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 4 June 2026
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 now open
You must have ESL access to apply. Your ESL account must be linked to your current school with “TeachNZ Study Awards” role. Contact your school’s ESL Delegated Authoriser or visit the Applications & Online Systems website for help.
Applications for the 2027 Primary Principals' Sabbatical are open.
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.
Make sure to upload your supporting documents to the online application form or you will be unable to apply.
If you are unable to provide evidence to support your application before the closing date, please email teacher.studyawards@education.govt.nz to be considered for a late application.
Contact us
If you have any questions, we're here to help.
See our Contact us page for more information on how to get in touch.
