St Andrew’s School new principal Luke Ritchie appointed after bullying allegations against current principal

An Adelaide private school which had been subject to a three-month investigation has appointed their next principal.

Just over a week after its principal resigned following bullying accusations, a prestigious school has appointed a new leader.

Luke Ritchie will replace Jackie Becher as St Andrew’s School principal in November after a three-month investigation into her conduct despite “no adverse findings”.

The current Annesley College principal was honoured to be granted the position at a school he said maintains a “remarkably strong team that is so dedicated and well-equipped to make a difference for students”.

“I look forward to doing what is best for students at St Andrew’s School with its rich tradition of achievement over 170 years and working closely with such a strong community,” he said.

Mr Ritchie has been principal at Annesley College since 2017 and during his tenure “enrolments hit record levels” and “significant master plan works began”, the St Andrew’s School Board wrote to the school community on Monday.

St Andrews school's new principal Luke Ritchie, second from right. Picture: Supplied from St Andrews

Chair Peta St Clair said he was “a highly accomplished primary school principal with an enviable reputation for leading engaged school communities that achieve results”.

“He is ideally equipped for the needs of St Andrew’s today and tomorrow … he is the right person at the right time,” she said.

Current principal Ms Becher revealed her resignation in an email to staff earlier this month saying it was in the “best interests of the school” and for her own “health and wellbeing” she stepped down.

“I have decided it is time for me to move on to the next chapter of my career,” she wrote.

St Andrew's School resigning principal Jackie Becher. Picture: St Andrew's School

The Walkerville school received the results of an investigation into Ms Becher’s conduct – which came after staff and parents made more than 20 complaints, including bullying, against her – two weeks prior to her resignation.

The school has refused to reveal details of the investigation’s report to protect the privacy of all complainants.

Ms St Clair said the board had made “no adverse findings against Jackie, nor has she been removed from her role”.

“However, due to the personal and professional impact the investigation and accompanying media scrutiny has placed on the school, and Jackie personally, Jackie has made the decision to step down from her role. The pressure on her has been immense,” Ms St Clair wrote in an email to parents.

The school announced on June 17 Ms Becher’s resignation would be effective as of July 1. Deputy principal Cathie Egarr will assume the role of acting principal until November.

A parent from the St Andrew’s School community told The Advertiser they remained apprehensive of the board’s ability to appoint a new leader for the school.

“A lot of parents still have a lack of trust in the school board,” they said.

“While he (Mr Ritchie) does seem like a good candidate, the selection process was very quick. I also think it is going to be a big step up for him.”

Ms St Clair said the board and the pedagogical leadership team underwent a “diligent process” in consultation with leading education recruiters Hender Consulting and the Association of Independent Schools of South Australia.

“Luke was the standout,” she said. “His understanding of St Andrew’s and its culture, his abilities, experience and strengths matched our criteria prepared in close consultation with Board members, the pedagogical leadership team and with wider staff input.”

Mr Ritchie said “strong relationships and safe environments” for staff and students is important for all schools.