Principals remain one of the most powerful forces in shaping the success of NSW public schools.

Their leadership sets the tone for teaching, learning and wellbeing across more than 2200 public schools, creating environments where every student can thrive.

NSW Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said principal effectiveness was one of the greatest assets we have in public education.

“That leadership shows up in big strategic decisions — and in the small, human moments that define a school’s culture,” Mr Dizdar said.

“Just recently, Hornsby High School principal Bryce Grant was filmed walking younger students across Peats Ferry Road at the end of the day.”

It’s something Mr Grant does rain, hail or shine, and the video resonated for a reason: families recognised a leader who genuinely cares for his students’ safety and wellbeing.

“The local community has long appreciated this daily act of care, but now the whole state has seen what strong, visible leadership looks like,” Mr Dizdar said.

High-performing systems around the world take leadership development seriously, and NSW is no exception.

The State continues to invest heavily in developing outstanding school leaders, with Harvard leadership scholarships available, and the department’s own School Leadership Institute providing world‑class, evidence‑based programs.

These ensure current and future principals are best placed to ensure system ambition meets classroom reality.

Principals don’t just run schools; they shape school cultures that shape every child, lift expectations and build strong communities.

The impact is clear in schools like Endeavour Sports High School, where principal James Kozlowski has led a remarkable turnaround. Enrolments have doubled and academic growth ranks among the state’s best.

“We were not a first-choice school and we tackled that head-on,” Mr Kozlowski said. 

“We went back to basics with explicit teaching, data analysis and meaningful feedback with high expectations for both staff and students.  We set ambitious targets and committed to them long-term.”

Students and staff are now proud to say they learn and work at the school, and local parents are desperate to enroll their children in a school that is now in the top five for average HSC score growth in Sydney. 

“I’m pleased to say that Endeavour Sports High is proof that sport and academic excellence are not mutually exclusive,” Mr Kozlowski said.

“Students now leave with greater aspirations than when they arrived.”

For Melissa Proctor, principal at Greenacre Public School, one of the fundamental roles of a principal is to support the staff alongside setting the culture of the school.

“My role is to build the capacity of my staff so they can build the capacity of students,” Ms Proctor said.

“That means serious investment in professional learning, classroom walkthroughs, and honest feedback.”

Feedback is now an integral part of the culture at Greenacre Public School, along with understanding that the children always come first in decision making.

“As the adults at the school, we have to be the ones that make the changes that ensure the greatest impact on improving student outcomes and building trust in communities,” Ms Proctor said.

“If the students are not learning or their wellbeing is struggling, we have to be the ones who adapt. We can't expect anyone in our community to change unless we're prepared to change ourselves.”

Her and Mr Kozlowski’s experiences, including Harvard leadership scholarships, reinforce that challenges are universal, and courageous, sustained leadership drives real change.

Supported by the NSW Public Schools Leadership Excellence Action Plan, they are backed by high-quality induction, ongoing development and the latest research.

“For families, the message is simple,” Mr Dizdar said.

“NSW public schools are led by committed, capable and continually developing professionals. Your children are in very good hands.”