General Membership

Membership for Heads of Independent Schools

AHISA members enjoy the unique benefits of collegiality, professional learning and influencing education policy and practice. There are a number of different memberships types for Heads of Schools, depending on your circumstances.

Membership Benefits

Professional Support

  • Advisor Program: Access to a free mentoring initiative connecting newly appointed Heads with experienced peers or Former Members for one-on-one guidance.
  • Reflective Supervision: Confidential, structured support to enhance wellbeing and effectiveness, facilitated by professionally trained supervisors (from 2025).

Professional Learning

  • National & State Events: Invitations to attend exclusive conferences, symposia, and member-only forums that address emerging trends, leadership strategy, and wellbeing.
  • Reconnect Conference: A signature program for Heads in their 4th–5th years of Headship, focusing on career reflection, leadership development, and future planning.

Advocacy & Influence

  • Representation in Education Policy: AHISA speaks with a national voice to governments, regulators, and education stakeholders, representing the collective wisdom and concerns of independent school leaders.
  • Submissions & Consultation: Opportunity to contribute to national submissions and policy development, ensuring independent schools are heard.

Publications & Resources

  • Senior Staff & Heads Remuneration Report: Exclusive access to national data on Independent School remuneration (available to survey participants).
  • Board Business Newsletter: A resource to help foster strong relationships between Heads and School Boards.
  • AHISA Resource Library: Access to shared materials, templates, reports, surveys, and research that support daily leadership work.

Community & Collegiality

  • National Network of Peers: Be part of a trusted and supportive community of over 480 Heads of independent schools across Australia.
  • State Branches: Regional opportunities to connect, collaborate and learn with fellow school leaders.

For membership information, please contact the AHISA National Office on [email protected] or calling 02 6247 7300.

To find out more about different types of membership, click below:

General Membership

General Membership may be offered to the Head of an Australian non-government school which is not-for-profit and where the Head has the autonomy to determine staffing, curriculum offerings and administration of the school.

Interim Membership

Interim Membership may be offered to the Acting or Interim Head of a non-government school which is not-for-profit and where the Head has the autonomy to determine staffing, curriculum offerings and administration of the school. This is for those who are contracted for a short period of time.

Overseas Membership

Overseas membership may be offered to Heads of schools in other countries who would largely qualify for general membership if their school was in Australia.