Pulteney Grammar School is recruiting to replace Cameron Bacholer, who resigned in October 2023

Students have almost finished the first term of 2024, but this top private school is just beginning its search for a new principal.

A prestigious Adelaide private school has launched a search for a new principal after the former headmaster resigned last year.

Pulteney Grammar School has engaged recruitment firm Hender Consulting and begun advertising to replace Cameron Bacholer, who resigned as principal in October.

His resignation was announced by the school’s board following the completion of an independent review into the school’s leadership and operations.

Deputy Principal – Advancement Deb Dalwood was installed as interim principal and has been acting in that role since.

Former Pulteney Grammar School principal Cameron Bacholer. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

Pulteney Grammar School interim principal Deb Dalwood. Picture: Supplied.

In a statement provided to The Advertiser on Wednesday the school’s board said it was “committed to finding a dynamic and dedicated leader who will uphold the values and educational standards that are the cornerstone of our school”.

“We appreciate the interest in our school and will provide further information when the recruitment process has concluded, and principal appointed,” the statement said.

Mr Bacholer was appointed in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, and was previously Deputy Principal at The Knox School in Melbourne.

In August last year Pulteney Grammar School’s Board launched an independent review, conducted by advisory firm VUCA, following the emergence of an anonymous online petition calling for a change in leadership at the school.

Pulteney Grammar School in Adelaide’s CBD. Picture: Dean Martin

At the time, the board said that when it received the petition it was “already in the process of responding to formal communications from the Pulteney Foundation and people associated with the Parents and Friends Association and beginning reviews into individual matters raised by parents and staff”.

A summary of the review findings, released by the board, stated feedback from a survey, written submissions and interviews revealed respondents expressed a strong desire for more effective consultation, collaboration and engagement.