To commence in January 2027

An independent Catholic Boarding and Day College for girls from Years 7-12

Located in Yeppoon, Queensland. 2027 Enrolments: 700

The Board of St Ursula’s College is seeking an exceptional Catholic educational leader to become the next Principal of one of Queensland’s most respected Catholic boarding and day schools for young women.

This is an outstanding opportunity to lead a thriving College with a rich Presentation heritage, a strong sense of purpose and an unwavering commitment to educational excellence, faith formation and the holistic development of every student.

The College has been blessed by outstanding leadership throughout its history. Our current Principal, Mrs Deborah Ryan, has accepted the position of Principal at Mt St Michael’s College and will conclude six years of exemplary leadership at the end of the 2026 school year. Under Mrs Ryan’s leadership, and that of those before her, St Ursula’s College has strengthened its reputation as a vibrant Catholic learning community characterised by outstanding student outcomes, a highly capable and committed staff, strong enrolment demand, and a culture grounded in faith, compassion and excellence.

Building on these strong foundations, the Board is seeking an accomplished educational leader with a deep commitment to Catholic education and the Presentation charism. The successful applicant will bring strategic vision, educational expertise and authentic leadership, together with the ability to foster innovation, nurture strong relationships and lead sustainable improvement. Working in partnership with an experienced and engaged Board and an outstanding Leadership Team, the new Principal will inspire the College community as it continues to flourish and respond confidently to the opportunities and challenges of contemporary education.

For further information about the College community, please visit the College website: https://stursulas.qld.edu.au

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The Selection Panel will seek evidence of the following criteria in an applicant’s documentation and via communication with nominated referees.

1. Committed, practising Catholic
2. Post Graduate Qualifications in Education, Leadership, Religious Education, Theology or similar
3. Current teacher registration in Queensland or eligibility
4. Demonstrated successful and substantive senior leadership experience in Catholic schooling.
5. Eligibility to work in Australia

SELECTION CRITERIA

The successful applicant should be able to provide evidence of meeting the following criteria:

1. Demonstrates a deep commitment to the Catholic tradition, a strong sense of Church and its Educational Mission and experience as a strong faith leader who can animate the Presentation charism
2. Understands and discerns current and future educational trends in student learning, and is able to provide clear leadership and direction towards innovation and excellence
3. Has expertise in leading and implementing strategic initiatives that impact on student progress and achievement, including the implications for education for young women
4. Has demonstrated a commitment to the safety and wellbeing of students, families and staff members and understands the implications for both day and boarding environments
5. Is supportive and generous in spirit in building collegial relationships with all members of the college community, other schools and education authorities
6. Demonstrates a comprehensive level of understanding and enactment of the legislative, governance, financial and compliance requirements applicable to an independent Catholic secondary college.

The St Ursula’s College Board has engaged Leopard Tree Consulting to assist with the search and selection process for this position. For a confidential discussion regarding the application process and to access the candidate information package, please contact Catherine Jackson on 0417 750 106 or email [email protected]

Applications close Friday 31 July 2026 at 5.00pm