Power 20 list: The top influential principals of South Australia’s public and private schools ranked

They wield considerable power over the next generation but who are the most influential private and public school principals in South Australia? See the 2024 power rankings.

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They set the culture of a school and are usually one of the most important factors for parents deciding where to enrol their children.

School principals wield considerable power over the next generation, but who are the most influential in South Australia?

For the first time The Advertiser has ranked the state’s most powerful principals, at public and private campuses.

Among those to make the 2024 list are trailblazing women who are the first females to lead their schools, like Shana Bennett at Rostrevor College.

Others are forging new paths heading technical colleges which will put students at the cutting-edge of future industries, like Kathleen Hoare at Findon High School.

Then there are the heads of the state’s largest public and private schools, and those that consistently achieve the best academic results.

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Rostrevor College principal Shana Bennett. Picture: Matt Loxton

Principal of Glenunga International High School Wendy Johnson. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Some leaders have been seconded by government to run reviews of the education system, such as Glenunga International High School’s Wendy Johnson, or to train teachers to deliver on new policies, as was the case with phonics expert Mark Hansen from Ardtornish Primary School.

And some, like St Peter’s Woodlands Grammar School’s Helen Finlay, have been awarded national accolades for their approach to teaching.

This list begins the countdown to The Advertiser’s annual power rankings with South Australia’s 100 most influential people of 2024 to be revealed in December.

In the lead up, The Advertiser will rank the state’s most powerful people across different industries including politics, sport, public service, entertainment and business.

See the top 20 principal rankings and have your say below.