Flexible Work for Principals

Flexible work for school leaders funding

The Flexible Work for School Leaders Initiative was launched in the 2024 school year as a pilot program to support schools to facilitate flexible work arrangements. Following the success of the program, the initiative was extended into the 2025 and 2026 school years.

2026 program

All available grants under this initiative have now been allocated for the 2026 school year. Through this initiative, the Department has supported eligible flexible work arrangements by contributing funding equivalent to 0.2 FTE of a school leader's salary. 150 grants were allocated for the 2026 school year.

This funding has enabled participating school leaders to have a cross-over day with their job-share partner or support a new or increased part-time arrangement within a school's leadership team. This initiative aimed to reduce administrative burden on school leaders by providing additional leadership support and promoting work-life balance.

Educational leaders eligible for funding included principals, assistant principals, leading teachers and learning specialists.

Application Process

All available grants under this initiative have now been allocated for the 2026 school year. Current participants will continue to be supported for the duration of their approved funding period.

The Flexible Work Initiatives team is currently collecting expressions of interest for future iterations of the program. Principals or Business Managers may register their interest by emailing schools.initiatives@education.vic.gov.au.

*Please note that registering your interest does not guarantee your school will receive future funding. After submitting your interest, you will be contacted within 3 business days by the Flexible Work Initiatives team with information relating to future funding.

Good News Stories

To learn more, view the videos below showcasing firsthand experiences from school leaders who have previously participated in the Flexible Work for School Leaders initiative. Their stories offer valuable insight into the impact and benefits of the initiative.

Montmorency Primary School - Good new Stories - Flexible Work School Leaders initiative

Belle Vue Primary School - Good news Stories - Flexible Work School Leaders initiatives

St Andrews Primary School - Good news Stories - Flexible Work School Leaders initiatives

For any questions or further information about the Flexible Work for School Leaders initiatives, please contact schools.initiatives@education.vic.gov.au. The team is available to talk through your circumstances and provide guidance or clarification at any stage.

If your query relates to flexible work outside the Flexible Work for School Leaders initiative, the Flexible Work Initiatives Team will connect you with Workplace Relations to support you further.

For information relating to Flexible Work for Classroom Teachers initiatives, see Flexible Work for Classroom Teachers funding policy.