Principal – Tereora College

The Cook Islands Ministry of Education invites applications for the position of Principal – Tereora College, the largest secondary school in the Cook Islands.

With a roll of over 700 students in Years 9–13, Tereora College delivers the New Zealand NCEA qualification at Levels 1–3 and plays a pivotal role in preparing young Cook Islanders for tertiary study, employment, and leadership.

This is a significant national leadership opportunity. The successful candidate will lead the College during a period of strategic reform and system strengthening aligned to the Cook Islands Education Masterplan 2024–2034 and the implementation of ongoing New Zealand qualifications reforms, including changes to NCEA and literacy and numeracy co-requisites.

The role requires an experienced secondary leader who can provide clear direction, strengthen professional culture, raise student achievement, and build confidence across the school community.

We are seeking a leader who demonstrates:

• Proven success leading a large secondary school or comparable senior secondary setting.
• A strong track record of improving student achievement outcomes, particularly within senior secondary pathways.
• Deep understanding of the New Zealand Qualifications Framework and current NCEA reforms, including literacy and numeracy co-requisites.
• Experience leading organisational development and strengthening professional practice.
• Strong staff leadership, performance management, and team-building capability.
• Sound governance understanding and ability to operate within legislative and accountability frameworks.
• Financial and resource management competence.
• Strategic planning capability aligned to national education priorities.
• High levels of integrity, sound judgement, and professional resilience.
• Cultural responsiveness and the ability to engage effectively within a Pacific community context.

The Principal reports directly to the Ministry of Education and is accountable for educational, operational, and organisational performance.

This role offers the opportunity to lead at national level in a culturally rich Pacific environment while contributing meaningfully to the future of secondary education in the Cook Islands.

Contract start date negotiable.

For an application pack and further information, visit the Ministry of Education Headquarters in Nikao or www.education.gov.ck, or contact the Human Resources Management Division on +682 29357.

Applications close 20 March 2026.
Email completed applications to: vacancy@education.gov.ck