Knox Grammar headmaster Scott James has resigned and will depart the school in the second half of next year.
James is only the eighth headmaster in the history of the 102-year-old boys’ school in Wahroonga.
During James’ tenure, which began in 2018, enrolments soared by hundreds of students to 3345 making it one of the biggest schools in the state.
In a letter to the school community, chair of the school council Simon Rothery said James had cemented its position as a leading Australian school.
“Over the last eight and a half years, through COVID-19 and our centenary, Scott’s warm, consultative and inclusive style has built community, enhanced the Knox Total Fitness Model, and further embedded academic, co-curricular and sporting excellence for another generation,” he said.
“Under Scott’s leadership, we have truly walked our values, and student wellbeing has become a genuine strength that underpins support for every student to be the best version of themselves across their chosen areas of endeavour.
“Scott has determined that now is the right time to transition the Headmastership across to a new leader. This is a considered and thoughtful decision on timing and duration of handover, and the Council is appreciative of this approach.”
Last year the non-selective private school placed 29th in the Herald’s HSC league table. It is one of the best schools in the state for HSC advanced and extension mathematics.
James’ resignation is the latest leadership change in Sydney’s private boys’ school world after The King’s School headmaster Tony George was terminated from his job after making an inappropriate joke about a student at a staff function. The following day, he hit a student on the head with the back of his hand, according to court documents.
The principal of Scots College in Bellevue Hill, Dr Ian Lambert, revealed in June this year plans to retire at the end of 2027.
Sydney Grammar headmaster Richard Malpass left last year to take up a job at a school in Singapore. Long-serving SCEGGS principal Jenny Allum retired at the end of last year while Wenona’s Briony Scott left after 14 years in 2024.
Knox says it has commenced an international search process to “identify high-calibre candidates who align with the values, priorities, and the ongoing trajectory” and direction of the school.
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