Reflect, rejuvenate and undertake professional learning with a paid sabbatical
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Last updated 31 March 2025
The Secondary Principals' Sabbatical gives you paid leave so you can reflect, rejuvenate and undertake professional learning. Each year, we offer 40 paid full-time equivalent sabbaticals to principals in state-integrated secondary schools.
There are 3 sabbatical types available:
A 10-week sabbatical, which may be taken in 2 blocks with school-board approval.
A 5-week sabbatical.
A 3-week sabbatical.
Blocks must be a minimum of 3 complete weeks.
You can also apply for a reimbursement of costs clearly associated with your sabbatical to a maximum of NZD$5,000.
Application period opening soon
The application period for the 2026 Secondary Principals’ Sabbatical will open in June 2025.
Key sabbatical information
Secondary Principals' Sabbatical 2026
Number of sabbaticals available
40
Application period opening date
2 June 2025
Application period closing date
30 June 2025
Notification date
15 August 2025
If you want to apply for a Secondary Principals' Sabbatical, you must:
be employed under the Secondary Principals’ Collective Agreement (SPCA) or applicable individual employment agreement (IEA)
have at least 5 years' service as a secondary or area principal in a state or state-integrated school at the time of taking the sabbatical
have the support of your school board or your employer, including any agreed costs
intend to continue in a role in the education workforce.
Purpose of your sabbatical
State the purpose of your sabbatical in terms of your professional learning, and describe the work planned for the period of the sabbatical.
Benefits of sabbatical
Outline the benefits of your sabbatical activities to yourself, your students, your school, and your community. Your proposal should specify the expected nature of the benefits of the sabbatical, including the impact on students’ learning outcomes.
Costing schedule
Provide a detailed costing schedule for your proposal, if your school board is covering some or all costs associated with your sabbatical.
Reporting
Describe how you will share your sabbatical findings and who you will share them with.
You will have a 250-word limit to answer each question. You will also be asked to provide generic employment information.
