Independent Principal Support Aligned with the Professional Growth Cycle

Edsolnz provides professional, independent support services that promote both the development and evaluation of principal performance. Our process aligns with the Teaching Council’s Professional Growth Cycle (PGC), ensuring our processes meet practising certificate requirements while contributing meaningfully to school leadership development.

Whether you're a school board seeking assurance or a principal focused on growth, our programmes offer a structured, evidence-informed approach grounded in clarity, collaboration, and context.

For School Boards and Principals

Our principal support service is designed for school boards seeking an external, objective appraisal partner - and for principals who value meaningful, professional feedback. Whether you’re leading a primary, intermediate, or secondary school, our support helps ensure performance review processes are fair, constructive, and aligned with your school’s unique goals and context.

A Collaborative Principal Support Process Grounded in Best Practice

We work closely with principals and school boards to deliver a transparent, constructive process that is both developmental and evaluative. Built around the Professional Growth Cycle and supported by the New Zealand Principals’ Collective Agreements, our approach answers key questions such as:

• What is the principal required to do?
• Is the principal doing a good job?
• How do we know?
• What are the focus areas for the year ahead?

Our principal support process follows five key phases:

1. Understanding the School Context
   We begin by reviewing your school’s strategic plan, challenges, and community context to ensure relevance and alignment.
2. Initial Meeting & Goal Setting
   We work with the principal and school board to clarify expectations, agree on key performance areas, and identify evidence-gathering methods.
3. Ongoing Support & Check-ins
   Regular engagements throughout the year offer opportunities for self-reflection, progress reviews, and developmental feedback.
4. Evidence Review & Final Evaluation
   We synthesise data including self-appraisal, staff and school board feedback, and relevant performance evidence into a clear, constructive report.
5. Feedback & Planning Ahead
   The final meeting involves a reflective conversation with the school board sub-committee and principal, identifying focus areas for the year ahead.

Supporting Growth, Governance, and Strategic Planning

• Aligns principal performance with school board strategy
• Clarifies expectations between school boards and principals
• Provides assurance around regulatory compliance and performance standards
• Encourages ongoing development through meaningful feedback
• Strengthens trust and collaboration within your school’s leadership structure