About the Middle Leadership Development Program

The Middle Leadership Development Program (MLDP) is tailored specifically for the needs of assistant principals and head teachers in NSW public schools. 

It provides targeted, evidence-informed professional learning to build on strengths and develop the capacity of middle leaders. The MLDP helps lift student achievement by developing the capabilities of the leaders who have a direct impact in classrooms. 

It also provides principals and deputy principals with the opportunity to enhance and reflect on their own leadership practice by taking part as facilitators.

Participants in the MLDP engage in a mix of conferences, online sessions, self-paced e-learning and other activities. 

The program has been developed in partnership with experts from the University of Newcastle and the University of Wollongong, with leading academics delivering key components. 

Program components

The MLDP is a 12-month program starting in Term 1 2024 and finishing in Term 4. It is delivered through a blend of face-to-face conferences, online leadership seminars, and intersessional activities including self-paced modules.

Participant commitment is 8 days (2 full days per each term). All participants study the 5 key themes: identity, improvement, influence, belonging, and leading high-performing teams. In addition, participants select to study one of the 3 specialist themes: leading Aboriginal education, leading assessment and pedagogy, or leading staff performance and development through coaching.  

Each participant will conduct a practice-based project over the course of the program and will also take part in the SLI’s 360 Leadership Survey to identify areas for leadership development.

All participants will be supported by an experienced principal or deputy principal facilitator to support their leadership learning.

Program details and how to apply

Additional information about the Middle Leadership Development Program is available on our Leadership Resources pages (staff only).