Glenunga International High School
Glenunga International High School (GIHS) is a highly respected values based public school, recognised for academic excellence, innovation, student agency and holistic education.
Located in the eastern suburbs approximately four kilometres from the Adelaide CBD, the school employs around 260 staff and caters for approximately 2,344 students in Years 7–12 representing 103 cultural backgrounds.
As an accredited IB World School and Council of International Schools (CIS), Glenunga offers a rich and contemporary learning environment supported by the flagship IGNITE gifted program and a culture grounded in international mindedness, inclusion and high achievement. The School is also at the forefront of world-leading research and innovation, partnering with the university sector to develop significant evidence-based new approaches to student learning and assessment.
GIHS’s sustained academic performance, and focus on student wellbeing, diversity and high expectations, are all considered foundational strengths of the school. Comprehensive South Australian Curriculum, SACE, IB and VET opportunities enable students to pursue pathways aligned with their strengths, interests and aspirations.
Having served as Principal at GIHS since 2008, Wendy Johnson AM recently announced her retirement and will conclude her tenure at the end of 2026, after a significant contribution to innovation, implementing student agency and improving student outcomes at the School and a decorated career in the sector.
Key responsibilities of this pivotal role will include:
- shaping and delivering the strategy for the School;
- ensuring best practice holistic education and contemporary academic and co-curricular offerings;
- managing and developing the human, financial and physical assets of the organisation in a manner that enhances future viability and success;
- acting as a proactive public face and champion for the School and ensuring effective communication with all key stakeholders.
This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic, future focused and proven research informed educational leader to guide GIHS into its next era. The ideal candidate will bring the capability to lead complex change thoughtfully, inspire confidence across a diverse community and sustain the school’s strong commitment to academic excellence, student agency, wellbeing and innovation. Leading a large secondary school that operates as an integrated community where everyone is committed to the same vision, a deep understanding of how to effectively work with and through people will be critical for success.
Courage, resilience, creativity and sound operational judgement will be essential, alongside authenticity, visibility and cultural responsiveness. A leader who can balance high performance with humanity and care, lead with vision, purpose and humble confidence, communicate with clarity, and foster an ambitious yet sustainable culture of high expectations will thrive in this pivotal role.
Experience in public sector education is welcomed but not required.
This role offers genuine leadership scope, a supportive community, and the opportunity to shape outcomes that matter for students, staff and families.
Further Information / How to Apply
- Visit gihs.sa.edu.au for further information on the School.
- Confidential enquiries are welcome to Justin Hinora and Andrew Reed at Hender Consulting on (08) 8100 8827.
- Visit henderconsulting.com.au for a job and person specification and instructions on how to apply. All applications must be submitted via EduJobs jobs.education.sa.gov.au
