Secondary principals' sabbatical

The Secondary Principals' Sabbatical provides up to 10 school weeks' paid leave for you to undertake professional learning activities, reflection and rejuvenation.

You can apply for a ten-week sabbatical (which may be taken in two blocks with board of trustees' approval), a five-week sabbatical or a three-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 $5,000.

Each year there are 40 paid full-time equivalent sabbaticals, available to principals in state or state integrated secondary schools covered by the Secondary Principals’ Collective Agreement (SPCA).

Am I eligible for a Secondary Principals’ Sabbatical?

If you wish to apply for a Secondary Principals' Sabbatical, you must: 

• be employed under the SPCA or applicable Individual Employment Agreement (IEA)
• have at least five 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 the board of trustees or your employer, including any agreed costs
• intend to continue in a role in the education workforce.

Read about previous recipients’ professional learning

You can read previous recipients' sabbatical reports on the Educational Leaders’ website. 

Contact Us

We're here to help. If you can't find the answer you're looking for in the application guidelines, get in touch with us by calling 0800 165 225 or email teacher.studyawards@education.govt.nz