What Principals and Vice-Principals Do
Principals and Vice-Principals lead learning and the day-to-day life of BC public schools. They work with students, staff, families, Indigenous communities, and district teams to create the conditions in which every student can learn, belong, and thrive. Their roles combine educational leadership, relationships, sound judgment, and responsibility for school operations.
At A Glance
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Keep student learning, well-being, and belonging at the centre of decisions
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Lead teaching, learning, assessment, and continuous improvement
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Support staff growth and build collaborative school cultures
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Advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and reconciliation in school practice
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Partner with families, Indigenous communities, and community organizations
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Oversee safe, effective, and accountable school operations
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Lead learning and improvement
School leaders work with educators to implement BC curriculum, strengthen instruction, and use evidence of student learning to identify what is working and what needs to change. They coordinate school priorities with district and provincial directions, support professional learning, and help staff respond to the strengths and needs of their students.
Support every student
Principals oversee educational programs, student placement, assessment and reporting, and the overall conduct of students both at school and at school activities. With staff and families, Principals and Vice-Principals help remove barriers to learning and coordinate appropriate supports for students with disabilities or diverse abilities and other learners. They work to make schools welcoming, respectful, and safe.
Build strong teams and relationships
School leaders guide and support teachers and other staff, encourage collaboration, and address difficult issues with care and sound judgment. They consult with teachers on class organization and student placement, and engage students, families, and parent advisory councils as appropriate. They connect the school with district colleagues and community partners.
Advance reconciliation and equity
Principals and Vice-Principals help make Indigenous perspectives, histories, and ways of knowing meaningful in school life and learning. They build respectful relationships with local First Nations and Indigenous families and communities, and lead practices that strengthen belonging and success for Indigenous students and all learners.
Steward the school
School leaders organize people, programs, schedules, and resources so that teaching and learning can take place. They oversee school records, student assessment and reporting, and work with district staff on facilities, budgets, and safety. They carry out board policies and provincial requirements while responding to the needs of their school communities.
The Principal has formal responsibility for administering and supervising the school under BC’s School Regulation. Vice-Principals share in leadership and carry out duties assigned or authorized by the Principal and board. The work varies with the school, district and community.