The National Flagship Program 2025 - 2026

A rigorous, holistic program for experienced senior leaders and aspiring principals

Applications for the National Flagship Program 2026 are now open.

Apply here
Brochure
Program

Over 11 powerful months, this globally acclaimed program propels experienced senior leaders and aspiring principals into a transformational journey, that challenges assumptions, sharpens purpose, and redefines what leadership can be in the complex, human work of leading schools.

The rigorous design of the program, which includes pre-readings and assignments prior to each of the face-to-face days, means that it is eligible for up to 50% credit with 16 universities around Australia for a Master of Educational Leadership and, in the case of Western Sydney University, an Educational MBA specifically designed for graduates of this program.

  • Key features include:
  • The inner journey of leadership
  • Theory to practice
  • Academic rigour
  • A cohort structure
  • Multiple learning contexts
  • Learning and support from experts in the field

If you are an experienced senior leader considering principalship or seeking to refine your senior executive role, The National Flagship Program commencing in November 2025 will open for application mid-year.

- Penny Brown,
 Head, The Leadership Centre

The National Flagship Program 2025 - 2026

Location: AISNSW Conference Centre, Level 12, 99 York Street SYDNEY NSW 2000

The National Flagship Program 2025-2026 provides 65 hours of professional learning which meets the criteria for NESA Accredited PD in the optional Priority Area of Leadership to support the learning outcomes of students/children under standards 6.3.4, 6.4.4 and 7.2.4

What do participants say?

“The AIS Flagship Program is the best professional learning opportunity I have had the privilege of participating in. Challenging and engaging, yet highly collaborative and supportive, the program ticks all the boxes for high-end educational leadership.”

- Alan Jones
Principal, Christ Church Grammar School, WA

What do principals say?

“The calibre of participants in the Flagship Program fills me with hope for the future of leadership in independent schools.”

- Phillip Heath
Head of Barker College, NSW

What do participants say?

“The most valuable personal and professional development I have ever undertaken.”

- Terrie Jones
Head of St Michael's Grammar School, VIC

  • 10 face-to-face days over 11 months
  • Five online meetings
  • Pre-reading and associated activities prior to each program day
  • Leadership of a school-based, strategical leadership challenge with a presentation of the outcomes on Day 10
  • A reflective summative 5000-word essay
  • A 360-degree Leadership Circle™ Profile
  • A Professional Companion
  • Shadowing an experienced school Principal
  • Structured school visits
  • An in-school mentor
  • Presentation reflecting beliefs of leadership, learning, education and schooling
  • University credit at over 15 universities across Australia
  • Application-based
  • A limited number of partial scholarships are available on application

Professional Standards

The National Flagship Program addresses both the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers and the Australian Professional Standard for Principals and contributes 65 hours of elective professional development addressing 6.3.4, 6.4.4 and 7.4.4 from the APST. Eligible candidates in schools from all sectors across Australia and beyond are encouraged to apply.

AITSL, 2017

“By developing a disposition for learning, a broad range of skills, and the confidence and aptitude to apply them with impact, aspiring and new principals will be better prepared to keep pace with trends and new research, and respond effectively to culturally diverse communities. This helps to develop principals who are agile, informed and successful in the role.”