Position Information
Cessnock High School is a dynamic learning community in the picturesque Hunter Valley, seamlessly blending its rich heritage with modern upgrades, including enhanced learning spaces and improved campus facilities. With an enrolment of approximately 650 students, including ten dedicated classes for students with disability, our diverse student body reflects the broader community, with 27% identifying as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. We maintain strong ties with the Aboriginal community and collaborate closely with the local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG).As active members of the Cessnock Community of Great Public Schools (CCGPS), we foster a strong focus on student learning and transition.
At Cessnock High School, we are committed to a culture of high expectations and continuous improvement for both students and staff. Our skilled and passionate staff provide students with quality education, diverse opportunities, and personalised support, equipping them with a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success. We challenge every student and teacher to grow each year, working in partnership with our community to create a positive environment where all students are known, valued, and cared for.
Our commitment to quality teaching has led to significant improvements in student outcomes. In 2025 Cessnock High School ranked first in the Hunter region and 7th in New South Wales for value-add growth in NAPLAN results from Year 7 to Year 9. Additionally, our HSC results have improved by more than 50% over the past five years. Looking ahead, our school planning for the 2026-2029 cycle prioritises Quality Teaching, Inclusion, HPGE and Equity. These priorities will be driven through the Strategic Directions of \"Student Growth and Attainment\" and \"Empowered Learners, Expert Teachers\".
Selection Criteria
In addition to the general selection criteria,
1. Demonstrated ability to lead and manage complex schools by implementing strategic initiatives that drive measurable, continuous improvement through strong organisation, communication, and feedback.
2. Evidence of highly visible, emotionally intelligent leadership and collaborative teamwork with staff, executive teams, and the wider community to foster a culture of high expectations, inclusivity, continuous improvement, and the promotion of cultural identity.
3. Demonstrated commitment to leading evidence-based pedagogy and professional learning that enhances teaching and teacher development, using data to monitor and improve quality.
4. Proven expertise collaborating to implement whole-school wellbeing programs and the management of complex cases to support students and families from diverse backgrounds.
General Selection Criteria
1. Successful teaching experience with capacity to initiate improvement in teaching, learning and classroom practice
2. Knowledge of curriculum, assessment and student welfare with the ability to lead and design quality, inclusive teaching and learning programs
3. Educational leadership skills to build the capacity and manage the performance of individuals and teams
4. Well developed communication and interpersonal skills with the capacity to build relationships and engage students, staff and parents
5. Ability to plan and manage resources effectively and equitably to support teaching and learning
6. Knowledge of and commitment to the Department's Aboriginal education policy
Conditions
An unconditional full approval to teach is a requirement. If you do not hold a full approval to teach with the NSW Department of Education, you are required to commence the application process at the same time as you apply for this teaching opportunity.
Special Notes
Applicants are to include details of their WWCC clearance number as part of this application.
About the NSW Department of Education
The Department of Education is the largest provider of public education in Australia with responsibility for delivering high-quality public education to two-thirds of the NSW student population. We welcome applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees, neurodiverse people and people with disability. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better help you shine, please contact the hiring manager using the contact details provided above. For more information, visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion
Merit selection application guidelines for classroom teachers, executives and principals provide clear advice for applicants and selection panels. The guidelines are available here.
To meet the page limits outlined in the guidelines, all application attachments must be submitted in PDF format. Please note that late applications will not be accepted.