply learning by leading professional learning cycles, coaching structures, and whole-school improvement strategies.
Evidence, Certification and RPL
Certificates of Completion are automatically issued and stored in your Evidence Portfolio to support accreditation, CPD, and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Extend with Electives (Optional)
Choose elective modules to deepen leadership capability, support specific school priorities, or strengthen community engagement.
What You Will Learn
The principal professional learning modules are designed to build strong instructional leadership and school improvement capability.
Leading Effective Teaching
Establish and sustain consistent, evidence-based instruction across classrooms.
Leading Cycles of School Practice
Embed structured improvement cycles that strengthen teaching over time.
School Improvement and Data Use
Analyse data to make informed decisions and adjust strategies for impact.
Influence Culture and High Expectations
Build leadership practices that foster positive behaviour, strong partnerships and accountability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read through our FAQs to get answers to our most common queries.
Want to get in touch? Send our team an email at info@goodtogreatschools.org.au. We are happy to help.
How do I track my progress through the Mastery Teaching Pathway?
Your progress is tracked through your personalised Principal Learning Plan, which outlines required modules, milestones and certification requirements. Progress and next steps are visible at all times within the platform.
Can prior learning or leadership experience be recognised for certification?
Yes. Previous leadership experience and qualifications may be reviewed through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) once required GGSA modules and evidence are completed.
How do I gain accreditation or certification as a school leader?
Accreditation is achieved by completing GGSA modules first and demonstrating mastery through evidence. Your Evidence Portfolio is then assessed by a partner university to determine RPL towards formal leadership qualifications.
Can I adjust my learning plan as my goals evolve?
Absolutely. Learning plans are flexible and can be updated to reflect role changes, new priorities or evolving school needs.
What will I get out of this course?
You will gain the strategic capability to lead instructional improvement, strengthen teaching quality and build a high-performance school culture. The pathway equips principals with practical frameworks for leadership, data-informed decision-making and sustained improvement.
What qualification will I get?
You receive certificates for every completed module, building a digital Evidence Portfolio. This portfolio supports applications for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) with partner universities and may contribute credit towards postgraduate leadership qualifications, including Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas or a Master of Education (Leadership), depending on the provider’s assessment.
How will it increase my job prospects?
This pathway validates your expertise as an instructional leader and demonstrates your ability to lead complex school environments. It positions you as a strong candidate for senior leadership and executive roles by evidencing mastery of effective teaching, school improvement and high-expectations leadership.
Who supports me during my leadership development journey?
You receive ongoing support from the GGSA team, access to collegial professional learning, principal coaching and mentoring opportunities, and collaboration forums with other school leaders. Live consultations can be booked at any stage of the pathway for targeted guidance and support.