Victorian Aspiring Principal Assessment (VAPA) FAQs
About the VAPA
What is the Victorian Aspiring Principal Assessment (VAPA)?
The VAPA:
- is an assessment for aspiring or past principals that determines if you are ready to be appointed as a Victorian government substantive principal
- assesses your current leadership capability and emotional intelligence competencies to lead a school community
- identifies your targeted future professional development needs
- recognises the strengths, potential and expertise of educators in Victorian schools
- is accessible, equitable and designed to meet the system’s demand for high-quality, capable principals
- supports aspiring principal potential regardless of school and personal context.
Why has it been implemented?
The VAPA:
- supports Victoria’s education system by identifying and preparing the next generation of principals
- aims to identify and prepare every aspiring principal for the complexities of the principal role by ensuring they gain deep insight into their leadership capabilities and areas for development
- evaluates aspiring principals’ professional practice using instruments aligned with the Australian Professional Standard for Principals (AITSL, 2014) and evaluates aspiring principals’ emotionally intelligent leadership competencies
- gives the community and the system confidence that all new principals are ready to lead when they take up a principal appointment.
What is the VAPA requirement?
The VAPA requirement is outlined in the Policy and Advisory Library: Recruitment in Schools entry, which states:
In addition, and unless otherwise determined by the Secretary, to be eligible for appointment as a principal a person must either:
- be a substantive Principal of a registered school in Victoria; or
- have a statement of readiness following completion of the Victorian Aspiring Principal Assessment (VAPA).
Are there any exemptions to the VAPA requirement?
The Department’s Policy and Advisory Library includes related policy information, guidance and resources. Contact Employee Relations for any enquiries about the policy requirement: employee.relations@education.vic.gov.au.
Who assesses the VAPA?
VAPA assessors are highly experienced school and system leaders with a deep understanding of school leadership and the principal role.
The VAPA process
Who can apply for the VAPA?
The VAPA is open to all school leaders and aspiring principals in government and non-government schools; people from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
The VAPA is fully subsidised for all Victorian government and non-government school candidates.
How do I apply for the VAPA?
Details are available on the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership website.
I’m an aspiring principal. How long does the VAPA take to complete?
The minimum time commitment is approximately 18 hours, and the VAPA can be completed in a minimum of five weeks or up to three months. Candidates work with their assessors to determine an agreed timeframe.
I’m a past principal. How long does the VAPA take to complete?
The minimum time commitment is approximately 4 hours.
What is the process for aspiring principals?
1 – Application
This stage determines your suitability for the VAPA and involves a short biography and a narrated sample of practice.
Applications are reviewed. Successful applicants receive a formal offer of place in the assessment.
Applicants who are not recommended to complete the VAPA receive feedback, targeted suggested professional development and may choose to reapply in the future.
2 – Assessment
The assessment process is a mixed-method approach, consisting of:
- 360-degree assessment – the candidate, their principal (or supervisor or line manager), peers and a community member each complete two online surveys collecting perspectives on the leadership capabilities and emotional intelligence competencies.
- Portfolio – the candidate compiles written narratives and provides evidence of their leadership experience, which demonstrates their skills, knowledge, competencies and/or behaviours across a number of Performance Indicators. Up to 450 words per narrative.
- Interview – the interview is behavioural based, seeks evidence of leadership experience and looks to address any identified evidence gaps from the 360-degree leadership capability assessment and portfolio.
3 – Outcome
You will receive two reports that indicate your strengths and areas for development (one each on leadership capability and emotional intelligence competencies). You and an assessor will meet twice to debrief (approx. 60 minutes each), using the reports as the basis of a professional discussion focusing on your strengths and areas that may be targeted to maximise growth.
You will either:
- receive a Met outcome and be issued a Statement of Readiness
or - receive a Not Yet Met outcome and provided with an opportunity for further support and to re-sit the assessment.
What is the process for past principals?
1 – Application
To apply, past principals must register for the VAPA and select ‘past principal’ on the registration form.
This will assign you to the streamlined past principal process. Applications are reviewed and successful applicants receive a formal offer of place in the assessment.
2 – Assessment
You must:
- submit a biography and leadership narrative
- complete a 360-degree emotional intelligence assessment (approx. 1 hour).
3 – Outcome
You will receive a report on your emotional intelligence competencies that indicates your strengths and areas for development.
You and an assessor will meet to debrief (approx. 60 minutes), using the report as the basis of a professional discussion focusing on your strengths and areas that may be targeted to maximise growth.
You will either:
- receive a Met outcome and be issued a Statement of Readiness
or - receive a Not Yet Met outcome and provided with an opportunity for further support and to re-sit the assessment.
What happens if I do not receive a Statement of Readiness?
You can opt-in to further support to develop your capabilities, before re-completing the assessment. Candidates are supported through a leadership development plan. Each candidate’s assessment profile will determine the specific timeline and requirements.
Does a Statement of Readiness expire?
The Statement of Readiness does not have an expiry date.
Do I need to inform the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) that I have a Statement of Readiness?
No, you do not need to inform the VIT.
Further information: Unlocking Potential
What is Unlocking Potential: Principal Preparation?
Unlocking Potential: Principal Preparation (UP) is an Academy program for aspiring principals that builds participants’ confidence, skillset and professional knowledge for the principal role, before their first appointment in the role.
What is the difference between the VAPA and UP?
UP prepares aspiring leaders for the work of the principal role and leading schools, whereas the VAPA assesses a candidate's readiness for the principal role.
UP can prepare you for the VAPA; however, it is not compulsory to participate in UP to undertake the VAPA.
I have already completed UP. Why do I have to complete the VAPA?
The VAPA is a developmental assessment process that determines your readiness for the principal role and is a requirement if you wish to be appointed as a substantive principal.
I have completed the VAPA. Why would I now complete UP?
Your VAPA outcome may indicate that completing UP would strengthen your aspiring principal capabilities, skills, and professional knowledge in preparation for a principal role. To best prepare yourself for the principal role, it is recommended that you consider completing UP.
