LEADERSHIP

The ASPA 2026 Policy Briefing articulates the Australian Secondary Principals’ Association’s policy positions and strategic priorities for secondary education and school leadership across Australia.

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This 2026 edition reflects significant policy developments following the 2025 ASPA National Summit, the implementation of the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement 2025–2034, and emerging national reforms including the proposed National Teaching and Learning Commission. It also addresses critical and contemporary challenges confronting schools and school leaders, including principal health and wellbeing, workforce sustainability, equitable funding and regulation, technological change, and student wellbeing and inclusion.

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The Policy Briefing builds upon ASPA’s established advocacy framework, consolidating evidence, research, and the professional insights of secondary principals to advance a more equitable, coherent, and sustainable education system. It outlines ASPA’s considered positions across key domains including school funding and accountability, workforce quality and development, secondary curriculum and assessment pathways, inclusive education, digital learning and artificial intelligence, collaboration between principals’ associations and education systems, and national system reform and harmonisation.

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This document is intended to inform government, education stakeholders, and the broader community of ASPA’s evidence-based approach to policy and its commitment to strengthening secondary education, supporting effective school leadership, and promoting positive outcomes for all students.