There's a belief support for first-time principals is falling short. 

Newstalk ZB analysis has found 970 principals quit in the past three years – one in five within their first year. 

Retirements jumped 26% over the same period. 

Secondary Principals' Council Chair Kate Gainsford told Mike Hosking other countries have solid systems to prepare principals, but we don't. 

She says part of the role teachers can get used to while they're middle and senior leaders, but part can't be learnt until you're actually in the role. 

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