About the programme
Principalship carries profound responsibility for learners, whānau, kaiako, and communities.
The Aspiring Principal Programme supports experienced school leaders who are preparing to step into that responsibility with confidence, sound judgement, and integrity.
Delivered by the University of Waikato through Te Whai Toi Tangata and Poutama Pounamu, this national programme focuses on leadership readiness before appointment. It provides space to think deeply, reflect honestly, and strengthen professional capability within a real leadership context.
Leadership in Aotearoa is relational and grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi. This programme reflects this through mentoring, collaborative learning, and inquiry-based practice.
Funded by the Ministry of Education.
Contact us or email to enquire about Aspiring Principals
2027 Intake
Applications for the 2027 intake open on 1 September 2026. The Aspiring Principal Programme has available intake for 200 people each year. It is designed for teachers wanting to move into a principal role in the next two to three years.
Find out more on the programme webpage and sign up for updates on the application process:
How the Programme Works
1:1 Mentoring
Each participant is paired with an experienced principal in a dedicated one-to-one mentoring partnership.
This relationship provides a trusted space for professional dialogue, practical insight, and thoughtful exploration of what principalship requires in practice.
The focus is on preparation and professional readiness.
Regional Wānanga
Termly regional wānanga bring aspiring leaders together to share thinking, test ideas, and learn collectively.
These sessions deepen leadership capability and strengthen professional networks across Aotearoa.
Leadership inquiry
Participants undertake a context-based leadership inquiry aligned to their Individual Leadership Plan.
This supports deliberate, practice-based growth grounded in their own school environments.
Mentor future principals
Experienced principals play a stewardship role in strengthening leadership succession across Aotearoa.
If you are an in-practice principal interested in mentoring an aspiring principal in a one-to-one partnership, you can learn more on the Ministry website. (opens in a new tab)
Mentoring in this programme supports leaders before appointment and contributes to sustainable transitions into principalship.
Our commitment
Strong principalship shapes school culture, direction, and outcomes.
By investing in leadership preparation before appointment, this programme strengthens the future of school leadership across Aotearoa.
We are honoured to work alongside leaders who are stepping forward with purpose.