The Allan Labor Government has commenced the search for outstanding educators to lead the 19 brand-new schools that will open across the state in 2026.
Minister for Education Ben Carroll today announced current and aspiring principals can apply for positions at the new schools, comprising 13 primary, three secondary, two specialist and one P-9, opening in 2026.
The schools, which are known by interim names, are:
- Ballarto Road Primary School
- Casey Central Primary School
- Clyde Creek North Primary School
- Clyde Creek North Secondary School
- Cobblebank Secondary School
- Fishermans Bend Primary School
- Horseshoe Bend Primary School
- Leneva (Frederic Street Road) Primary School
- Lockerbie Secondary School
- Lockerbie Specialist School
- Mickleham South Primary School
- Plumpton Primary School
- Point Cook South P–9
- Point Cook South Specialist School
- Tarneit Plains Primary School
- Toolern Waters Primary School
- Wallan East Primary School
- Warralily Park Primary School
- Wollert Andrews Road Primary School
Successful applicants will start their new roles in Term two next year, giving them nine months to prepare for the 2026 school year. During this time, they will recruit teachers and staff, develop the school's vision and values, the curriculum and organisational structures, and create an identity for the school through its brand and uniform.
Applications to lead the new schools are open via the Department of Education’s Recruitment Online portal, closing Friday, 8 November.
Since coming into government, the Victorian Government has invested $16.9 billion to build new schools and undertake more than 2,200 school upgrades across Victoria. This investment has not only improved educational facilities across the state, it has also supported more than 26,000 jobs in construction and associated industries.
The state’s newest principals will have the support they need to thrive in their unique and critical roles, with the Government continuing to grow the teaching workforce, including through a range of initiatives to support the attraction, recruitment and retention of staff.
This includes scholarships to make degrees free, financial incentives for hard to fill roles, and paid placements for people training to be teachers and employment-based degrees. These initiatives helped to grow the government schools teaching workforce by 1700 teachers over the past year, with further growth expected in 2025.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Ben Carroll
“There’s never been a better time to take on the unique and critical role of principal at a Victorian government school, inspiring and supporting students while shaping the future of our state day in, day out.”
“Each of the 19 schools opening in 2026 presents an exciting opportunity for current and aspiring school principals to lead, backed by the state’s growing teaching workforce.”
Media contact: Bree Guthrie 0456 655 050 | bree.guthrie@minstaff.vic.gov.au