The National Flagship Program 2024 - 2025

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


Please note: The National Flagship Program 2025 is currently oversubscribed and we are currently in the interview phase of applications. You are invited to complete this application and will be placed on a priority waiting list and offered an interview, should places become available. If the Program remains at capacity, we will automatically place your application into the Flagship 2025-2026 cohort and contact you next year. If you wish to apply, please scroll down.

This internationally acclaimed 11-month program is purposeful, immersive, and transformational leadership learning for experienced senior leaders and aspiring principals.

The 2024-2025 program includes both face-to-face and online days, principal shadowing, 360° profile, a professional companion, as well as presentations from experts in their fields.

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 WSU, an Educational MBA specifically designed for graduates of this program. Participants will also have the opportunity for school visits, shadowing an experienced school Principal and a corporate leader.

Key features of it 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 December 2024 will open for application mid-year.

“We invite you to embark on this learning journey now, to continue your growth as a leader, and in doing so, inspire leadership in others.”

Jenni-Lee Williams,
Dean, AIS Leadership Centre

  • 10 face-to-face days over 10 months
  • Three online meetings
  • Pre-reading and associated activities prior to each program day
  • Leadership of a school-based, strategically aligned change initiative 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
  • Shadowing a corporate leader
  • 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
  • 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.”