Principal

Sector

Schools & Educational Organisations

Salary & Benefits

Commensurate with the seniority of the appointment

Expiry

13/03/2026

Somerville House is an iconic Queensland school located in South Brisbane, which since 1899 has been empowering and educating young women. Somerville House is a school of the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association (PMSA), which is a joint mission of the Presbyterian Church of Queensland and the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod. Somerville House offers a comprehensive education from Prep to Year 12, with boarding available from Year 5. Somerville House also has an Early Learning Centre which delivers a nationally accredited Pre – Prep program for boys and girls.  

Somerville House is committed to fostering an environment of academic excellence and personal growth, grounded in Christian faith and values and a Culture of Care that permeates all aspects of School life. Somerville House's vision ‘empowering girls to be architects of their futures’ is realised through four strategic pillars: Learn Creatively, Think Globally, Act Purposefully, and Engage Meaningfully.

In its 127th year, the School continues to set the benchmark for academic excellence, recently introducing the International Baccalaureate programme to complement its distinguished curriculum and further strengthen Somerville House’s position as one of Australia’s leading girls’ schools.

The PMSA seeks a transformational leader to advance this ambitious strategic agenda while positioning Somerville House as an employer of choice. The incoming Principal will champion student voice and agency, foster international mindedness, deliver innovative and rigorous learning experiences, and strengthen connections across the School's diverse community.

The successful candidate will be a seasoned leader who demonstrates the capacity to advance the School’s strategic vision and as the Faith leader of the school will have a deep alignment with the PMSA’s Christian faith. They will bring extensive governance experience and a reputation for authentic, values driven leadership and a willingness to work collaboratively within the PMSA group. The Principal will inspire excellence across the team, engage meaningfully with students and families, cultivate partnerships, and serve as a compelling ambassador and leader for a School where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute to the world.

Protecting and advocating for the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people in our care is at the heart of everything we do. Every child and young person deserves to be and feel safe, respected and supported - everywhere, every day.

Successful candidates will be required to adhere to the PMSA's Child Protection Policy and Procedures and commit to their implementation upon commencement.

For further information and to apply, please submit a CV and covering letter, detailing how you fulfill the role description and personal specification to below quoting reference 8299.

For confidential enquiries, please contact: James Boyd, Partner, at SomervilleHousePrincipal@perrettlaver.com

The deadline for applications is 9am AEST, Monday 16th March.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.

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