20 Independent School Principals Across Australia

Last updated: 12 August 2026.

Independent school principals and heads in Australia lead very different communities, from large urban schools to regional colleges and specialist settings. This directory brings together 20 current leaders whose official school pages show a clear connection to independent education, whole-school responsibility and the communities they serve.

The names are presented alphabetically by surname for easy navigation. Each short profile focuses on one current role and one distinctive detail from an official school or sector source, so the list is a practical starting point for anyone trying to understand the people carrying this work today.

Why independent school leadership matters

School leadership is both human and operational. Principals and heads set the conditions for teaching, student wellbeing, staff culture, family relationships, governance and the use of limited time. They also translate a school’s values into thousands of ordinary decisions that students and staff experience every day.

Independent schools add another layer of responsibility because each community carries its own mission, governance model and educational identity. That makes comparison less useful than attention. The better question is what each leader is responsible for, what their community needs and what other leaders can learn from the way they carry the work.

1. Jacinda Euler Welsh

Principal, Brisbane Girls Grammar School

Jacinda Euler Welsh is the principal of Brisbane Girls Grammar School in Brisbane, one of the current independent school leaders working across Australia. The role combines educational direction, community trust and the daily decisions that shape how a school learns, works and serves families.

The school says its 2026 expansion introduced a dedicated Junior School for Years 5 and 6. For readers, Jacinda Euler Welsh's example is a useful prompt to ask what a school leader is trying to protect, improve or extend across the whole community.

2. Catherine O'Kane

Principal, All Hallows' School

Catherine O'Kane is the principal of All Hallows' School in Brisbane, one of the current independent school leaders working across Australia. The role combines educational direction, community trust and the daily decisions that shape how a school learns, works and serves families.

The school says she has been Principal since 2015 and brings more than 40 years across secondary and tertiary education. For readers, Catherine O'Kane's example is a useful prompt to ask what a school leader is trying to protect, improve or extend across the whole community.

3. Stephen Edwards

Headmaster, The King's School

Stephen Edwards is the headmaster of The King's School in Sydney, one of the current independent school leaders working across Australia. The role combines educational direction, community trust and the daily decisions that shape how a school learns, works and serves families.

The school describes its executive as holding whole-school accountability across the Senior School, Preparatory School and Tudor House. For readers, Stephen Edwards's example is a useful prompt to ask what a school leader is trying to protect, improve or extend across the whole community.

4. Tim Bowden

Headmaster, Trinity Grammar School

Tim Bowden is the headmaster of Trinity Grammar School in Sydney, one of the current independent school leaders working across Australia. The role combines educational direction, community trust and the daily decisions that shape how a school learns, works and serves families.

His current welcome page frames the school experience around the growth of students and the life they will lead beyond school. For readers, Tim Bowden's example is a useful prompt to ask what a school leader is trying to protect, improve or extend across the whole community.

5. Shauna Colnan

Principal, International Grammar School Sydney

Shauna Colnan is the principal of International Grammar School Sydney in Sydney, one of the current independent school leaders working across Australia. The role combines educational direction, community trust and the daily decisions that shape how a school learns, works and serves families.

The school says she has served as Principal since 2014 and studied transformational leadership and strategic decision making at Cambridge in 2024. For readers, Shauna Colnan's example is a useful prompt to ask what a school leader is trying to protect, improve or extend across the whole community.

6. Stuart Nockles

Headmaster, Macarthur Anglican School

Stuart Nockles is the headmaster of Macarthur Anglican School in Campbelltown, one of the current independent school leaders working across Australia. The role combines educational direction, community trust and the daily decisions that shape how a school learns, works and serves families.

The school says he commenced as Headmaster in January 2009 after seven years as Deputy Headmaster and serves on the NESA Board. For readers, Stuart Nockles's example is a useful prompt to ask what a school leader is trying to protect, improve or extend across the whole community.

7. Alan Jones

Principal, Christ Church Grammar School

Alan Jones is the principal of Christ Church Grammar School in Perth, one of the current independent school leaders working across Australia. The role combines educational direction, community trust and the daily decisions that shape how a school learns, works and serves families.

The school says he became its first Principal in 2016 and initiated its membership of the Council of International Schools. For readers, Alan Jones's example is a useful prompt to ask what a school leader is trying to protect, improve or extend across the whole community.

8. Alec O'Connell

Headmaster, Scotch College

Alec O'Connell is the headmaster of Scotch College in Perth, one of the current independent school leaders working across Australia. The role combines educational direction, community trust and the daily decisions that shape how a school learns, works and serves families.

Scotch identifies him as its seventh Headmaster, and sector material records his work with Telethon Speech and Hearing. For readers, Alec O'Connell's example is a useful prompt to ask what a school leader is trying to protect, improve or extend across the whole community.

9. Dean Dell'Oro

Headmaster, Hale School

Dean Dell'Oro is the headmaster of Hale School in Perth, one of the current independent school leaders working across Australia. The role combines educational direction, community trust and the daily decisions that shape how a school learns, works and serves families.

Current Hale scholarship information names him as Headmaster in the school community supporting future student opportunities. For readers, Dean Dell'Oro's example is a useful prompt to ask what a school leader is trying to protect, improve or extend across the whole community.

10. Philip Grutzner

Headmaster, Melbourne Grammar School

Philip Grutzner is the headmaster of Melbourne Grammar School in Melbourne, one of the current independent school leaders working across Australia. The role combines educational direction, community trust and the daily decisions that shape how a school learns, works and serves families.

Melbourne Grammar says he is its 15th Headmaster and the first Old Melburnian to return to the role. For readers, Philip Grutzner's example is a useful prompt to ask what a school leader is trying to protect, improve or extend across the whole community.

11. Peter Clague

Principal, St Leonard's College

Peter Clague is the principal of St Leonard's College in Melbourne, one of the current independent school leaders working across Australia. The role combines educational direction, community trust and the daily decisions that shape how a school learns, works and serves families.

The college says he previously led Kristin School in New Zealand and Bromsgrove School in the United Kingdom, and served as President of AHISA. For readers, Peter Clague's example is a useful prompt to ask what a school leader is trying to protect, improve or extend across the whole community.

12. Chrissy Gamble

Principal, Kingswood College

Chrissy Gamble is the principal of Kingswood College in Melbourne, one of the current independent school leaders working across Australia. The role combines educational direction, community trust and the daily decisions that shape how a school learns, works and serves families.

Kingswood says she previously supported 32 independent schools in Tasmania and held senior roles at Christ Church Grammar School and Cranbrook School. For readers, Chrissy Gamble's example is a useful prompt to ask what a school leader is trying to protect, improve or extend across the whole community.

13. Justin Beckett

Principal, Arden Anglican School

Justin Beckett is the principal of Arden Anglican School in Sydney, one of the current independent school leaders working across Australia. The role combines educational direction, community trust and the daily decisions that shape how a school learns, works and serves families.

Arden says he served as Principal of Trinity Anglican College for five years and has worked at St Stephen’s School and All Saints Anglican School. For readers, Justin Beckett's example is a useful prompt to ask what a school leader is trying to protect, improve or extend across the whole community.

14. Stuart Marquardt

Principal, Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School

Stuart Marquardt is the principal of Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School in Tweed Coast, one of the current independent school leaders working across Australia. The role combines educational direction, community trust and the daily decisions that shape how a school learns, works and serves families.

Lindisfarne says he commenced as Principal in 2016 and completed a Klinginstein Fellowship at Columbia University. For readers, Stuart Marquardt's example is a useful prompt to ask what a school leader is trying to protect, improve or extend across the whole community.

15. Bradley Fry

Principal, Tintern Grammar

Bradley Fry is the principal of Tintern Grammar in Melbourne, one of the current independent school leaders working across Australia. The role combines educational direction, community trust and the daily decisions that shape how a school learns, works and serves families.

Tintern identifies itself as an independent coeducational school from ELC to Year 12 and presents his principal message as a community welcome. For readers, Bradley Fry's example is a useful prompt to ask what a school leader is trying to protect, improve or extend across the whole community.

16. Karin Lisle

Principal, Clarence Valley Anglican School

Karin Lisle is the principal of Clarence Valley Anglican School in Grafton, one of the current independent school leaders working across Australia. The role combines educational direction, community trust and the daily decisions that shape how a school learns, works and serves families.

Independent Schools NSW profiles her in a 2026 interview reflecting on a 50-year career in education and community leadership. For readers, Karin Lisle's example is a useful prompt to ask what a school leader is trying to protect, improve or extend across the whole community.

17. Simon Doyle

Principal, Bishop Druitt College

Simon Doyle is the principal of Bishop Druitt College in Coffs Harbour, one of the current independent school leaders working across Australia. The role combines educational direction, community trust and the daily decisions that shape how a school learns, works and serves families.

Bishop Druitt College identifies him as Principal in its 2026 report on teachers recognised for leadership and innovation. For readers, Simon Doyle's example is a useful prompt to ask what a school leader is trying to protect, improve or extend across the whole community.

18. Tim Browning

Headmaster, St Peter's College

Tim Browning is the headmaster of St Peter's College in Adelaide, one of the current independent school leaders working across Australia. The role combines educational direction, community trust and the daily decisions that shape how a school learns, works and serves families.

St Peter’s identifies him as its 15th Headmaster and connects his public messages with service, participation and community. For readers, Tim Browning's example is a useful prompt to ask what a school leader is trying to protect, improve or extend across the whole community.

19. Scott James

Headmaster, Knox Grammar School

Scott James is the headmaster of Knox Grammar School in Sydney, one of the current independent school leaders working across Australia. The role combines educational direction, community trust and the daily decisions that shape how a school learns, works and serves families.

Knox says he commenced as its eighth Headmaster in 2018 and has a particular interest in Positive Psychology and student wellbeing. For readers, Scott James's example is a useful prompt to ask what a school leader is trying to protect, improve or extend across the whole community.

20. Peter Miller

Headmaster, Shore

Peter Miller is the headmaster of Shore in Sydney, one of the current independent school leaders working across Australia. The role combines educational direction, community trust and the daily decisions that shape how a school learns, works and serves families.

Shore’s 2026 prospectus names him as Headmaster and centres his welcome on character, growth and service. For readers, Peter Miller's example is a useful prompt to ask what a school leader is trying to protect, improve or extend across the whole community.

What these leaders show us about independent education

Across these leaders, the role is wider than academic results. It includes culture, care, governance, facilities, staff development, family confidence and the long-term identity of the school. Good leadership is contextual, so the useful lesson is not to copy a person’s setting but to notice the choices they make visible. Specific work gives leadership meaning.

How to use this list

Use this directory as a starting map, not a substitute for your own research. Read a leader’s current message alongside the school’s governance and leadership pages, then ask what the person appears to protect, what they are trying to improve and what evidence you would want before making a similar decision in your own school.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an independent school principal do?

An independent school principal or head leads the school’s educational, cultural and operational direction. The exact balance varies, but the role usually includes staff leadership, student wellbeing, family relationships, governance, resource decisions and the communication of a clear school purpose.

Are all independent school leaders called principals?

No. Schools may use titles such as principal, headmaster, headmistress, head of school or executive principal. The title reflects the school’s history and structure, but the important question is whether the person carries whole-school responsibility.

How should I compare school leaders?

Start with context rather than prestige. Look at the school’s mission, size, year levels, governance and community needs. Then read the leader’s current message and leadership profile to see how the person describes the work and what responsibilities are visible.

What can other leaders learn from school principals?

They can learn how to connect purpose with daily practice. School leaders work in settings where trust, time, relationships and clear priorities matter every day. Those pressures are different from corporate or nonprofit work, but the leadership questions often transfer well.

Conclusion

Independent school leadership in Australia is not one job with one template. It is a family of demanding roles shaped by school size, mission, geography, age range and governance. The people in this directory show why the work deserves attention at the level of everyday decisions, not just public announcements.

Related Reading

For more practical work on school leadership and team culture, read 33 Inspiring School Leaders Building Staff Culture, 50 Practical Tips for Working Genius in Schools and Working Genius in Public and State School Systems.

A practical next step

If your school leadership team wants practical help turning shared values into clearer work, stronger trust and better conversations, I deliver keynotes, workshops and facilitated leadership sessions for schools.

I help leaders build organisations people would move cities to work at. To enquire about a keynote, workshop or facilitated leadership session, email jonno@consultclarity.org.

About the Author

Jonno White is a Brisbane-based leadership consultant, keynote speaker and Certified Working Genius Facilitator, and the author of Step Up or Step Out. He works with schools, corporates and nonprofits around the world. To enquire about a keynote, workshop or facilitated leadership session, email jonno@consultclarity.org.