Te Wā Whakatā Whakaako mō ngā Tumuaki Kura Tuatahi
Primary Principals' Sabbaticals
Reflect, rejuvenate and undertake professional learning with a paid sabbatical
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Last updated 8 July 2025
Primary Principals' Sabbatical
The Primary Principals' Sabbatical gives you paid leave for 10 school weeks so you can reflect, rejuvenate and undertake professional learning. Each year, we offer 105 sabbaticals to principals in state or state-integrated primary schools.
Long-Serving Primary Principals' Sabbatical
Following the settlement of the Primary Principals’ Collective Agreement (PPCA) in 2023, we are now offering 20 Long-Serving Principals' Sabbaticals of 20 weeks for experienced principals from 2024.
Application period closed
The application period for the 2026 Primary Principals' Sabbatical closed on Monday 30 June. We will be accepting applications again in 2026.
Key sabbatical information
Primary Principals' Sabbaticals 2026
Number of sabbaticals available
105 + 20 for long-serving principals
Application period opening date
3 June 2025
Application period closing date
30 June 2025
Notification date
15 August 2025
Eligibility
To apply for a Primary Principals' Sabbatical, you must:
be employed under the Primary Principals’ Collective Agreement (PPCA) or applicable individual employment agreement (IEA)
be employed as a primary principal in a New Zealand state or state-integrated school
have the support of your school board or employer, including any agreed costs
hold a current Tiwhikete Whakaakoranga Tūturu | Full Practising Certificate (Category One)
have completed at least 5 years' service as a principal in New Zealand state or state-integrated schools.
To be eligible for the Long-Serving Primary Principals' Sabbatical, you must have completed at least 15 years' service as a principal in New Zealand state or state-integrated schools and not have previously been awarded a sabbatical.
We give preference to applicants who have not received a study award or sabbatical in the last 5 years.
