Head of Special Education Services (H01) - Thornlands State School - Special Education Program

Education (Organisation site)

Metropolitan South Region - School and Regional Operations and Performance Division

Thornlands State School is seeking an experienced and highly collaborative Head of Special Education Services to lead Inclusion and Engagement in our large primary school. The role requires an experienced leader who can analyse student learning data, model high expectations and coach staff to strengthen teaching practice and improve A–E achievement outcomes for all learners.

The successful applicant will lead a shared vision for inclusive practices that ensures every student is able to access, participate and succeed in high-quality learning. This is a temporary full-time position for Term 2, 2026 unless otherwise determined.

Job details

• Position status: Fixed Term Temporary
• Position type: Full-time
• Occupational group: Education & Training
• Classification: Stream 2 /HO1
• Workplace Location: Brisbane - South
• Job ad reference: QLD/MSR682653/26T
• Closing date: 31-Mar-2026
• Yearly salary: $141088 - $143582
• Fortnightly salary: $5407.90 - $5503.50
• Total remuneration:
• Salary Other:
• Job duration: Until 26 June 2026 unless otherwise determined
• Contact person: Kristy Sullivan
• Contact details: 07 3821 8111 Access the National Relay Service

About Us:

Thornlands State School is a high performing primary school located in the heart of the Redlands. Our school community is united by a shared commitment to our vision of “Growing the Whole Child”, ensuring every student achieves success. Our staff work collaboratively to deliver high-quality, evidence-informed teaching that supports the diverse needs of all learners. We place a strong focus on inclusive practices, data-informed decision making, high expectations and continuous improvement.

About the Role:

The Head of Special Education Services (HOSES) at Thornlands State School is a key member of the leadership team and provides instructional leadership in inclusive education across the school. Working collaboratively with the Principal and leadership team, the HOSES will build the capability of teachers and support staff to implement evidence-based inclusive pedagogies, differentiated teaching practices and targeted interventions within a multi-tiered system of support. The HOSES will also develop strong partnerships with families, staff and external agencies to coordinate effective support for students and contribute to the school's broader improvement agenda through strategic leadership and collaborative practice.

We are seeking an experienced and highly collaborative inclusion leader who demonstrates:

• Strong expertise in inclusive education leadership
• Deep understanding of differentiated instruction and inclusive pedagogies
• Proven ability to analyse and use data to drive school improvement
• Capacity to lead and build teacher capability in evidence-based teaching practices
• Strong knowledge of adjustments, inclusive curriculum, and disability support frameworks
• Ability to lead whole-school approaches to inclusion and differentiation
• Exceptional interpersonal and partnership-building skills
• Commitment to high expectations, and excellence for all students

This role would suit a candidate with experience in:

• Inclusive education leadership
• Response to Intervention / MTSS frameworks
• Whole-school inclusion strategy
• Data-driven improvement
• Collaborative and instructional leadership within a school improvement agenda

Please refer to the attached role description for any mandatory requirements for this position.

How to apply:

• Please submit a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant previous work history); and
• A 2-pg written statement in response to the attached role description.

We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive.

Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department.

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity .

For a full list of the position responsibilities and mandatory requirements, please ensure you download the attached Role Description and Applicant Information Package and follow the instructions.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• MSR682653_26T - Role Description (PDF, 254KB) Role Description
• Applicant Information Package (PDF, 232KB) Information Package for Applicants