Anna-Louise Simpson has been appointed as Melbourne Grammar School’s next Head of Wadhurst, commencing January 2022. The previous Head of Wadhurst, Greg Caldwell, retired after 15 years of outstanding service to the School at end 2021.
“Anna-Louise is a highly experienced educationalist with a demonstrated history of providing effective leadership while supporting the holistic development of the students within her care,” says Philip Grutzner, Headmaster. “She is highly regarded within the education sector, not only for her many accomplishments, but also for her strong values, warmth and professionalism.”
Anna-Louise has held the position of Deputy Head at Marymount International School in London since 2016. Prior to this she held senior roles at Haileybury and Mazenod College.
Until her relocation to the UK, Anna-Louise was also a part time teaching Fellow in the Faculty of Education at Monash University. She served as the Chief Assessor/Assistant Chief Assessor for the VCE International Studies/Global Politics examination from 2004 to 2016. Anna-Louise has also authored and co-authored several VCE Global Politics books.
In addition to leading the daily operations and organisation of the campus, Anna-Louise’s recent achievements at Marymount International School include:
- developing a successful model of online learning during COVID-19 restrictions
- auditing and driving the use of technology across the School to support student learning and educational experiences
- introducing an Advisor curriculum to support the emotional wellbeing of students and building a culture of partnership between home and school
- creating and leading an Anti-Racism, Inclusion & Diversity Committee, which included students and staff
- rebuilding a culture of boarding within the School, and revitalising the boarding program
- reinvigorating the School’s professional development program for teaching staff.
“I am really looking forward to joining Melbourne Grammar, a community of learning whose values of integrity, sense of community and excellence sit at the heart of the school” says Anna-Louise. “I am a strong advocate of middle schools and am delighted to be leading Wadhurst from next year.”
“Middle school is a wonderful and distinct opportunity to provide early adolescents with the support and educational challenges required to meet their unique developmental needs, capitalising on the energy and naturally inquisitive nature of this group of young men,” she says. “The opportunity to play a role in Wadhurst’s proud history excites me, and I look forward to working with students and staff from next year.”
Anna-Louise holds a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Politics and History from the University of Southampton (UK), a Master of Science, majoring in International Relations, also from the University of Southampton, a Diploma of Education from the University of Melbourne and a Master of Leadership from Monash University.
“We look forward to welcoming Anna-Louise and her family into the Melbourne Grammar School community next year,” says Philip.
Wadhurst opened as a Melbourne Grammar School preparatory school (Years 1 – 8) in 1886. It became a dedicated Year 7 & 8 campus in 1991. With a current enrolment of around 350 students, Wadhurst is a comprehensive learning community for boys as they move from primary to senior schooling.
Anna-Louise Simpson becomes the ninth Head of Wadhurst. Previous leaders, albeit with different titles, were:
- Joseph Wilson, Headmaster (1886 – 1905)
- Hamilton Fletcher, Headmaster (1905 – 1917)
- Melbourne Caffin (OM 1893), Principal (1918 – 1947)
- Tom Plummer, Principal (1948 – 1963)
- Ray Smith, Principal, (1963 – 1973)
- Rev. Peter Whiteside, Principal (1974 – 1989)
- Paul Wilhelm, Principal (1990 – 2006)
- Greg Caldwell, Head of Wadhurst (2007 – 2021)
