Millthorpe Public School assistant principal Penny Granger was one of 52 school executives who took part in the first aspiring principals leadership program in Sydney, which focuses on educational leadership rather than school administration as the heart of a principal’s role.

Filling the leadership position at Millthorpe for the third year, Mrs Granger said she hopes the training will ensure the best outcomes for students in the public education system.

“They say leadership is the second most influential thing for student outcomes, second to teaching. The training really identifies that idea and the value of developing leaders,” Mrs Granger said.

She said being given the chance to identify where leadership could improve would be an asset to the school and the community.

"The school is one of the very important links in the chain of our community,” Mrs Granger said.

“It’s the community that makes our school so great – we’re so proud that we can support them when they generate so much support for us.”

Education Minister Rob Stokes said the program will equip educators with skills in curriculum planning, student progress, teaching quality and student well being.

“We know that the best school principals are those who are constantly working to lift student outcomes through improved teaching quality,” Mr Stokes said.

“This program will inspire and equip future principals to focus on the teaching capacity and strength of the schools they lead.”

The program comprises eight seminars over 12 months with one-on-one coaching, support from a trained facilitator and online learning throughout the year. 

It has been designed by the University of Wollongong in partnership with the NSW Government’s new School Leadership Institute, which is tasked with identifying and training future principals.

Mrs Granger is currently one of three assistant principals at Millthorpe, with Principal Joanne Jackett filling the top leadership position.

The Park Street primary has undergone rapid enrolment growth in the past 10 years, from around 180 students in six classes, to 290 students in 12 classes and a teaching staff of 20.

The facility is used for community meetings and by various sports groups.