BBC head reveals new vision for elite school after scandals

Incoming headmaster of the beleaguered Brisbane Boys’ College has promised a “no-arrogance” approach to rebuilding the elite school, which has been embroiled in controversy for some time.

The new headmaster of the elite Brisbane Boys’ College has promised a “no-arrogance” approach to leadership as he seeks to build cohesion at the 119-year-old Toowong school.

Speaking on his appointment Andre Casson said: “The most important thing in the first part of my time will be to listen, to learn and be visible.

“I won’t be coming in with the arrogance to say, ‘this is what I think’; I’ll be working with the community to find out what it is they stand for and what they are looking for.”

Brisbane Boys’ College in Toowong. Pic: Tara Croser.

Mr Casson, 50, currently head of the Australian International School in Singapore, faces a number of challenges at BBC.

These follow revelations that parents are footing the bill for $4 million in scholarships, mostly for rugby, allegations of old boys calling the shots, high senior staff turnover, and governance issues and board turnover with the Presbyterian & Methodist Schools’ Association.

“All positions come with challenges,” Mr Casson said.

“In any school in which I work I want everyone – the boys, the staff, the old boys, the parents – to be the best version of themselves.

“The mark on my tenure as headmaster is to seek out those opportunities and through those opportunities share the immense pride that is BBC.”

This is not the first Queensland job for the Western Australian born and raised educator.

He was deputy head of senior school at Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie) from 2010 to 2012.

Incoming Brisbane Boys’ College headmaster Andre Casson with his wife Jodie and daughter Remi. Picture: Supplied

Mr Casson and his wife Jodie, 50, who is originally from Brisbane, will relocate with their children Jaxon, 13, and Remi, 12, ahead of his 2022 role.

“We are very excited to be coming to Brisbane and we are currently looking for real estate somewhere near the school.”