50 Independent School Principals across Queensland

Last updated: August 2026.

Queensland independent schools are led by people working across very different communities, from coastal campuses to regional boarding schools and growing outer-urban colleges. This directory brings together 50 principals and headmasters connected with secondary education across Queensland, excluding Brisbane City.

The schools and leaders span the Sunshine Coast, Darling Downs, Wide Bay, Central Queensland, North Queensland, Mackay, the Gold Coast and nearby regional communities. Each entry gives you a clear place to begin your own conversation about school leadership, culture and the experience young people receive.

1. Karen Gorrie.

Principal, St Andrew's Anglican College.

Karen Gorrie leads St Andrew's Anglican College as Principal. The page introduces Karen Gorrie as Principal and describes the Prep to Year 12 college and its St Andrew's Way.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Peregian Springs, Queensland.

2. Geoff van der Vliet.

Executive Principal, Nambour Christian College.

Geoff van der Vliet leads Nambour Christian College as Executive Principal. The page identifies Geoff van der Vliet as Principal and notes that he has led the college since 2018.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Woombye, Queensland.

3. Mike Curtis.

Principal, Glasshouse Christian College.

Mike Curtis leads Glasshouse Christian College as Principal. The Principal page identifies Mike Curtis and says he has served in the role since 2008.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Beerwah, Queensland.

4. Anna Owen.

Principal, Sunshine Coast Grammar School.

Anna Owen leads Sunshine Coast Grammar School as Principal. The school page identifies Anna Owen as Principal and records that she joined the school in 2022.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Forest Glen, Queensland.

5. Eloise Beveridge.

Principal, Immanuel Lutheran College.

Eloise Beveridge leads Immanuel Lutheran College as Principal. The Principal page identifies Eloise Beveridge and describes more than 20 years in Lutheran education.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Buderim, Queensland.

6. Michelle Carroll.

Principal, Matthew Flinders Anglican College.

Michelle Carroll leads Matthew Flinders Anglican College as Principal. The college site identifies Michelle Carroll as Principal and records her appointment in January 2024.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Buderim, Queensland.

7. Jen Gibb.

Principal, Good Shepherd Lutheran College.

Jen Gibb leads Good Shepherd Lutheran College as Principal. The team page identifies Jen Gibb as Principal at the Prep to Year 12 Noosa college.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Noosaville, Queensland.

8. Vince Wakefield.

Principal, Caloundra Christian College.

Vince Wakefield leads Caloundra Christian College as Principal. The Principal page identifies Vince Wakefield and describes his experience as an educator and executive leader.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Caloundra, Queensland.

9. Nick Johnstone.

Principal, Toowoomba Anglican School.

Nick Johnstone leads Toowoomba Anglican School as Principal. The welcome page identifies Nick Johnstone as Principal of the K to 12 independent day and boarding school.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Toowoomba, Queensland.

10. Stephen Koch.

Principal, Downlands College.

Stephen Koch leads Downlands College as Principal. The Principal page identifies Stephen Koch and describes the Prep to Year 12 day and boarding college.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Toowoomba, Queensland.

11. Emma Lowry.

Principal, The Glennie School.

Emma Lowry leads The Glennie School as Principal. The governance page identifies Emma Lowry as Principal and describes her experience in independent girls education.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Toowoomba, Queensland.

12. Leigh Hobart.

Principal, Fairholme College.

Leigh Hobart leads Fairholme College as Principal. The college announcement identifies Dr Leigh Hobart as the current Principal following her appointment in 2025.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Toowoomba, Queensland.

13. John Kinniburgh.

Principal, Toowoomba Grammar School.

John Kinniburgh leads Toowoomba Grammar School as Principal. A Queensland Government House speech from March 2026 identifies Dr John Kinniburgh as Principal.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Toowoomba, Queensland.

14. Kyle Thompson.

Principal, SCOTS PGC College.

Kyle Thompson leads SCOTS PGC College as Principal. The college newsletter identifies Mr Kyle Thompson as Principal of the Prep to Year 12 Warwick school.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Warwick, Queensland.

15. Kerrin Budden.

Principal, Toowoomba Christian College.

Kerrin Budden leads Toowoomba Christian College as Principal. The school executive page identifies Kerrin Budden as Principal.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Highfields, Queensland.

16. Connor Barrett.

Principal, Townsville Grammar School.

Connor Barrett leads Townsville Grammar School as Principal. The Principal page identifies Connor Barrett and describes the school's three-campus Prep to Year 12 setting.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Townsville, Queensland.

17. Luke Baills.

Principal, The Cathedral School of St Anne and St James.

Luke Baills leads The Cathedral School of St Anne and St James as Principal. The Principal page identifies Luke Baills as the school's eighth Principal.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Townsville, Queensland.

18. Matthew Scott.

College Principal, Freshwater Christian College.

Matthew Scott leads Freshwater Christian College as College Principal. The college page identifies Matthew Scott as College Principal and presents its LIFE, LOVE, LEARN mission.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Cairns, Queensland.

19. Paul Sjogren.

Principal, Trinity Anglican School.

Paul Sjogren leads Trinity Anglican School as Principal. The Principal page identifies Paul Sjogren and records that he was commissioned in 2017.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Cairns, Queensland.

20. Chris Radcliffe.

Principal, Jubilee Christian College.

Chris Radcliffe leads Jubilee Christian College as Principal. The college site identifies Dr Chris Radcliffe as Principal of the Prep to Year 12 Atherton school.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Atherton, Queensland.

21. Lynn Ireland.

Principal and Founder, Townsville Christian College.

Lynn Ireland leads Townsville Christian College as Principal and Founder. The college team page identifies Lynn Ireland as Principal and Founder and describes the secondary college.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Rasmussen, Queensland.

22. Joe Wright.

Principal, Fraser Coast Anglican College.

Joe Wright leads Fraser Coast Anglican College as Principal. The Principal office page identifies Joe Wright and records his appointment in 2018.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Hervey Bay, Queensland.

23. Michelle Gouge.

Principal, Riverside Christian College.

Michelle Gouge leads Riverside Christian College as Principal. The Principal page identifies Michelle Gouge and describes the college's primary and secondary campuses.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Maryborough, Queensland.

24. Lesley Tunnah.

Principal, Mackay Christian College.

Lesley Tunnah leads Mackay Christian College as Principal. The college's 2026 Term 1 newsletter carries a News from the Principal message from Dr Lesley Tunnah.

You can learn more through the school's 2026 college newsletter. The school's location is North Mackay, Queensland.

25. Andrew Wheaton.

Principal, Whitsunday Anglican School.

Andrew Wheaton leads Whitsunday Anglican School as Principal. The welcome page identifies Andrew Wheaton as the school's sixth Principal and describes its K to 12 setting.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Mackay, Queensland.

26. Kylie Langshore.

Principal, Whitsunday Christian College.

Kylie Langshore leads Whitsunday Christian College as Principal. The Principal page identifies Kylie Langshore and describes the Prep to Year 12 college in Airlie Beach.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Cannonvale, Queensland.

27. Dale Skinner.

Principal, Carlisle Adventist College.

Dale Skinner leads Carlisle Adventist College as Principal. The Principal page identifies Dale Skinner and the college annual report records his appointment in 2022.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Mackay, Queensland.

28. Michael Appleton.

Principal, Kingsley College.

Michael Appleton leads Kingsley College as Principal. The college leadership page identifies Michael Appleton as Principal.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Rockhampton, Queensland.

29. Phillip Moulds.

Headmaster, The Rockhampton Grammar School.

Phillip Moulds leads The Rockhampton Grammar School as Headmaster. The leadership page identifies Dr Phillip Moulds OAM as Headmaster of the independent Early Learning to Year 12 school.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Rockhampton, Queensland.

30. Kara Krehlik.

Principal, Rockhampton Girls Grammar School.

Kara Krehlik leads Rockhampton Girls Grammar School as Principal. The staff page identifies Kara Krehlik as Principal of the independent girls day and boarding school.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Rockhampton, Queensland.

31. Rees Davis.

Executive Principal, King's Christian College.

Rees Davis leads King's Christian College as Executive Principal. The Executive Principal page identifies Rees Davis and describes the college's multi-campus Christian education.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Reedy Creek, Queensland.

32. Matthew Corbett.

Principal, All Saints Anglican School.

Matthew Corbett leads All Saints Anglican School as Principal. The Principal page identifies Matthew Corbett and describes the school's community and senior learning setting.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Merrimac, Queensland.

33. James Kyle.

Principal, Genesis Christian College.

James Kyle leads Genesis Christian College as Principal. The college page identifies James Kyle as Principal and describes the independent Prep to Year 12 school.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Mango Hill, Queensland.

34. Jeff Davis.

Executive Head of College, Hillcrest Christian College.

Jeff Davis leads Hillcrest Christian College as Executive Head of College. The history page identifies Jeff Davis as Executive Head of College and records his service from 2015 to the present.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Reedy Creek, Queensland.

35. Cherylynne Gostelow.

Principal and CEO, Calvary Christian College.

Cherylynne Gostelow leads Calvary Christian College as Principal and CEO. The college page identifies Cherylynne Gostelow as Principal and CEO and describes her educational leadership background.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Carbrook, Queensland.

36. Tsae Wong.

Principal, Trinity Lutheran College.

Tsae Wong leads Trinity Lutheran College as Principal. The college page identifies Dr Tsae Wong as Principal and records that she has held the role since January 2014.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Ashmore, Queensland.

37. Patrick Innes-Hill.

Principal, Coomera Anglican College.

Patrick Innes-Hill leads Coomera Anglican College as Principal. The college page identifies Patrick Innes-Hill as Principal and describes the independent Early Learning to Year 12 college.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Upper Coomera, Queensland.

38. Virginia Warner.

Principal, St Hilda's School.

Virginia Warner leads St Hilda's School as Principal. The governance page identifies Virginia Warner as Principal and records her appointment in 2024.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Southport, Queensland.

39. Joanne Sheehy.

Principal, AB Paterson College.

Joanne Sheehy leads AB Paterson College as Principal. The senior leadership page identifies Joanne Sheehy as Principal of the Prep to Year 12 campus.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Arundel, Queensland.

40. Matthew Hughes.

Principal, St Luke's Anglican School.

Matthew Hughes leads St Luke's Anglican School as Principal. The staff page identifies Matthew Hughes as Principal, and 2026 Principal reflections confirm the current role.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Bundaberg, Queensland.

41. Adam Forsyth.

Headmaster, Ipswich Grammar School.

Adam Forsyth leads Ipswich Grammar School as Headmaster. The Headmaster page identifies Dr Adam Forsyth and describes the Prep to Year 12 boys' school.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Ipswich, Queensland.

42. Michael Stock.

Principal, St James Lutheran College.

Michael Stock leads St James Lutheran College as Principal. The executive staff page identifies Michael Stock as Principal of the Kindy to Year 12 college.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Urraween, Queensland.

43. Craig Merritt.

Principal, John Paul College.

Craig Merritt leads John Paul College as Principal. The college 2025 Reconciliation Action Plan identifies Craig Merritt as Principal and Director of the independent Prep to Year 12 college.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Daisy Hill, Queensland.

44. Tyson Kenny.

Principal, Faith Lutheran College Plainland.

Tyson Kenny leads Faith Lutheran College Plainland as Principal. The Principal page identifies Tyson Kenny, and the 2026 appointment notice records his new principalship.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Plainland, Queensland.

45. Andrew Peach.

Principal, West Moreton Anglican College.

Andrew Peach leads West Moreton Anglican College as Principal. The Principal page identifies Andrew Peach and describes the Prep to Year 12 college outside Ipswich.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Karrabin, Queensland.

46. Nicole Gregory.

Principal, The Lakes College.

Nicole Gregory leads The Lakes College as Principal. The people page identifies Nicole Gregory as Principal, and 2026 college newsletters confirm the current role.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is North Lakes, Queensland.

47. Paul Valese.

Principal, Mueller College.

Paul Valese leads Mueller College as Principal. The current school policy identifies Paul Valese as Principal of the P to 12 college.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Rothwell, Queensland.

48. Daniel Walker.

Principal, Canterbury College.

Daniel Walker leads Canterbury College as Principal. The Principal page identifies Daniel Walker as the college's fifth Principal and describes its Early Learning to Year 12 journey.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Waterford, Queensland.

49. Michael Hornby.

Headmaster, Ormiston College.

Michael Hornby leads Ormiston College as Headmaster. The Headmaster page identifies Michael Hornby and describes the college's focus on innovative learning and digital mindsets.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Ormiston, Queensland.

50. Luke Schoff.

Principal, St Andrews Lutheran College.

Luke Schoff leads St Andrews Lutheran College as Principal. The college page identifies Luke Schoff as its fifth Principal and describes his return to the school community.

You can learn more through the school's official leadership page. The school's location is Tallebudgera, Queensland.

What this list shows.

Independent school leadership looks different across Queensland because each school serves its own community, setting and educational tradition. The common thread is the daily work of building trust, making clear decisions and creating the conditions for young people to learn well.

The regional spread matters too. A school in a coastal community, a regional centre or a growing outer-urban area may face different practical questions, but each needs leadership that can connect purpose with everyday experience.

Related reading.

School leaders are often carrying the practical work of alignment, trust and clear decisions across a whole community. For a broader leadership lens, see 11 Ways to Get Your Leadership Team Aligned and the Working Genius Glossary.

About the author.

Jonno White is a leadership consultant, keynote speaker and author of Step Up or Step Out. He helps leaders build organisations people would move cities to work at, with practical tools they can use on Monday morning.

A practical next step.

If your school leadership team is working through culture, alignment or a significant change, I can help you turn the challenge into practical action.

Email jonno@consultclarity.org with a short outline of what is happening, and I will reply in writing with a useful next step.