The National Flagship Program 2023 - 2024

Celebrating 10 Years of Graduates

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

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

The 2023-2024 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 2023 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

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

Participants from: AIS Member Schools: $10,000.
Any other school or organisation please contact Jenni-Lee Williams.

Standard Descriptors: 65 hours of Elective PD addressing 6.3.4, 6.4.4 and 7.4.4. from the APST

Applications will open in May 2023

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

At a glance
  • 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.”