Program overview

The School Admin Reduction Program aims to support schools through streamlined operations, improved processes and practices, and administrative workload reduction.

Participation in the program will provide schools with targeted resources, additional temporary staffing for 2025 and 2026, and tailored training to enhance the capabilities of their school administrative and support staff (SASS) team. It’s designed to support staff workload and wellbeing, fostering an environment where students can thrive.

The program also works with schools to develop resources for all NSW public schools aligned with the School Excellence Framework (SEF). These resources will provide operational guidance that supports and complements existing departmental policies and procedures.

The key objectives of the School Admin Reduction Program are to:

• Improve Operational Efficiency
  The program seeks to streamline school operations, reduce workload, and improve the management of school systems and processes. Creating an efficient and effective operational environment gives schools more time to focus on teaching and learning.
• Deliver Targeted Support for Schools
  The program prioritises schools with identified administrative and operational need, providing them with additional support, resources, and temporary staffing. This approach ensures that resources are used where they can have the greatest impact.
• Free up Time for Core Business
  With targeted support and improved school operations, teachers and principals will be freed up to focus on teaching and learning.
• Build Leadership and Staff Capability
  Through tailored training and access to best-practice guidelines, the program empowers school leaders and SASS to lead operational excellence in their school.
• Sustain Long-Term Improvements
  We will provide schools with practical strategies to maintain improvements and track their impact.

Delivering on Our Plan for NSW Public Education

This program is a key initiative in delivering on Our Plan for NSW Public Education. By addressing workload pressures to ensure a manageable workload for all staff, we’re striving to ensure that teachers and staff feel valued, included, and fully supported in delivering their best work.

Additionally, we’re committed to providing schools with the necessary staff and specialists, focusing resources where they are most needed, and developing targeted, evidence-based supports. Our ultimate goal is to ensure every learner has access to a high-quality education that empowers them to excel.

Program impact

Formerly known as the School Admin Improvement Program (SAIP), the program has supported 419 schools across NSW in 2023 and 2024, improving workload management, operational efficiency, and allowing educators to focus on teaching and learning. Feedback from schools has highlighted several positive outcomes, including:

• Reduced Administrative Workload for Teachers: Additional temporary staffing allowed teachers to spend more time on lesson preparation and teaching.
• Enhanced School Operations for Principals: Principals gained new insights into operational improvements, enhancing day-to-day school management.
• Professional Development for Administrative Staff: School Administrative and Support Staff (SASS) received targeted training, equipping them with the tools needed to support a modern school effectively.