20 Independent School Heads in South East Queensland

Last updated: 12 August 2026

School leadership in South East Queensland covers a wide mix of independent schools, from long-established Brisbane schools to growing communities on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. This list brings together 20 school heads and principals whose current leadership roles are named in official school material.

Why this list matters

A school leader’s role is bigger than a title on an organisation chart. Principals and headmasters help shape the learning environment, support staff, work with families and carry the school’s direction into the wider community.

1. Alan Campbell

Alan Campbell is the Headmaster at Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie), an independent school in East Brisbane. Churchie publishes separate material for international students alongside its school leadership information.

2. Brendan Cahill

Brendan Cahill is the Principal at Brigidine College, an independent school in Indooroopilly. Brigidine College describes itself as a Catholic girls school in Brisbane.

3. Gary O’Brien

Gary O’Brien is the Principal at Cannon Hill Anglican College, an independent school in Cannon Hill. The college presents its leadership through an Anglican school community based in Brisbane’s east.

4. Andrew Cousins

Andrew Cousins is the Principal at Clayfield College, an independent school in Clayfield. Clayfield College’s principal welcome covers a co-educational day and boarding school.

5. Jacinda Euler Welsh

Jacinda Euler Welsh is the Principal at Brisbane Girls Grammar School, an independent school in Spring Hill. Her school profile says she became Principal of Brisbane Girls Grammar School in 2024.

6. Anthony Micallef

Anthony Micallef is the Headmaster at Brisbane Grammar School, an independent school in Spring Hill. Brisbane Grammar School’s profile identifies Anthony Micallef as its Headmaster from 2024.

7. John O’Sullivan Williams

John O’Sullivan Williams is the Headmaster at St Paul’s School, an independent school in Bald Hills. St Paul’s publishes a senior leadership team page that places the Headmaster within the wider school leadership group.

8. Tim Kotzur

Tim Kotzur is the Principal at St Peters Lutheran College, an independent school in Indooroopilly. The Rock newsletter records his welcome to the 2026 school year.

9. Toni Riordan

Toni Riordan is the Principal at St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School, an independent school in Corinda. St Aidan’s 2026 international handbook identifies Toni Riordan as Principal.

10. Ros Curtis

Ros Curtis is the Principal at St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School, an independent school in Ascot. St Margaret’s presents its school as a day and boarding community for girls.

11. Deborah Priest

Deborah Priest is the Principal at Somerville House, an independent school in South Brisbane. Somerville House describes a girls’ school from Prep to Year 12 in its school material.

12. Adam Forsyth

Adam Forsyth is the Headmaster at Ipswich Grammar School, an independent school in Ipswich. Ipswich Grammar School announced his appointment as its 17th Headmaster.

13. Kyle Thompson

Kyle Thompson is the Principal at Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School, an independent school in Ipswich. The school’s governance page places the Principal within its formal governance structure.

14. Andrew Peach

Andrew Peach is the Principal at West Moreton Anglican College, an independent school in Karrabin. His principal message speaks directly to the college community and its approach to school life.

15. Matt Corbett

Matt Corbett is the Principal at All Saints Anglican School, an independent school in Merrimac. An All Saints school newsletter identifies Matt Corbett as Principal in the 2026 school year.

16. Virginia Warner

Virginia Warner is the Principal at St Hilda’s School, an independent school in Southport. St Hilda’s leadership material presents the school as a girls’ school on the Gold Coast.

17. Chris Ivey

Chris Ivey is the Headmaster at Somerset College, an independent school in Mudgeeraba. Somerset College’s Headmaster welcome is addressed to its Mudgeeraba school community.

18. Karen Gorrie

Karen Gorrie is the Principal at St Andrew’s Anglican College, an independent school in Peregian Springs. The college announced Karen Gorrie’s appointment from the Chair of Council.

19. Michelle Carroll

Michelle Carroll is the Principal at Matthew Flinders Anglican College, an independent school in Buderim. Matthew Flinders announced the appointment of its new College Principal through the Board Chair.

20. Anna Owen

Anna Owen is the Principal at Sunshine Coast Grammar School, an independent school in Kawana Waters. A school news story records Anna Owen representing the Sunshine Coast region at a global forum.

Frequently asked questions

What is included in this list? The list includes heads and principals of independent schools across Brisbane, Ipswich, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.

Is this a list of the biggest schools? No. It is a practical regional list, not a list ordered by size, fees, results or reputation.

Where should I check for changes? Use the linked school pages to confirm the latest role title and school contact details before relying on an entry.