School Leadership Survey: 360 degree review

The SLS360 is an easy-to-use survey tool. The survey and feedback process has been described by some Principals as “transformational”, not just for their own leadership, but also for their senior staff and middle leaders.

It is purposefully designed to be a formative snapshot which can guide professional growth and renewal. To date, 1,900+ Principals and senior staff from AHISA schools have undertaken the program. The survey tool is managed by Sydney-based company Xref, while an AHISA consultant will be appointed to liaise with you and carry out the debriefing interview. The consultant's role is to assist with a balanced and constructive reading of the survey findings to support participants to build meaningful, manageable and strategic responses for themselves and by extension, their school.

The SLS360 is a valued service provided for AHISA’s members, offering collegial and experienced support for Principals and senior team members who are interested in pursuing and modelling continuous improvement and development.

Seven Simple steps to leadership appraisal, reflection and action:

graphic showing steps to completing a 360 School Leadership Survey

In partnership with XRef Engage

Interested in doing the SLS360 Survey in your school?

To find out more, or to book an SLS360 with your preferred consultant, please contact AHISA National Office on 02 6247 7300 or email [email protected].

Member testimonials

'The whole process, due to the national comparative data and also the breakdown of the internal survey data, was so much richer for setting goals'
Catherine O'Kane, Principal, All Hallows' School, Brisbane

'It highlights areas that you need to focus on and also helps you to prioritise those areas in relation to the strategic plan of the school or the school's priorities.'
Donella Beare, Principal, St Stephen's School, Perth

'The debriefing was very helpful and encouraged me to reflect on the data and use it as part of my action plan'
Mark Stower, former Principal, Villanova College, Brisbane

Consultants

Malcolm Lamb AM

An educator, school leader and mentor, Malcolm is a former chair of AHISA and a former principal of Pembroke School, SA (1991-2010). Since leaving Pembroke, Malcolm has undertaken a variety of roles helping independent school boards and principals with change management, staff appointments and professional appraisals.

Dr David Mulford

David was a Principal of three AHISA schools for 28 years. He now mentors both Principals and senior staff, conducts school reviews on various topics, leads appraisal of senior staff, joins selection panels, provides governance advice, serves on two school Boards and speaks at various forums.

Brian Kennelly

Brian Kennelly is an experienced educator having held senior leadership positions in a variety of Independent Schools within NSW, SA, NT and VIC, in addition to the Middle East. Brian has led three Independent Schools as Principal over a 16 year period including Kinross Wolaroi in Orange, St Narsai (Western Sydney) and the Essington School (Darwin). He has been responsible for leading major school improvements. Since his last Principalship, Brian has specialised in leadership development of Principals and Senior Leadership teams. Brian's experience includes Boarding Schools, Coeducational, Single sex and both faith-based and non-faith-based schools.

Bobby Court

Bobby has been a principal in Catholic independent schools for over 20 years. An enthusiastic member of AHISA since 1998, she passionately promotes and encourages the vital role of the principal and their leadership teams, for which she has been acknowledged by both ACE and ACEL. She has served and been involved with senior secondary authorities, universities and the AHISA National Board. Her current work with school regulatory authorities and Boards continues to build her experience and knowledge of good governance and management strategies, particularly around child safeguarding.

Meg Melville

Meg has extensive experience in the independent education sector, having held a number of leadership positions including Head of Senior School, Penrhos College (10 years) and Principal, Penrhos College (10 years), retiring in 2020. In 2021, Meg completed the NMAS Mediation Course at the University of Western Australia Law School. Her consulting involves working closely with the independent school sector across mediation, school reviews, recruitment, department restructures and workplace counselling. Meg has continued her association with AHISA post principalship, as the AHISA Professional Fellow, WA, since 2021, and she welcomes the opportunity to work with schools delivering the SLS360.

Jon Charlton

Jon has a rich history working with young people in schools, on the street, and in church. As a Principal, he was instrumental in driving and leading his school in a very successful transition to becoming a co-educational provider. Jon has also worked as a Deputy Head, Head of Middle School, School Chaplain and Baptist Pastor. Currently Jon works as an AHISA Professional Fellow in the Victorian Branch, offering programs of support and development for new and aspiring principals. In addition to this work, Jon also provides advice to school leaders on strategy and change management, and sits on staff selection panels.

Janelle Anderson

Janelle has been a school-based educator for 41 years, including serving as Principal at St Peters Lutheran College and Faith Lutheran College, Plainland. She enjoys working with staff professionally and believes it is vital that teachers reflect on their practice for the various roles they hold. With a passion for working with prospective Senior Leaders, Janelle serves as the AHISA Professional Fellow for the QLD Branch. She has worked as a School Improvement Consultant and Assessor for Highly Accomplished and Lead Teachers.

Clare Nocka

Clare has 15 years of experience in executive leadership in Catholic Primary and R to 12 settings. She was Principal of St Mary's College and member of AHISA for eight years (2017-2024). Prior to executive leadership, Claire worked as a teachers, education consultant and program coordinator at the University of South Australia. Since finishing school leadership, Clare has established a consultancy practice focusing on leadership, team, and school culture development. What matters most in Clare's ongoing work, is growing workplace cultures where people can show up at their best and find joy, meaning and purpose in their work; this all starts with leadership. Clare serves as the AHISA Professional fellow for the SA/NT Branch.