Principal survey profile
| Gender | Female | Male | |||
| Sample | 54.74% | 45.26% | |||
| NSW1 | 74% | 45.26% | |||
| School Location | Urban | Rural | |||
| Sample | 65.59% | 34.41% | |||
| NSW1 | 72% | 28% | |||
| Years as a Principal | 0–5 | 6–10 | 11–20 | 20+ | |
| Sample | 23.81% | 32.80% | 31.22% | 12.17% | |
| Principal Age Band (Years) | 25–35 | 36–45 | 46–55 | 56–60 | 60+ |
| Sample | 1.05% | 15.26% | 26.84% | 34.21% | 22.63% |
| NSW2 | 1.9% | 17.7% | 37% | 28.3% | 15% |
| Years in Teaching Service | 0–10 | 11–20 | 21–30 | 31+ | |
| Sample | 1.58% | 16.84% | 30.53% | 51.06% | |
| Selection Panels Convened | None | 1–5 | 6–10 | 11–15 | 16+ |
| Sample | 4.21% | 26.32% | 30.53% | 18.95% | 20% |
How effective is the current interview process in the assessment of merit?
| Response | Frequency | % |
|---|---|---|
| The interview process is ineffective | 73 | 54.9 |
| The interview process is effective | 46 | 34.6 |
| Interview is just one part of the process | 8 | 6 |
| There is no alternative to interview | 4 | 3 |
| Unsure | 2 | 1.5 |
Do non-merit variables (NMVs) influence selection panel decisions?
| Response | Frequency | % |
|---|---|---|
| NMVs influence deliberations | 115 | 70 |
| NMVs don’t influence deliberations | 47 | 29 |
| Unsure | 2 | 1 |
Interview profile of principals
| Interview Number | School Type | Gender | Age Band (Years) | Principal Experience (Years) | School Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Primary School | Male | 60+ | 15 | Urban |
| 2 | High School | Male | 60+ | 8 | Rural |
| 3 | Primary School | Female | 56-60 | 13 | Urban |
| 4 | Primary School | Female | 46-55 | 10 | Rural |
| 5 | High School | Male | 46-55 | 10 | Urban |
| 6 | High School | Male | 46-55 | 7 | Rural |
| 7 | High School | Female | 46-55 | 1 | Urban |
| 8 | High School | Male | 46-55 | 10 | Rural |
| 9 | High School | Female | 46-55 | 4 | Urban |
| 10 | Primary School | Female | 36-45 | 2 | Rural |
| 11 | High School | Female | 46-55 | 12 | Urban |
| 12 | Primary School | Male | 36-45 | 4 | Urban |
How much merit selection training has been completed by principals?
| Response | Frequency | % |
|---|---|---|
| None | 27 | 15.4 |
| 1-2 hours | 71 | 40.6 |
| 3-4 hours | 40 | 22.9 |
| 5+ hours | 37 | 21.1 |
Can merit be “measured” objectively?
| Response | Frequency | % |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | 26 | 14.7 |
| Maybe | 54 | 30.5 |
| Unsure | 22 | 12.4 |
| No | 75 | 42.4 |
Is it possible to exclude NMVs when recruiting new school leaders?
| Response | Frequency | % |
|---|---|---|
| Definitely yes | 16 | 9.1 |
| Probably yes | 39 | 22.3 |
| Probably not | 95 | 54.3 |
| Definitely not | 25 | 14.3 |
To what extent are non-merit variables factored into panel deliberations?
| Response | Frequency | % |
|---|---|---|
| Human nature is subjective | 103 | 67.8 |
| Selection criteria / evidence enables objectivity | 48 | 31.6 |
| Unsure | 1 | 0.6 |
Principal perspectives on the reliability of the current merit selection process
| Response | Frequency | % |
|---|---|---|
| It facilitates best fit | 80 | 47.2 |
| It raises integrity concerns | 79 | 46.8 |
| Problematic software/time consuming | 5 | 3 |
| Selection requires a practical component | 5 | 3 |