Appointing Three Deputy Heads of Senior School at a Leading Independent School in Sydney

Date Posted:5 January 2026

Future Leadership™ was engaged to appoint three outstanding Deputy Heads of Senior School, each entrusted with leading Operations and Co-curricular, Academics, and Student Engagement. These pivotal appointments were designed to strengthen the school’s leadership structure, ensuring a dynamic and collaborative approach to delivering exceptional educational outcomes and enriching the student experience.

The Brief

Future Leadership™ was engaged to appoint three Deputy Heads of Senior School, each responsible for Operations and Co-curricular, Academics, and Student Engagement. These appointments were critical to strengthening the leadership structure and ensuring a cohesive, future-focused approach to delivering exceptional educational outcomes.

The school is widely recognised for its commitment to academic achievement, character development, and holistic education. With a strong tradition, expansive facilities, and a vibrant co-curricular program, it provides an environment where every student is known, supported, and challenged to achieve their best.

The Deputy Head roles were designed to provide strategic leadership across key areas of school life, requiring individuals who could combine vision with operational excellence. Each position demanded a leader who could inspire staff, engage students, and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation, while maintaining the school’s proud heritage and values.

The Process

Future Leadership™ worked in close partnership with the school’s executive team to gain a deep understanding of its strategic priorities and the unique requirements of each Deputy Head role. This began with extensive consultation to define the scope of responsibilities for Operations and Co-curricular, Academics, and Student Engagement, ensuring clarity and alignment with the school’s long-term vision.

Future Leadership™ then designed a tailored search strategy to identify exceptional candidates from across Australia and internationally. This approach combined targeted outreach to high-performing educational leaders with a comprehensive review of talent pools within leading independent schools. The focus was on finding individuals who could demonstrate not only operational and strategic capability but also the ability to inspire staff, engage students, and foster a collaborative and innovative culture.

The assessment process was rigorous and multi-layered. Future Leadership™ conducted leadership capability profiling, cultural alignment evaluations, and in-depth interviews to ensure each candidate could deliver on the school’s commitment to excellence. Throughout the process, Future Leadership™ maintained transparent communication with stakeholders, providing detailed insights and recommendations to support informed decision-making.

This structured and consultative approach ensured the search was efficient, inclusive, and aligned with the school’s values, positioning the school to secure three outstanding leaders who would strengthen its leadership team and drive innovation across all facets of Senior School life.

The Outcome

The search culminated in the appointment of three exceptional Deputy Heads of Senior School, each bringing a wealth of experience, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to educational excellence. These leaders were selected not only for their proven track records in senior leadership but also for their ability to inspire, innovate, and collaborate within a dynamic school environment.

The Deputy Head responsible for Operations and Co-curricular brings outstanding organisational acumen and a passion for creating enriching experiences beyond the classroom. The leader appointed to Academics is recognised for driving curriculum innovation and fostering a culture of high achievement, ensuring students are challenged and supported to reach their full potential. The Deputy Head for Student Engagement demonstrates exceptional skill in building strong relationships and promoting wellbeing, creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every student feels valued.

Together, these appointments represent a significant investment in the school’s future. Each leader combines vision with practical execution, positioning the Senior School for continued success and transformation. Their collective expertise strengthens the leadership team and ensures a holistic approach to education that honours tradition while embracing innovation.

Consultant

Kirsti Hitz-Morton

Associate Partner, Executive Search View Profile

Jenny Ethell

Advisor View Profile
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